Winners of SCLAA's T&L Industry Development Awards
The winners of the inaugural T&L Industry Development Awards, which have been developed by Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA), in conjunction with the Australian Logistics Council, APICS, CIPSA and Queensland Transport, were announced at a gala evening, attended by 350 people, during the 2008 Queensland Supply Chain & Logistics Conference.
The T&L Future Leaders Award, sponsored by Queensland Transport, was jointly won by Athol Carter and Desmond Roche.
The T&L Future Leaders Award provides incentive and recognition for individuals working in Transport, Supply Chain and Logistics industries that are planning a career path within the industry.
The judges felt that both Athol Carter and Desmond Roche have achieved this in very different fields and career paths.
Louise Perram-Fisk, Director (Industry Capability), Queensland Transport has congratulatyed Desmond Roche and Athol Carter for forging strong career paths within the industry.
Athol Carter
At 25, Athol Carter is a third generation Carter involved in the Transport and Logistics industry. Athol Carter was the first School Based Road Transport Trainee completing Certificate 1+2 in Transport and Distribution, whilst attending St Josephs Nudgee College.
Athol Carter has been actively engaged as a professional heavy vehicle operator, having clocked up one million accident free kilometres, living and working in remote and challenging areas of Australia.
Athol Carter has set a benchmark for others to follow with regards to safety, load restraint, industry knowledge and presentation.
Desmond Roche
Growing up in the rural town of Warwick, Transport and Logistics has always been an integral part of Desmond Roche's life, from helping neighbours round up sheep, completing a bachelor of business, completion of the Tarong Energy Graduate Program to his currently role at Powerlink as a commercial analyst, with a strong focus on procurement.
Desmond Roche has been active within the community, volunteering at St Vincent De Paul and as online volunteer for the United Nations supporting communities with business projects leading to increased employment and ultimately the general well being of the community.
Desmond Roche's goal is to disprove the preconceived notions of the industry and support the new re-shaped image of practice and value adding. As a young Logistician Desmond Roche sees a long term future in the industry and a host of opportunities for career development.
The T&L Industry Futures Award, sponsored by EsSCO, was jointly awarded to Kagan Logistics and Damco/Maersk Logistics. The T&L Industry Futures Award was awarded to the company with the record in providing people with an entry to, and pathway in, the Transport, Supply Chain and Logistics industries.
The judges felt that both Kagan Logistics and Damco/Maersk Logistics had individually achieved this as two different sized organisations.
Liam & Kay Stitt, Directors of EsSCO have said that the number of quality applicants for the T&L Awards is a positive sign that the Transport and Logistics industry is looking for recognition in Queensland.
Kagan Logistics
In late 2006, Kagan Logistics encountered problems of attracting and retaining candidates to fill positions in its Queensland site.
After learning about a new government/industry partnership program to address skills and labour shortages in Transport and Logistics industry, Kagan Logistics took the initiative to pilot the industry program facilitated through Queensland Transport.
After identifying a targeted strategy in the areas of communication, training, industrial arrangements and employee engagement, Kagan Logistics have clearly captured and retained the candidate market in Brisbane. This change involved the whole workforce, with ownership for the results belonging to the entire team.
Twelve months later, Kagan Logistics have expanded to an additional site, fully staffing that site with candidates attracted through word of mouth. Structured training has provided career pathways for many team members with approximately half the workforce undertaking formal qualifications.
Peter Thompson, Queensland State Manager, Kagan Logistics was also recognised for his role in this project during the presentation of the T&L Industry Development Awards.
Peter Thompson said, “Lastly and most importantly, I would like to thank my team. I may have led, but they certainly had the input, drive and ambition to make this project work and just as important is the commitment to ensure we share our practices and keep the ball rolling. We are proud and honoured to receive this award. We held a celebratory lunch on the Monday following the announcement."
Damco/Maersk Logistics
In 2006, Damco/Maersk Logistics established Brisbane as a Customer Operations Centre of Excellence, which resulted in the need to increase staff from 7 to currently 80.
They quickly recognised that there was a severe skills shortage within the industry in south east Queensland, and rather than continuing to search for people with experience, they would employ people with wider ranging backgrounds and develop their skills internally.
To attract, train and retain these staff, Damco/Maersk Logistics created a range of initiatives around the themes of education, the work environment, career development and partnerships with industry including the SCLAA, the University of Queensland and became a member of the Transport Industry Workforce Advisory Group.
Currently, Damco/Maersk Logistics have a predominantly female, young, well educated, culturally diverse and motivated workforce. Michael Thirgood, National Customer Service Manager, Damco/Maersk Logistics was also recognised for his role in this project during the presentation of T&L Industry Development Awards.
SCLAA congratulated the winners and finalists and look forward to offering an even bigger award program to the industry in 2009.
12-Aug-2008