In an industry where driver shortages are becoming increasingly common, waiting until the last minute to recruit new heavy vehicle drivers can spell disaster for your business.
Operational delays, increased costs, and compromised safety standards are just some of the risks associated with a reactive hiring approach. The key to sidestepping these issues lies in proactive workforce planning – starting early, investing in apprenticeships, and broadening your recruitment strategies to attract diverse talent.
There is a critical need for proactive workforce planning and uptake of the Heavy Vehicle Driver Apprenticeship (HVDA) to create a pipeline of drivers for the future.
The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) strongly advocated for the HVDA in Queensland which will, in time, provide a strong pipeline of competent job-ready drivers to safely and competently perform the ever-increasing road freight task.
Why waiting until the crisis is a mistake
Many transport companies fall into the trap of off-the-cuff recruitment when driver shortages arise. This reactive approach often results in paying premium wages to fill urgent vacancies, rushing induction and onboarding processes, and employing drivers who may not be fully prepared, risking safety and operational integrity.
In contrast, strategic workforce planning involves forecasting your staffing needs, identifying gaps well in advance, and developing a pipeline of skilled drivers ready to step into roles as they become available. To assist the industry, the QTA offers a Workforce Planning service targeted towards small to medium transport businesses in Queensland. The service will support you to move from being reactive to proactive, save you money, reduce your risk, and ensure your business remains resilient to keep up with long term contract delivery and planning for new contract work.
The power of apprenticeships in building a professional and skilled workforce
Queensland is currently still the only state in Australia to have the HVDA approved for delivery. There is a strong focus on the process of how to get a truck license however there is a glaringly obvious gap that is deserving of more attention and that is, how newly licensed or inexperienced truck drivers can safely gain on-the-job training. Without a mechanism for this to occur in all states, the licensing system will only ever continue to churn out people with a truck license with no pathway into employment to gain experience.
The HVDA is the solution that provides this pathway to receive on-the-job training and obtain a professional trade qualification. Undertaking comprehensive practical and competency-based training in the employment environment delivered by a Registered Training Organisation is one of the most effective ways to develop your own drivers tailored to your operational standards.
Beyond skilling, apprenticeships promote safety and professionalise the industry with improved standards. Proper training ensures drivers understand safety protocols, vehicle handling, and compliance standards – reducing the likelihood of accidents and insurance claims. Additionally, developing your own talent pipeline provides a solution to the ageing driver workforce and gives you control over your future staffing levels.
The future of heavy vehicle transport depends on building a diverse, inclusive workforce. However, traditional recruitment methods often fail to reach a wide array of potential.
Take action today
The future of your business and the sustainability of the road freight industry depends on the decisions you make today. Start planning your driving workforce early.
Contact the QTA’s Workforce Planning Service to have a conversation and start creating a plan to grow your own driver workforce.
This position is funded and supported by the Queensland Government.
By proactively addressing workforce needs today, you’re not just filling vacancies – you’re shaping the future of your business. The time to act is now.
QTA’s Workforce Planning Service is a free service, available to any business in Queensland performing a transport task across the entire transport and logistics industry. Contact the QTA for more information, by emailing angela@qta.com.au.