The Victorian government is targeting the skills shortage in the state through the announcement that it will be providing $1 million of funding to the Victorian Transport Association (VTA).

It says this will go towards the VTA’s heavy vehicle driver training program in order to ensure that the skills shortage within the supply chain is addressed.

The partnership offers accredited training for aspiring heavy vehicle drivers and assists them in securing employment as part of the VTA’s successful heavy vehicle driver delivery program.

“The transport industry requires qualified and job ready drivers to ensure Victorians can maintain the high living standards they are accustomed to and help address supply chain challenges,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson says.

Since its launch in 2016, the program has received consistent investment from the Victorian government, resulting in the training and placement of nearly 400 skilled drivers on the state’s roads.

In addition to improving safety on the roads, the program aims to tackle heavy vehicle driver shortages, tailored to attract and retain younger drivers for the state’s critical supply transport and logistics supply chains.

“This partnership will see more Victorians get skilled up and behind the wheel to keep our state’s multi-billion-dollar freight industry moving,” Victorian ports and freight minister Melissa Horne says.

Victoria’s freight industry, contributing $21 billion annually to the state’s economy, employs more than 260,000 Victorians who play a crucial role in maintaining supply chains.

The VTA coordinates training with qualified providers and helps graduates secure stable positions with reputable transport companies.

This partnership between government and industry to tackle skill shortages follows the success of the 2023 Freight Industry Training for Jobseekers project, which facilitated employment for more than 125 individuals in freight and warehousing.

“Skilled driver shortages in the transport industry is affecting our members who are under constant pressure to deliver around the clock and on time – we support this initiative,” Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) branch assistant secretary Mem Suleyman says.