The Victorian government in Australia is injecting an extra $1 million into training more heavy vehicle drivers to keep 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 programme.

Since its launch in 2016, the programme has received continuous investment from the Allan Labor 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 programme aims to tackle heavy vehicle driver shortages, tailored to attract and retain younger drivers for critical supply transport and logistics supply chains.

Victoria’s freight industry contributes $21 billion annually to the state’s economy and employs more than 260,000 Victorians.

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

“This partnership will see more Victorians get skilled up and behind the wheel to keep our state’s multi-billion-dollar freight industry moving,” said Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne

The 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.