Through a partnership with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA), the Victorian government is investing an extra one million dollars in training more heavy vehicle drivers to keep Victoria’s supply chains moving.
Premier Jacinta Allan’s department notes this partnership offers accredited training for aspiring heavy vehicle drivers and assists them in securing employment as part of the VTA’s successful heavy vehicle driver delivery program.
“This partnership will see more Victorians get skilled up and behind the wheel to keep our state’s multi-billion-dollar freight industry moving,” says Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne.
Since its launch in 2016, the program has received continuous investment from the Labor government, resulting in the training and placement of nearly 400 skilled drivers on our roads.
In addition to improving safety on our roads, the program aims to tackle heavy vehicle driver shortages, tailored to attract and retain younger drivers for Victoria’s critical supply transport and logistics supply chains.
“The transport industry requires qualified and job-ready drivers to ensure Victorians can maintain the high living standards they are accustomed to and help address supply chain challenges.”
Victoria’s freight industry, contributing $21 billion annually to the state’s economy, employs more than 260,000 Victorians who play a crucial role in maintaining the state’s supply chains.
The VTA coordinates training with qualified providers and helps graduates secure stable positions with reputable transport companies.
“Skilled driver shortages in the transport industry is affecting our members who are under constant pressure to deliver around the clock and on time – we support this initiative,” says Transport Workers Union Branch Assistant Secretary, Mem Suleyman.
This partnership between government and industry to tackle skill shortages, follows the success of the 2023 Freight Industry Training for Jobseekers project, which facilitated employment for more than 125 individuals in freight and warehousing.
For more information on the Premier of Victoria’s department, click here.