The Allan Labor Government is injecting an extra $1 million into training more heavy vehicle drivers to keep our supply chains moving through a partnership with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA).
The 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.
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 our critical supply transport and logistics supply chains.
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 our supply chains.
The VTA coordinates training with qualified providers and helps graduates secure stable positions with reputable transport companies.
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.
As stated by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
“This partnership will see more Victorians get skilled up and behind the wheel to keep our state’s multi-billion-dollar freight industry moving.”
As stated by Victorian Transport Association CEO Peter Anderson
“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.”
As stated by Transport Workers Union Branch Assistant Secretary Mem Suleyman
“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.”
