Transqual Pty. Ltd.

Rockhampton prepares for more rain

Rockhampton had nearly a week to prepare for an expected flood peak from the Fitzroy River, which courses through the centre of the city. The airport was closed on 1 January.

A metal flood barrier was erected around the terminal to prevent flood-borne debris from causing damage to the structure. An evacuation centre was set up at the Central Queensland University. The Bruce Highway leading South out of Rockhampton was closed to traffic. The river peaked at 9.2 meters (30 ft) just short the of the predicted 9.4 meters (31 ft) maximum. 160 millimeters (6.3 in) of rain fell in 3 days and 6 hours to 10 January 2011.

Townsville prepares for Cyclone Yasi

Cyclone Yassi was most powerful cyclone to hit Queensland in living memory.

Sunrise in Townsville revealed the true strength of Cyclone Yasi's power with cyclonic winds still pounding the coastal city six hours after the storm made landfall at Mission Beach.

Around 5.30am the city was still being blasted by gale force winds up to 125km/h, according to the latest Bureau of Meteorology warning issued at 4.49am

Some suburbs have lost power and water and hundreds of trees are down.

The category five monster, which crossed the coast about midnight, has been downgraded to a severe category three but is still packing a punch despite moving inland.

Cert II – Warehousing

The Victorian office of Transqual has recently launched the Certificate II in Warehousing for the unemployed. Forging a strong bond with local Job Search Agencies, Transqual has been able to deliver the Qualification to the unemployed from all walks of life. Similar to the Productivity Places Programs in the past, this Qualification provides a true stepping stone in to the industry arming students with not only the knowledge of the industry, but perhaps the most valuable tool in gaining employment by including a forklift license.

Diploma of Logistics – intake 2

Transqual Victoria is now taking enrolments for the 2^nd intake in the Diploma of Logistics. The first Intake has seen employees from a range of industries such as: Energy, Food, Beverage, Petroleum and Manufacturing reap the full benefits of the course. This serves to highlight a shifting trend away from the standard conception of a transport company towards the modern world of logistics. To enroll or enquire about the course contact Mark from the Melbourne office on: 03 9358 7900 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

"MEET OUR TEAM" In this edition, we would like to introduce you to:

Program & Industry Manager, Trainer & Assessor

Mick has been with Transqual for a total of 8 years now and has seen the company evolve in to a truly National operation. He came to Transqual with a background of 21 years in the logistics industry, with companies such as Australia Post and K&S Freighters.

Mick's vast skills and knowledge have enabled him to pass this wealth of life experience onto employees, in all facets of transport traineeships, and become a true all-round logistics trainer.

More recently Mick has continued to work as senior trainer with the company, as the head of the Diploma of Logistics. This along with his new role as the Program/Industry Manager of Victoria makes him a true asset to Transqual.

Some of Mick's attributes include: licensed Forklift assessor, Dangerous Goods License assessor, Driving Instructor, Dip. Logistics and Dip. OH&S to name a few

Road Transport Qualification replaced with Driving Operations Qualification

As of the 04^th March, in NSW the Road Transport qualification has been replaced with Driving Operations. The intent of the new qualifications is they are more reflective of the industry job sets, and the skills required for specific sectors are recognised.

To summarise the new qualifications, TLI21210 Certificate II in Driving Operations will consist of five different streams (Group A: Medium Freight, Group B: Tow Truck, Group C: Taxi, Group D: Community Service & Group E: General), while TLI31210 Certificate III in Driving Operations will consist of 12 different streams (Group A: Heavy General Freight, Group B: Agitator, Group C: Bus, Group D: Refrigerated, Group E: Pilot Vehicle, Group F: Dry/Liquid, Group G: Car Carrier, Group H: Livestock, Group I: Wood Products, Group J: Cash in Transit, Group K: Dangerous Goods , Group L: Over Dimensional).

Different to previous years when the Road Transport qualification comprised of seven units of competency from each AQF level, all new Driving Operation qualifications consist of:

Qualifications previously completed, or currently being completed will still continue to be recognised. For further information on the specific streams, please contact NSW office on 02 49622707.

Strategic Skills Program (SSP) Funding

Under recent changes to State funding, full qualifications such as the Diploma of Logistics can be undertaken by a direct purchase model operating under the Strategic Skills Program (SSP).

Under the direct purchase model, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) contracted to deliver under the SSP in 2011-2012 will make submissions for funding to their regional STS Centres. Submissions for SSP funding for full qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the regional STS Centres. These submissions will need to demonstrate how the proposed training addresses current or emerging skills needs. Please note approval of submissions for funding for full qualifications will be subject to the extent of available funding.

The principal purpose of the program is to:

Other objectives are to:

If you wish to apply for SSP funding for one or more of your staff to complete the Diploma of Logistics qualification, employers must provide Transqual evidence (statement on letterhead) responding to as many of the above eight points as possible, and we will submit the application to State Training Services (STS) in addition with the other paperwork STS require. The more data you provide in the statement supporting the training will benefit the employer, the higher the probability of receiving a positive response from State Training Service and gaining funding. For further information on the specific streams, please contact NSW office on 02 49622707.

What's happening in SEQ?

2011 started off in an unexpected way, one that we could never predict or imagine. In our first week back in operation, South East QLD was devastated by floods affecting both businesses and residences alike. Whilst TransQual SEQ escaped physical damage we were affected by the cancellation of many scheduled short courses and training opportunities. The people of South East Queensland, in general, showed a resilience and strength of character to quickly rebuild and continue on with business as usual in a short period of time.

Transqual SEQ since that time has been extremely busy with constant bookings for Santos Operate Vehicles in the Field courses (4WD), TORUM training, traineeships and other short courses. Our business has diversified and expanded into overseas work with contracts in Ethiopia which has challenged and extended our trainer's skills and provided a unique opportunity for staff to experience different cultures and training whilst utilizing interpreters and very little resources.

This year has seen TransQual SEQ employ a new trainer. Jorn Woo has joined our team and brings with him a wealth of experience and skills. In April, Alan Murdoch our Industry Manager will retire. Alan has been with TransQual for approximately 12 years and has been a valuable asset to our company; we wish Alan and Margaret every success for their future retirement plans. As a result Tony McCarthy will move into this role and a new Operations Manager is expected to commence mid April.

Due to our increase in operations, we will be employing another trainer bringing our staff to a total of eight, we have also purchased a third four wheel drive vehicle which will enable us to accommodate the high demand for Santos Operate Vehicles in the field courses and assist us with the commencement of training for the large GLNG project based out of Gladstone, which over all will include the training of approx 2000 employees and contractors in Driving Operations courses.

As expected operations have hit full speed in the Surat basin gas fields and show no signs of slowing, currently we are dealing with several large international companies to assist with their compliance and legislative requirements as they prepare to expand operations within Roma and surrounding areas. This includes the formulation of policies and procedures, traineeships and structuring career paths modelled to encompass training from certificate I through to Diploma level.

Forklift training and assessment has steadily increased this year and I urge all employers to check staff qualifications as the old paper licence has now been cancelled and all those who are still operating on these are no longer licensed to do so. Employees who have the plastic OHS cards (blue and yellow) these will expire progressively over the next 2 years and will need to be replaced with the new photographic High Risk Work Licence applied for through Australia post, if you have any questions on your staffs qualifications please contact us on 07 3276 1011 and we will be able to advise you on this issue

Looking ahead, the future is looking very lucrative and viable and we envisage current trends to continue throughout the year.

From the TransQual SEQ management and staff.