In 2023, the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) is creating new approaches to energise the industry workforce. As part of a Workforce Strategy, the QTA has established a new engagement project “Get in2 Transport and Logistics Program”, focussed on increasing industry awareness to school staff and students through industry tour experiences.
The first of these tours for the year was held in Townsville involving local road freight, heavy truck and trailer manufacturers and warehousing businesses experiencing challenges around staff attraction. The second part of the program is an industry orientation tour for high school students and local job seekers who will get to experience the industry first-hand.
The QTA’s successful Livestock and Transport Handling Workshops are also continuing this year with the first two courses for 2023 recently held in Charters Towers.
Designed by industry for industry, these workshops were sponsored by Charters Towers Regional Council and supported by livestock transport companies and other stakeholders who see immense value in supporting the welfare and safety of the beef supply chain in the region. This program is providing drivers and other stakeholders involved in the transportation of beef with valuable knowledge and skills, including practical demonstrations of cattle handling techniques and training that reinforces industry best practice. There is a strong commitment by employers in this sector to ensure that staff are offered opportunities to upskill and refresh their knowledge.
The big-ticket program for the QTA this year is the Heavy Vehicle Safe Driver Project, funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government. This is a training program that will create ‘Job Ready’ drivers who will gain much needed on-road driving hours and training required by employers. Commencement of training will be towards mid-year and there will be a pilot program offering a limited number of places. This program will support fleet owners who urgently need to fill driver roles.
QTA CEO Gary Mahon said: “We know that there are many people out there who hold a HR or HC licence and are unable to secure a truck driving job due to their lack of driving experience. This program will fill that gap by offering employment, a practical training program incorporating 160 hours of supervised on-road driving experience.”
This type of program is an industry first in Queensland and will be evaluated by Griffith University to measure the effectiveness of the training.
The QTA is now seeking expressions of interest from people that hold a valid HR or HC licence, not currently working as a heavy vehicle driver because they don’t have enough experience in the driver’s seat. Applicants must satisfy eligibility criteria and agree to the terms and conditions of the project. Interested applicants can click here for the Heavy Vehicle Safe Driver Program expressions of interest form.