The Allan Labor Government is injecting an extra $1 million into training more heavy vehicle drivers to keep our supply chains moving through a partnership with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA).

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.

Since its launch in 2016, the program has received continuous investment from the Labor Government, resulting in the training and placement of nearly 400 skilled drivers on our roads.

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

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 our 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.