Adopt a School Program

By Helen Isbister, 22 May 2009

Australian schools are being adopted by an unlikely parent. Not by Madonna or Brangelina, but by the Transport and Logistics industry.

It might sound like an unusual arrangement, but it’s definitely proving to be a beneficial one.

The Adopt a School Program gives employers (in a skills-short industry) access to an energetic group of talent while also giving the next generation of workers a practical opportunity to learn more about the sector.

Local businesses join forces with schools, so students can obtain real experience, learn about career opportunities, find out about the types of skills employees are looking for and build networks to ease the transition between school and the big wide world of work.

Lessons for life
The program works in two ways. One sees a student spending one day a week onsite with an industry employer while obtaining a T&L qualification.

The other stream involves students doing an apprentice by spending two days a week as an employee of a company while completing Year 12.

Students can work across warehousing, waste management, marine, freight forwarding, aviation, road transport and furniture removals.

‘Adopt a School provides the industry with a strategy to meet future skill needs, gives employers access to a diverse talent pool and allows young people to gain hands-on experience’, Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said at the launch of the program this week.

‘It also showcases how effective partnerships between government, industry and the education sector can produce skilled young workers and trainees.’

Great results
It seems schools and businesses alike are jumping on board, with the number of schools with Transport and Logistics trainees growing from just two in 2006 to 200 today.

‘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’, says Sky Collings, the Acting Director of Industry Capability, Department of Transport and Main Roads.

‘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.’

Get moving with transport and logistics careers
The $63 billion transport and logistics industry employs five per cent of Australia’s workforce and with that number set to double by 2020 there are plenty of job opportunities on offer.

‘We still have the retirement of the baby boomers and the economic recovery ahead of us’, says Collings.

‘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.’

With the help of the government, the Adopt a School Program has also been adopted by the agricultural, food and broadcast industries.

If you're interested in a career in transport and logistics, check out Transport & Logistics employers, course providers, industry organisations and recruiters in the Careers Directory.

Related links	Related career paths
World of Work Queensland launches freight education, job creation initiatives Boost your career with university and training courses	Transport and logistics careers

Back to transport and logistics news & views

What do you think about this? Tell us below.

Latest comments

Log in now

*Required field

Comment without logging in

Your comments are appreciated. Comments are submitted on the condition that they may be edited before publication. Please provide a display name and your email address. Your email address will not be published – it is for verification purposes only. Read our publishing guidelines.

*Required field

March's hottest courses

Flexible study — online or on-campus

Distance education and other courses to help you get ahead

Before he was the richest person in the world, Bill Gates was a university drop out. He quit his mathematics degree at Harvard University in 1977 but went back to finish it in 2007!
Add a wacky fact

<Previous

Next>

20% off all 45 career guides with your FREE Career FAQs membership.

Buy online or free call 1300 693 277
(Australia).

Name*
Email*
Location*
Your comments*	1200 characters left
Enter security code*
	Reload image

1.	Free sample resignation letters
2.	Free cover letter template
3.	How to answer interview questions
4.	Retail (fashion) entry-level sample cover letter
5.	Formal resignation letter

Email*
Password*