Queensland Magnesia has revamped a series of company training modules following consultations with Central Queensland University multimedia student, Thomas Duggan.

Duggan, working in collaboration with QMAG’s Safety Services Coordinator Rob Wallace, has developed a series of interactive training presentations on CD ROM that will aide staff in learning QMAG’s Health and Safety procedures and practices.

“We needed to add value to the presentations. Sessions had been five hours long, with overheads. It was old technology and tedious,” explained Wallace.

QMAG management sought a creative touch and approached CQU because of the University’s track record of project management and partnership with industry. Duggan, a third year multimedia student, works at QMAG under a CQU work-placement agreement.

He gains experience in a “real” environment and industry gets exposure to expertise and rising university talents.

“We needed a person with the nuance to operate macromedia programs that added a bit of entertainment value to the sessions, in an effort to keep staff interested and alert. The University was the place to start,” added Wallace, obviously impressed with Duggan’s work and the added value new technologies bring to the workplace.

Staff has responded well to the newly designed format during this second week of presentations, according to QMAG.

“I’m applying my skills to all areas of the project including design, development, acquisition and implementation,” said Duggan. Besides software, CQU taught Duggan how to manage large projects.

CQU and QMAG agree that paid industry employment is invaluable for the student, the industry and the university, contributing to the sustainability of the region.

“We’re working together at QMAG and with other employers to educate and retain young professionals across all sectors in the regions we serve,” said a university spokesman.

CQU courses cover a vast majority of topics necessary to excel in a career in the Multimedia profession. Undergraduate degrees are offered in Information Technology, Aviation Technology, Information Technology, Informatics, Electronic Commerce, Business Information Systems, and Internet Communications.

Photo: QMAG’s Safety Services Coordinator Rob Wallace looks over the presentation work prepared by Central Queensland University multimedia student Thomas Duggan.