Metropolitan South TAFE and NQX on the road to success

Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE and Queensland’s largest transport and logistics company, TOLL group subsidiary NQX Freight System, have joined forces in a first-of-its-kind initiative to overcome retention and training issues in the industry.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the on-the-job, buddy-based training package would be rolled out across 26 NQX sites from this month (April), and more than 1000 NQX employees were expected to have received the training by August.

“This collaborative training model developed by the TAFE and NQX is an example of excellence and innovation that directly targets and meets the needs of industry,” Mr Welford said.

“Developed cooperatively between TAFE trainers and the NQX College – a company registered training organisation – it addresses training, knowledge and skill gaps in an industry that has a transient and ageing workforce.

“The training model is expected to deliver higher levels of staff competence and morale, improved recruitment and retention, renewed focus on quality and compliance and a more customer-focused, streamlined business,” Mr Welford said.

“The program has received widespread support – Metropolitan South TAFE already has had requests to take the initiative across the industry Australia-wide.”

Mr Welford said the company’s drivers and some warehousing staff would be the main beneficiaries of training that will be undertaken on-the-job.

“The peer mentoring system allows experienced NQX employees to act as workplace supervisors so they can support those in their work teams,” Mr Welford said.

“An added benefit is that employees can obtain a Certificate III in Transport and Distribution at the same time.”

NQX is a leading provider of road transport solutions for freight moving between Queensland, the Northern Territory and the rest of Australia.

NQX Freight System is optimistic a system that maintains and rewards good performance will reap long-term rewards, not only for individual workers but for the company itself by reducing health and safety issues and improved customer service.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000