Having seen the skills and workforce needs in the transport sector underappreciated in the media, All Purpose Transport launched its training program 11 years ago to help attract and retain the workers it needed during the mining boom.
While COVID-19 delayed its plans to celebrate the success of its program on its 10-year anniversary, in 2023 it nominated for the Queensland Training Awards and won the Medium Employer of the Year category, first at the South East regional finals in July and then the state final in September, then the Large Employer of the Year category at the Australian Training Awards in November.
'We initiated Project APT in 2012 when we were grappling with challenges in attracting and retaining workers in the transport industry, as the mining sector was booming in Queensland. Reflecting on the project's 10-year journey, we're proud to have facilitated over 500 formal qualifications for our team members,' CEO Paul Kahlert said.
'Our primary objective with Project APT was twofold. First, we aimed to enhance the skills of our existing team and entice new employees by offering them nationally recognised qualifications following their 6-month probationary trial. Second, we sought to demonstrate to the broader industry that investing in people can yield a positive commercial outcome, even in an industry known for its narrow profit margins.
Our hope was that our commitment to improving both our employees and our bottom line would serve as an example and encourage other businesses to do the same. We firmly believe that Project APT sets a precedent for businesses to invest in their people.
The media often portrays trucking companies in a negative light where this depiction doesn't accurately represent the specialised skills required by transport workers.
Transport extends far beyond merely driving trucks; it's a diverse industry with numerous career opportunities within the logistics sector. APT, much like other transport businesses, maintains a support infrastructure, with approximately one staff member for every 5 vehicles, fulfilling essential roles in finance, IT, compliance, customer service, fleet management, inventory control, and warehousing. These positions all demand specific skillsets that need a robust training program to support.
Transport is one of the most highly regulated industries, necessitating skilled workers to adeptly manage planning, scheduling, and monitoring tasks to ensure on-time, secure, and safe freight deliveries. Moreover, the rapid evolution of technology underscores the importance of continuous IT skill development, optimally achieved through formal training programs.
In our view, any transport and logistics enterprise that doesn't prioritise its training and development program as their topmost concern will be at a distinct commercial disadvantage.
The development of our workers will always remain an integral part of our annual business goals. Project AP's ongoing development of workers is now fully aligned with our core value: "Best People = Best Business". Over the past decade, we have witnessed the commercial benefits that a formal development program brings.
We will continue to offer our workers the company's 4 layers of personal development, allowing them to enhance their skills and providing opportunities for advancing their careers within APT. As a company, we eagerly anticipate celebrating the 15th-year milestone of Project APT and the benefits it has brought to our business.'
More information
To get some recognition for your business's commitment to training, nominate for the Queensland Training Awards. If the nomination window isn't open, submit an expression of interest to be notified about the next opportunity. There are categories for individuals, employers, projects and training providers.
Last updated 24 November 2023
