The long-term future capability of the organisation was addressed through the adoption of a succession management strategy which will be progressively implemented in the forthcoming year.

Performance and Development Plans

The Performance and Development Plan (PDP) process ensures a link between the strategic and operational plans, and the key tasks and projects being carried out by individuals. The process is now well established for Salaried staff and a new targeted format was developed for Wages employees. Training in the PDP process and performance management was delivered on-line, utilising flexible, self-paced e-learning courses.

Training

The PTA Training and Development Plan, reviewed and updated in 2004/05, aims to integrate training with the Key Result Areas and Values of the PTA, particularly:

• Developing PTA people and recognising their performance;
• Promoting and supporting the safety of PTA people and facilitating their health and wellbeing;
• Creating a culture that supports the achievement of the organisation’s goals; and
• Establishing a team-oriented environment where people are empowered to participate.

The PTA is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) whose purpose is to provide quality training and assessment services for the PTA and Safeworking compliance for the Transperth train operations, in compliance with established best practice guidelines and the Australian Quality Training Framework. The RTO team has a key role to play in the integration of training into business planning,

It offers transit guards, train drivers (country and urban) and train controllers (urban passenger) the opportunity to achieve Certificates II and III in Transport & Distribution (Rail Operations) from the TDT02 Transport & Distribution Training Package.

A skills recognition process that has been rated as outstanding by external quality auditors is also offered to experienced urban railcar drivers, train controllers and Transit Guards, allowing them to demonstrate current competence against the units in the TDT02 Transport and Distribution Training Package. Key initiatives implemented in the competency-based training area in 2004/05 included:

• management of re-qualification training delivery and administration;
• each Division determined training priorities as part of their operational planning process. Training requirements are now incorporated into Division business plans;

• a bank of competency-based assessment tools was developed for Transit Guards, suburban railcar drivers, train controllers and Transwa drivers;
• competency profiles were developed for signal technicians and maintainers; and reviewed for overhead catenary maintainers and Central Monitoring Room staff;
• internal workplace assessors from the operational groups were identified and/or trained;
• the Learnscope Project (jointly funded by Learnscope and the PTA) was initiated to implement online learning technology;
• establishment of a training benchmarking group with Western Power (Generation Division) and WA Police Academy.

Over the year, the RTO coordinated training for 332 PTA employees and delivered a total of 836 dedicated training days for the PTA.

The PTA’s RTO and the Organisational Development teams work together to ensure that a wide range of training and education opportunities is offered to all employees. Progress against identified training priorities is monitored by the Cross-Divisional Training Committee and reported to the Executive quarterly.

The PTA was a finalist in the State Training Excellence Awards (Large Employer Category ) and received a Special Commendation.

The Workplace English Language and Literacy Program was conducted for the third year at the PTA. The program continued to focus on improving employees’ computer skills and focuses on literacy and effectiveness in the workplace.

Leadership Training

The third intake of supervisors and managers commenced Front Line Management training in 2004/05, including the completion of work-based projects relating to operational issues. On completion, participants will receive a Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management), ensuring that PTA managers hold nationally-recognised qualifications.

The inaugural PTA Leadership Program also commenced, with a group of middle and senior managers participating. The program is tailored to meet the specific needs of PTA managers and will consolidate existing management skills and develop the more strategic skills associated with planning, leadership and workforce planning. On completion participants will receive an Advanced Diploma of Business Management.