Queensland operators now have a truck driver apprenticeship pathway on which to entice prospective truckies straight from high school.
The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) received the news recently that its business case to bring the apprenticeship down from 20 to 17 had been approved by the Queensland Apprenticeship and Traineeship office.
Since Queensland had become the first state to approve the driver apprenticeship late last year, the uptake had been hampered by the original commencement age, said the QTA.
Many operators felt that the gap between leaving school and being able to start the program at 20 was too great to entice new recruits.
“This is great news for the road freight industry,” said Gary Mahon, CEO of the QTA.
“There will be now more confidence for employers to take on young people as the apprenticeship will provide them with the essential development pathway to become a competent heavy vehicle driver.
“Although at this stage, the age based licencing progression will still apply, people coming out of an apprenticeship will be more appropriately skilled, have a Certificate III qualification as well as real industry experience.”
Mahon said that being able to offer a heavy vehicle driver apprenticeship to school leavers is a great step towards securing the future professional driver workforce.
“We now need to secure Priority 1 funding for the HV driver apprenticeship which will provide employers with more of an incentive to take on driver apprentices. With driver shortages the number one issue in the sector, it is critical that it is changed to Priority 1 funding.”
This extensive body of work was completed by Camilla Elmes who performs the role of QTA industry skills advisor. This position, along with the industry workforce advisor position, is funded by the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training.
If employers need support to engage an apprenticeship provider and or a registered training organisation, please contact Angela Mottram (QTA Industry Workforce Advisor – angela@qta.com.au), who will be able to support you through the process, said the QTA.