Back to school for trucking talent

Transport minister Rachel Nolan announced a scheme that aimed to link schools with freight businesses through a program to be called Adopt a School, after her department saw a state-of-the-art semitrailer filled with interactive displays about road safety and the trucking industry earlier in the month.
Ms Nolan said the Transport and Logistics Adopt a School program would link an industry employer, a school and a training organisation to offer 15 to 17-year-olds recognised qualifications in logistics and warehousing and the prospect of further training or employment.
“Adopt a School provides the industry with a strategy to meet future skill needs, give employers access to a diverse talent pool and allows young people to gain hands-on experience,” Ms Nolan said.
“It also showcases how effective partnerships between government, industry and the education sector can produce skilled young workers and trainees.”
State member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk represented Ms Nolan at the launch of this latest program at removals firm Allied Pickfords’ new facility at Richlands.
Allied Pickfords worked with Forest Lake Secondary College and the Bremer Institute of TAFE in a pilot program in 2008, and now hosts two graduates from this program – one school-based trainee and one full-time apprentice.
“We are delighted to invite local school children into the branch where they can gain valuable insight into our industry and the working community as they finish their studies and set their sights on a career,” Allied Pickfords south Queensland regional manager Michael Schumann said.
“The results over the last six months have exceeded expectations and today George, Edwin and Andrew are proof of these results.”
The company is currently working with the pilot project partners again on a second program with Forest Lake Secondary College students, to start in July.
The Adopt a School program has so far resulted in five school-based trainees being offered full-time apprenticeships at two industry locations. There are currently seven school-based trainees.
More than 57 students will be involved in the program this year.
The Road Ahead Mobile Education Centre was a key influence on the development of the Adopt a School program.
Built by the Australian Trucking Association and promoted by the Queensland Trucking Association and Department of Transport and Main Roads, it is fitted with expanding sides and cost the industry and suppliers $1.3m.
The mobile displays current tour, which began on April 27, has visited south-east Queensland and the Toowoomba/Lockyer Valley area spreading the message of road safety and career opportunities in the trucking industry.
“The exhibition involves kids in safe driving behaviour and also exposes them to the range of career opportunities that the trucking industry offers,” Department of Transport and Main Roads director general Dave Stewart said.
The trailer can accommodate 30 students for the one-hour presentation and display.
Each session has a 15-25 minute interactive session to highlight safety, science, and the industry.
There are 11 interactive stations within the trailer dealing with safety, careers, a gear-changing exhibit. There is also a truck packing demonstration.
The department’s industry capability branch worked with the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) and the Department of Education and Training on planning the route of the Road Ahead Mobile Education Centre tour, Mr Stewart said.