THE Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) is on the front foot to find new talent for the road freight industry, creating a ‘Get in2 Transport and Logistics Industry Awareness Program’.
As part of its workforce strategy to solve industry attraction issues, the program will create awareness of the opportunities the industry has to offer.
The first step is industry visits to local transport and logistics businesses to promote the employment opportunities to career pathways staff, with subsequent tours for high school students.
The first tour was held in Townsville on Tuesday, February 7, for career pathways and career transition professionals.
With over 10 schools and organisations involved, four local businesses are showcasing their facilities and depots with on-the-ground insight into the job roles available in the sector.
“Seeing the industry in action is important as it highlights the critical role the industry plays in not only servicing our communities, but the endless opportunities that are available in the industry,” said QTA CEO Gary Mahon.
“The aim of the tours is twofold, one for career pathway staff to see first-hand the job roles available to assist in promoting these to students and guide subject selection and training options to plan entry into the sector rather than finding it by chance. Secondly, for employers to form mutual connections with the local secondary schools and to meet engaged students who are interested in gaining employment.”
Included in the Townsville industry tour was the heavy vehicle truck and trailer industry as there is an urgent need for tradespeople providing excellent opportunities for apprenticeships and traineeships in a range of areas.
The four businesses who took part in the first tour included Brown and Hurley, Followmont Transport, Harbourside Cold Stores and Haulmark Trailers hosted over 10 secondary schools from both the public and private school sectors, as well as Employment Services providers and programs within the Townsville area.
Attendees also had the opportunity to get into a prime mover which was provided by Emerald Carrying Company for the morning.
The QTA would like to acknowledge and contribution of time that all businesses provided and the commitment from all the schools involved to participate in the first Get in2 Transport and Logistics Industry Tour.
QTA staff members Frances Schafer, the NQ membership officer, and industry skills advisor Camilla Elmes, pictured above, were on the ground to coordinate the day and assist employers and attendees with information on the heavy vehicle driving apprenticeship, vocational training opportunities and pathways into the industry.
Feedback from participants was extremely positive and indicated that the tour was a valuable way for career guidance and pathway professionals to get an up close look at the transport industry to properly inform students first hand on what the industry looks, feels and sounds like. Interest from the schools for the student tour in April was overwhelming with over 160 students and potential job seekers anticipated to attend.
Employers who hosted the tour were greatly appreciative of the support provided by the QTA to coordinate the Get in2 Transport and Logistics Program and rolling the first pilot session out in Townsville.
In this climate, where labour shortages are the key struggle for industry, providing this opportunity has created valuable connections between industry, schools and other community programs that will feed future employees into the sector, said the QTA.
Schools and businesses in the transport and logistics sector looking to take part in future tours are encouraged to express their interest by contacting Schafer – frances@qta.com.au, or ph 0427 815 468.
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