Media Release
HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVER APPRENTICESHIP PROPOSAL FOCUSSES ON DRIVER SHORTAGES ACROSS AUSTRALIA
The Transport and Logistics Industry Reference Committee (IRC) is proposing a new Heavy Vehicle Drivers Apprenticeship in response to industry’s call to professionalise the Heavy Vehicle Driver occupation. The apprenticeship will address driver shortages across Australia, create career pathways and ensure the safety of those working in the industry and all other road users. It is the hope that the creation of this apprenticeship will help mitigate some challenges, particularly in relation to the national heavy vehicle licensing system and the current utilisation of national traineeships.
The IRC believes, in the wake of the COVID experience that has shone a light on the vital role played by road transport in supporting the Australian economy, that now is the time to create a national Heavy Vehicle Drivers apprenticeship. Such a move is a necessary first step towards raising the profile of the professionalism of the Australian road transport operator workforce in line with the significance and vital standing of the industry within the overall national economy.
“The establishment of a national apprenticeship is by no means considered to be a total solution to all the workforce shortage and workforce cultural issues faced by the heavy vehicle industry,” said Mark McKenzie, Chair of the Transport and Logistics IRC. “This is a significant ‘first foundational step’ on the pathway to transforming the culture of the heavy vehicle industry to one that is considered to be more commensurate with the standing and significance of the industry within the broader Australian Economy” added Mr McKenzie.
“The introduction of a national heavy vehicle driver apprenticeship would deliver considerable strategic and long-term workforce benefits to the Australian Road Transport industry. These benefits would, in turn, put the industry into a stronger position to meet the evolving future of work challenges that the industry will face in the years ahead,” said Paul Walsh, CEO of Australian Industry Standards, the organisation that’s supports the Transport and Logistics IRC.
The Industry Consultation Paper has now been released and is available to download and registration for the Heavy Vehicle Driver Apprenticeship webinar is now open.
Contacts
Ron Horne
Industry Skills Manager
T (03) 9604 7232 | M 0448 166 536
Klausch Schmidt
Director of IRC Operations
T (03) 9604 7223 | M 0417 568 967
Media contact
Charles David
Stakeholder & Media Relations Manager
0427 990 147
