Queensland Rail\'s Mario Chetcuti was the first QR manager to enrol in CQU’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree, under a new Leadership Development program.

CQU and QR representatives launched the program last week.

\"For many years, operations people have sought recognition of work-related qualifications so that they are of use both inside and outside of QR. Such recognition better supports advancement opportunities for our people,\" said QR Chief Executive Officer Bob Scheuber .

\"CQU has a similar agreement in place with Queensland Police Service where senior officers completing recognised in-house management courses get credit in CQU\'s MBA,\" said Bruce Acutt, Head of the School of Management for CQU\'s Faculty of Business and Law.

\"It is not something that is limited to these organisations. The trend in business is for more organisations, for example a major supermarket chain, to assist their staff with management training specific to the organisation.

\"CQU has taken the initiative by examining the quality, scope and depth of this specific management training and equating it with courses offered as part of our business degree program and offering credit where appropriate.\".

QR employees with a Certificate in Front Line Management (Cert. IV) will be credited with up to six courses in a Bachelor of Business Administration degree program.

The Bachelor of Business Administration program is designed to provide graduates with a knowledge of functional business areas and equip them with a sound skills base regarding business operations within Australia and internationally.

Pictured; New CQU student Mario Chetcuti with Ian Dall, QR General Manager Network Operations, Network Access, and CQU\'s Bruce Acutt of the Faculty of Business and Law.