Pioneer program a roaring success

A ROBINA trade college is proof that random drug testing does work.

The Australian Industry Trade College has had the policy in place for the past three years.

It was implemented to help prepare their Year 11 and 12 students for the trade workforce, where employees are regularly tested, especially on mine sites.

Aust r a l i a n I n d u s t r y Trade College chief executive Mark Hands said almost all major trade employers tested possible candidates before hiring.

‘‘Employers demand that these kids are not using substances,’’ Mr Hands said.

‘‘Most large employers that we work with have a drug-testing procedure before employment.’’

Mr Hands said it was a lifestyle issue, as well as a health and safety matter.

‘‘We want them to make the right choices in life,’’ he said.

‘‘We can’t have workers on a workplace if there’s suspicion that they are taking substances.

‘‘It could cost them their lives on work sites because o f t hei r i r r e s p o ns i b l e decision.’’

Mr Hands said the fact that they had drug tested only two students showed the policy was a drug deterrent.

‘‘Parents and students sign a contract that young people can be randomly tested as per industry regulation,’’ he said.

‘‘If we have evidence that a young person could be taking a substance, then we ring their parents and tell them that we’ll be doing a drug sampling test on their c h i l d wi t h t h e i r p e r - mission.’’