GCIT (Gold Coast Institute of TAFE) and local light rail operator KDR Gold Coast have joined forces to train and recruit staff ahead of the public launch of the new transport system in June.

The KDR Gold Coast staffing cohort will be skilled in targeted areas to ensure the light rail system can cater for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and growing Gold Coast population.

GCIT will train over 33 customer services staff, more than 50 light rail drivers and over 10 administration staff.

GCIT Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Devine, said that the Institute has been working intensively with KDR to identify areas of necessary skill development.

“A skilled and educated workforce is essential to the ongoing requirements of the Light Rail system to ensure the team can accommodate its growth and development,” Mr Devine said.

“The customer service staff will complete the Certificate III Tourism as well as train in first aid, while the administration team will be skilled across Certificate IV in Frontline Management, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment as well as the Diploma in Human Resources Management.

“The light rail drivers will obtain a Certificate III in Rail Driving and also gain skills in customer service.

“GCIT is also delivering the Certificate IV in Training & Assessment to current Operational Control Centre senior staff so that they can proactively train any newly appointed drivers directly onsite in the future.”

KDR’s new employees will all achieve nationally recognised qualifications and gain skills that can be transferred across various industries.

KDR Gold Coast Managing Director, Vivienne King, said they decided to partner with GCIT not only because of the Institutes locality but also because of the tailored training capabilities.

“The Institute has been extremely helpful in identifying areas of skill requirements for our staff and have accommodated our needs by offering flexible training options, including onsite training," Ms King said.

The first group of KDR employees has already commenced training with GCIT.

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