Driving training excellence at All Purpose Transport

Overview

• In collaboration with TAFE Queensland, customised training programs cover a wide range of skills necessary for the transport and logistics industry. This includes not only driving operations but also roles in customer service, fleet management, inventory control, finance and warehousing.
• This collaboration has been instrumental in the success of Project APT, helping APT to attract, retain, and develop a highly skilled workforce.
• APT is committed to advancing its workforce development through continued collaboration with TAFE Queensland into the future.
• APT has received numerous industry awards, culminating in the prestigious 2023 Australian Training Award – Large Employer, in recognition of a 13+ year commitment to workforce development through Project APT.

Opportunity

Launched in 2012, Project APT (All Purpose Transport) was a workforce development program which provided a significant opportunity for employees and owner drivers to enhance their skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

Project APT was created to tackle the challenges of an aging workforce and the perception of truck driving as a second-choice career. By offering formal qualifications and career development opportunities, it made the industry more attractive to potential employees and owner drivers.

The program ensures that every employee and owner driver, once they had completed their six-month probation, could earn a nationally recognised qualification from TAFE Queensland. This not only enhances their skills but also boosts their career prospects, making the job more appealing.

Project APT includes a structured training pipeline with multiple levels, from initial induction and skills assessment to ongoing development and leadership training. This helps retain employees by providing clear career progression paths.

Solution

TAFE Queensland played a crucial role in providing training solutions for Project APT by partnering with All Purpose Transport (APT) to develop a comprehensive workforce development program.

Some of the key aspects of the collaboration include:

• TAFE Queensland worked closely with APT to design training programs tailored to the specific needs of the transport and logistics industry. This included practical and theoretical training to ensure employees and owner drivers were well-prepared for their roles^.
• One of the original TAFE trainers who started the program back in 2012 continues to complete qualifications for APT with the ability to deliver training outcomes whilst retaining the APT culture.
• The training programs offered by TAFE Queensland allowed APT employees and owner drivers to earn nationally recognized qualifications, such as Certificate III or higher. This not only enhanced their skills but also improved their career prospects.
• TAFE Queensland provided trainers who worked directly with APT employees on-site.
• The training programs were designed to be inclusive, supporting a diverse workforce, including migrants and refugees. TAFE Queensland used various methods, such as one-on-one sessions and multimedia tools, to overcome language barriers and ensure effective communication.
• Over the years, TAFE Queensland and APT have continuously developed and added layers to the training program, ensuring it remains relevant and effective in addressing industry challenges.

This collaboration has been instrumental in the success of Project APT, helping APT to attract, retain, and develop a highly skilled workforce.

Results

All Purpose Transport (APT) has a strong, long-term commitment to education and training, covering a wide range of skills necessary for the transport and logistics industry. This includes not only driving operations but also roles in finance, IT, compliance, customer service, fleet management, inventory control, and warehousing.

APT’s long-standing commitment to education and training ensures that their workforce is highly skilled and capable of meeting the demands of the transport industry. This focus on continuous learning and development helps them maintain a competitive edge and deliver exceptional service to their customers.

Future Plans

APT is committed to advancing its workforce development through continued collaboration with TAFE Queensland into the future.

Future plans include expanding their training programs to incorporate more advanced and specialised skills ensuring employees stay ahead of industry trends and technological advancements.

APT aims to enhance inclusivity by supporting a diverse workforce, including women, refugees and migrants. They also plan to integrate sustainable practices and technology-driven solutions into their training, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.

Working together with TAFE Queensland, APT seeks to further elevate the training programs, maintaining their leadership in the transport and logistics sector.