The Transport and Logistics Adopt a School program gives employers access to a diverse talent pool.
It generates positive exposure for the transport and logistics industry and allows young people (and their parents) an opportunity to learn more about our industry through hands-on experience, promoting an informed career choice.
Born of the Logistics Workforce Advisory Group (TLWAG), through the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Transport and Logistics Adopt a School Program has proved incredibly successful.
This holistic ‘school to work’ model, aims to increase youth participation within the industry, giving students a window into the world of work.
“When TLWAG formed, it identified that attracting and retaining youth within our industry was a priority,” says Skye Collings, Acting Director, Industry Capability, Department of Transport and Main Roads.
“Historically, industry didn’t always do this well. We took this lead, and in partnership with industry and education partners, worked to develop a sustainable youth engagement model targeted to meet the needs of transport and logistics.”
“When we first started this program, we would present to schools and students, and they would have little understanding of the industry and what it has to offer,” Collings recalls.
“Now, schools are knocking our doors down to be involved. They have seen the success of the program — and what dynamic career opportunities are available.
"It sells itself. In late 2006, we had two school based trainees in the state for transport and logistics. Since then, we have engaged around 200. That’s a good improvement.”
The Program is made up of two streams. One: the straight vocational qualification where a student spends one day a week onsite with an industry employer while obtaining qualifications in Transport and Logistics.
The second: moves into a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship, which means the student spends two days a week as an employee of that company while completing Year 12.
“We are partnering across multiple sectors,” Collings enthuses, “including warehousing, waste management, marine, freight forwarding, aviation, road transport, and furniture removals.
"Our schools include both state and private, in all socio-economic areas. Brisbane’s south-side has seen some of our best success, targeting students who are very capable, but often at risk of leaving the education system early.
“Success stories include a young indigenous woman who excelled through the program, winning ‘Trainee of the Year’ and finishing her qualifications a year early.
“She is now pursuing further industry opportunities within waste management,” Collings says, “and boasts about her increased confidence. She is more reliable and more mature. She even stars in one of our DVD’s speaking about what she has achieved from the program.”
Another rising star is a young man who is undertaking a school based apprenticeship (also in the waste management sector).
“He took out “Student of the Year” for the industry — a real achievement,” Collings says. “Prior to that, he was losing interest in the traditional education system.
"Now he is a star employee, and has aspirations to work his way into a management role. He is now ambitious and has a career goal.”
Industry players continue to run with the program. Pilot partner JJ Richards & Sons has fine-tuned their Adopt a School program, employing a HR and Development manager to oversee its success.
“This company believe the program is working so well that within two years they will no longer need to advertise for people,” Collings says.
“Allied Pickfords is another company putting on school-based trainees across the state with great success,” she adds.
“We are currently working with a significant number of major employers at the Port of Brisbane to launch the first ‘cluster’ program - the Port of Brisbane Adopt-a-School program.
"This program will enable a large number of students to readily gain work experience with a diverse range of transport and logistics businesses.”
While currently a Queensland based program, Skye Collings says it can be taken nationally.
“Late 2008, the Australian Transport Commission welcomed proposals for jurisdictional level joint government/industry Transport and Logistics Workforce Advisory Groups,” she says.
“These are to be based on the successful Queensland Industry Capability model. States and Territories have commenced rollout of these working groups, and plans are underway to develop a national strategy. This work is being championed by the Northern Territory Government.”
“Even with the impacts from the global financial crisis, there is still a clear message from industry,” Skye Collings says.
“Collectively, we need to deliver and maintain a focus on skilling our workforce now and for the future. We have seen an increase in availability of labour, but skills shortages are still very relevant across the transport and logistics industry.
"We still have the retirement of the baby boomers and the economic recovery ahead of us.
“This is not the time to wind up, it is the time to ramp up. We need to increase the profile and professionalism of our industry. A career in transport and logistics can rival the traditional professions.”
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