SGESCO-MAX welcomes the introduction of heavy vehicle driver apprenticeships across Australia as a measure to attract and appropriately train drivers to safely ensure supply chain continuity.
At the start of September the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) approved the Queensland Trucking Association’s (QTA) industry proposal for the establishment of a Heavy Vehicle Driver Apprenticeship in Queensland. In February 2022, Tasmania became the first jurisdiction to offer the apprenticeship.
The new national “Certificate III in Driving Operations” follows the endorsement of a new framework by federal, state and territory Skills Ministers in response to a shortage of skilled truck drivers.
The Australian Transport & Logistics industry worker’s average age is older than 45 years, with the ageing rate 2.2 times faster than all industries.
“To drive a heavy vehicle safely takes years of experience – so an apprenticeship scheme that mentors young drivers with more experienced drivers is a welcome measure to ensure high levels of safety on our roads,” said Scott McPherson, Managing Director of SGESCO-MAX.
“It will also help lift recognition of the value and skills of truck drivers and create a more positive perception of the profession and those who choose to have a career as a T&L driver.”
“To help quickly grow a skilled workforce, we encourage the T&L industry to look to adopting modern safety technologies for blind spot monitoring and protection of vulnerable road users to ensure this new generation of drivers can contribute to a lowering of Australia’s road toll,” said Scott.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical service delivered by our supply chains in both Australia and New Zealand, noted Scott, despite the industry flagging it as an issue for several years.
New Zealand Needs Apprentices Too
Across the Tasman, New Zealand is also suffering from a skills shortage of experienced heavy vehicle drivers. It was one of the key topics discussed at the 2022 Trucking Industry Summit, held in Christchurch in July.
According to Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand, one in four transport companies has vehicles parked due to a lack of drivers.
Brett Aldridge from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said: “Commercial transport must be successful for New Zealand to be successful.”
The organisation called for greater partnership across the industry and noted there was a stigma attached to truck drivers – with many parents preferring their children pursue careers in other industries.
“The introduction of heavy vehicle driver apprenticeships in New Zealand would be a welcome initiative to help the sector,” added Scott.
