News

Aug 13, 2023

WA Government expands heavy vehicle training

The Western Australian Government is rolling out its Heavy Vehicle Driving

The Western Australian Government is rolling out its Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations training program in Kimberley and Pilbara.

Funded as part of the 2023-24 State Budget, the expansion into the Kimberley and Pilbara regions is expected to result in more truck drivers hitting the road.

The Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations (HVDO) training program has been available in metropolitan WA since April 2021, and it was later expanded to the southwest and midwest regions over the past two years.

The program was developed in collaboration with industry to address the truck driver shortage during the Covid-19 pandemic, and provides theoretical and practical hands-on truck driver training to train job-ready workers for the transport industry.

The additional $3.5 million investment will help North Regional TAFE deliver training to around 350 participants in Pilbara and Kimberley over a four-year period.

Training Minister, Simone McGurk, said the program – the first of its kind in Australia – will help create a highly skilled workforce.

"Participants are given practical, hands-on experience, ensuring they’re job-ready when they complete their course," she said.

"The Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations training program has helped hundreds of people gain employment in the heavy haulage industry, and I’m confident that success will be replicated when it's expanded to the Kimberley and Pilbara."

Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said the expansion will provide a much-needed boost to the transport industry.

"With 350 participants expected through the course over the next four years, the McGowan Government is helping to create a pipeline of skilled workers for this essential industry well into the future," she said.

"Supporting economic growth, industry diversification and greater regional engagement, remain our key priorities."

Since February 2023, of the 552 participants enrolled at a TAFE College to undertake the program, 282 had achieved either a Heavy Rigid, Heavy Combination or Multi Combination licence.

In other news, two new overtaking lanes will be included in new improvements along the Tasman Highway between Scottsdale and Branxholme.

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