Road safety training program takes top spot in prestigious national award
Professional and Continuing Education and the Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR) at the University of Adelaide have been awarded the prestigious Platinum Award for ‘Best Learning & Talent Development - Learning Impact (Industry Specific)’ at the LearnX Live Awards.
The award was presented to the University in recognition of the impact and success of the SARIC Road Safety Management Training Program, jointly developed and delivered by Professional and Continuing Education and CASR earlier this year.
The Program, funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, gave 17 transport professionals from countries across South Asia the opportunity to visit Adelaide for a two-week period, to upskill in road safety engineering and management principles, while developing the capability to apply a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) lens to their work.
As the subject matter experts, CASR developed and delivered the Program’s content, which included classroom learning, site visits, panel discussions and networking events, while Professional and Continuing Education managed the logistics and administration of the Program’s delivery, along with pastoral care and social and cultural outings.
The Program stood out for its impressive results in improving road safety knowledge and practices. Participants reported a 133 per cent increase in knowledge of principles of road safety management, and a 132 per cent increase in knowledge of Australian and international best practices and case studies.
The feedback also highlighted exceptional satisfaction with both the operational aspects and the delivery of the program.
Dr Nina James, General Manager of Professional and Continuing Education, said the Award win reflected the University’s collaborative nature, and the real-world impact of training and development.
“This award is a testament to the collaboration and dedication of both our teams within the University. It underscores the positive impact that training programs have not only for participants, but societies as a whole - in this case, driving real change in road safety practices, to ultimately reduce road fatalities."Dr Nina James
On winning the award, Associate Professor Jeremy Woolley, Director of CASR, added:
“By leveraging CASR’s world-leading research, and Professional and Continuing Education’s program management expertise, we’re proud of the impact this learning opportunity has achieved and it is a great honour to receive this award and draw attention to road safety.
"It was incredibly rewarding seeing the improvements in knowledge and skills among the participants and knowing that this work has the potential to save lives and reduce injuries in South Asia in the long run."Associate Professor Jeremy Woolley
