An established workforce development initiative aimed at tackling skills shortages in North Queensland’s transport and logistics sector kicks off again in Townsville in April.
Registrations are now open for the accelerated 10-day Driving Futures program developed by the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA).
Similar courses are planned for Mackay from July 13-24 and in Cairns from August 31 to September 11.
The Driving Futures program is designed to create a direct entry pathway into the transport and logistics industries, delivering job-ready candidates for employers.
The QTA said the idea came from extensive industry intelligence gathered from road freight operators and fleet owners, which identified a lack of entry-level training and clear career pathways into transport and logistics roles.
Driving Townsville’s Future has been designed to help address ongoing workforce shortages by equipping participants with accredited, industry-relevant skills that can be built on through further training and employment.
The course delivers accredited units from the Certificate III in Driving Operations (TLI31222), with crossover units that also apply to the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations (TLI30321).
Participants will complete the unit TLIF0009 – Ensure the safety of transport activities, covering Chain of Responsibility requirements, while eligible participants will also be offered training in unit TLIC1051 – Operate Commercial Vehicle.
On completion, participants will be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for completed units, allowing credits to be carried over into a full qualification.
This includes the option to continue training through a workplace-based Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship, Bus Driver Traineeship, or the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations.
The program is open to job seekers looking to enter the transport and logistics industry, as well as employers wishing to nominate employees who are new entrants or seeking to upskill and progress toward heavy vehicle driving roles.
The 2026 delivery of the Driving Townsville’s Future Program will run from Monday, April 20 to Friday, May 1, operating from 8am to 4pm, with the Townsville training location to be confirmed.
Participants must meet employer employment standards, satisfy working-in-Australia eligibility requirements, and undertake any required screening, including medical, fitness-to-drive, and drug and alcohol testing, said the QTA.
Participants must also have their own transport and be available for the full 10-day program.
The project is funded by the Queensland Government through its Growing Workforce Participation Fund.
• For more information on how to get involved, visit qta.com.au/driving-futures-project.