The Horizon Alliance wins Construction Queensland Skills Award for its innovative project training
The Horizon Alliance was formed in 2007, establishing a dynamic and flexible project delivery model with a full realm of engineering design and construction services. The alliance consists of QR Network Pty Ltd, Department of Transport and Main Roads, John Holland Pty Ltd, GHD Pty Ltd and Kellogg Brown and Root Pty Ltd.
The Horizon Alliance is undertaking the design and construction of the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor project – Stage 1. This involves duplicating the Centenary Highway from two to four lanes north of the Logan Motorway interchange, building a passenger railway line to Richlands and constructing a railway station at Richlands.
On 29 November 2009, Horizon’s success continued when they received the Employer Commitment to Training – over $5M Award from the Construction Skills Queensland Training Excellence Awards 2009. Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event and the associated awards are seen by industry as the premier recognition of achievement in regards to the provision and completion of skills development through training.
UNE Partnerships contributed to this success through the development and delivery of an innovative customised training program. It consisted of a six-month intensive and holistic program of 20 sessions, culminating in the award of Diploma of Project Management. The first cohort of 29 students, graduated on 4 December 2009. A second cohort commenced in November 2009 with 25 students graduating on 6 May 2010.
The training programs incorporated weekly sessions supported by leaders and specialists from The Horizon Alliance providing their insights into how they apply best practice project management. Each program culminated in a graduation ceremony led by UNE Partnership’s facilitator and assessor, Doug Wheeler. In attendance were members of the The Horizon Alliance Leadership and Management Teams and Mr Richard Doyle, Managing Director of UNE Partnerships. Technical presentations were made by the students on application of their learning outcomes from the program.
At the May graduation ceremony, Mr David Balmer, Project Director and Mr Chris Stanley, Alliance Manager, spoke about the success of this program, the benefits to Horizon Alliance, and the flexibility and adaptability of UNE Partnerships and Doug Wheeler in the design and delivery of the program. "The Horizon Alliance is proud of what our association with UNE Partnerships has achieved with the Project Management course. We appreciate the flexible approach in developing a delivery framework that suits our context. The near-perfect completion rate reflects well on the success of this formula and on the dedication of the teaching staff” commented Chris Stanley.
This again proves what can be done, and the benefits that can ensue, when UNE Partnerships is able to work in close consultation with its clients to develop innovative yet practical and exciting education solutions.
Congratulations to The Horizon Alliance on its award and ongoing commitment to education and training. UNE Partnership is proud to partner with the Horizon Alliance.
Doug Wheeler, UNE Partnerships
