Through the Power of TAFE: A Stronger Future for Transport

Truck drivers concerned about Australia’s ageing workforce may feel some comfort this week, after a pilot heavy vehicle driving course was awarded the ‘Power of TAFE Partnerships Award’ at the TAFE Directors Australia Convention in Brisbane last week.

The award-winning program is led by Central Regional TAFE WA and is exactly the kind of initiative the TWU and Western Roads Federation (WRF) has long advocated for. The TWU and WRF started lobbying for this program several years ago and congratulate the State Government for its funding and ongoing support through the TAFE system.

For years, transport workers have raised concerns that the industry cannot continue to rely on an ageing workforce without serious investment in training the next generation. Right now, nearly half of Australia’s truck drivers are over the age of 55, and unless action is taken, the skills shortage facing road transport will only grow more severe.

This course is helping change that.

Students are being equipped with the practical skills needed to enter the industry safely and confidently, including learning how to secure, load and unload cargo, apply work fatigue management strategies, follow work health and safety procedures, and obtain a forklift and trucking license.

Importantly, the training addresses key gaps that have too often been ignored in transport up skilling, particularly around compliance, safety and standardised induction training.

For too long, too many drivers have entered the industry without consistent, evidence-based training. In an industry already recognised as the deadliest in Australia, that is simply not good enough. If we want safer roads, we need safer pathways into transport.

This achievement would not have been possible without the advocacy of TWU members and the Western Roads Federation, who have consistently pushed for meaningful reform to attract and retain skilled operators.

“With collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, government bodies, training providers, and the relentless campaigning of TWU members, the transport industry can overcome the driver skills shortage and build a skilled workforce for the future,” TWU WA State Secretary Tim Dawson said.

“Transport is the deadliest industry in Australia, and with an ageing workforce of 47% of truck drivers over the age of 55, it is paramount that training incentives and apprenticeships be made possible for the next generation.”

The WA Governments $17.4 investment to establish a new heavy vehicle centre in last year’s State budget in Perth’s northern suburbs is another significant step in the right direction to upskill the industry, and the TWU will be watching closely to ensure training is consistent, regulated, and evidence-based to ensure safety is of the utmost importance across our great state.

The TWU welcomes this progress, but the work is far from over.

We need to continue promoting transport as a rewarding career for young Australians, while also ensuring migrant and foreign drivers entering the industry are properly assessed, trained, respected and protected from exploitation. Too often, vulnerable workers are targeted by companies cutting corners and driving standards down.

If drivers are assessed and trained properly from day one, we can stop the exploitation and unsafe practices between companies, and increase safety across transport and save lives.

This course shows what is possible when education and industry work together. It is a model for the future, one that can help keep Australia moving safely for generations to come.