Innovative Indigenous training brings national recognition to Qld Police
15 October 2004
An innovative training program designed to encourage Indigenous people to join the police is in line for a national training award.
The Queensland Police Service’s Justice Entry Program (JEP) traineeship was developed to provide an alternative entry for Indigenous people into the recruit training program and is one of three finalists to contest the Australian Training Initiative Award category of the 2004 Australian Training Awards to be held in Melbourne next month.
The six-month program is the only full-time police Indigenous traineeship offered in Australia and has already won the 2004 Queensland State Training Award for Public Sector Best Learning and Development Initiative.
Already in its second year, the six-month traineeship has proved that Indigenous traineeships can be highly successful if the training is delivered by immersing students in the work environment and culture. The 2003 graduates (11 students) have all been successfully employed within the justice system, with ten sworn in as police constables.
According to ANTA chairman, David Hind, Australia’s key to keeping ahead of international competitors is world-class training providers who meet the skill needs of businesses and individuals.
“Providers like the Queensland Police Service are breaking new ground in delivering quality training when, how and where it’s needed most,” said Mr Hind.
The Queensland Police Service is one of four Queensland organisations vying for national honours at the awards. Gold Coast builder, Boss Homes, the Bremer Institute of TAFE (Ipswich) and Mad About Plants (Cairns) will line up against competitors from around the country.
Four students will also be flying the Queensland flag. Mackay’s Brendan Bishop, Yvonne Gordon of Dalby, Cheryl Callender from the Cairns suburb of Bayview Heights, and Belinda Bennett of Redcliffe are all in the running for a national title.
The 2004 Australian Training Awards will be held at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne on Thursday, 18 November 2004. The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of apprentices, trainees and students as well as the contribution of enterprises and training providers to skilling Australia.
The Australian Training Awards are hosted by the Australian National Training Authority and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Alison Carbery, Red Agency, 03 9421 4899 or 0409 070 507
Register to attend at http://www.anta.gov.au/vetawards.asp or contact the organisers on 1800 150 653.