Western Roads Federation – Addressing the skills shortage

The Heavy Vehicle (HV) driver training program is designed to target a cross section of the current and potential workforce, to attract, train and recruit drivers to support the growing demand across multiple industry sectors in Western Australia.

An integral component of the initiatives is to promote Industry engagement and active participation from prospective employers with Industry mentors providing a holistic view of the career opportunities available because of the new or improved • Driving simulations in state-of-theart facilities • 10-15 practical hours driving in Heavy Haulage Vehicles with assigned Mentors and Trainers. • Heavy Rigid (HR) and Forklift licence included. • Upgrading from HR to Heavy Combination (HC) and Multi Combinations (MC) licences.

The drive for a more efficient and effective logistics industry as detailed in the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy will require participants to be trained to adapt to new technologies, changing infrastructure and more complex processes. This effort requires a joint co-ordinated approach between all stakeholders with training as a building block for the success.

The creation of this program, delivering broad scope training applicable to drivers no matter the specialised area they are ultimately engaged in is designed to assist in the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce to support a growing demand from consumers and a community expectation that services will be provided in a safe and sustainable manner.

Collaboration between operators, government agencies, training providers, industry groups, project owners, EPC’s and the wider community is continuing to develop and is essential to ensure the goals are met.

Many of the transport operators have been working hard to develop their own internal programs to attract, train and retain talent and it has become obvious, through the Western Roads Federation industry engagement, that working in tandem and making candidates available to these programs who have achieve a known level of competency in the initial program has gained a much higher level of industry acceptance and support for the program than has been achieved previously.

The program is built to deliver Industry with drivers, trained in safe and responsible vehicle operations ready to actively fill the growing demand in both metropolitan and regional areas.

Attracting new entrants to the industry and focusing on the benefits of employment in a safely operated and managed industry capable of providing long term sustainable employment continues to be a cornerstone of the program and our primary aim.

Success stories abound with many

skills attained through the course.

The program trains drivers to be licensed and job ready for recruitment directly into the industry.

The course provides participants with an extensive tool kit of skills and knowledge, whilst delivering real hands-on experience and practical hours as detailed below. • 18 units drawn from Cert III in Driving Operations • Hands on training in work environments

new entrants to the industry gaining employment immediately on completion with huge industry support strengthened by the Western Roads Federations Industry Engagement Manager and Mentors.

One of the targets of the program is to attract entrants to the industry who may have never considered a career in transport. One of our favourite examples is friends Sarissa White and Joanne Ford who were looking to re-enter the workforce, saw the program advertised online and applied.

Having never driven a truck previously the ladies grabbed the opportunity with both hands and through a dedication to their training and the assistance of the Western Roads Federation Industry Engagement Manager secured FIFO work supporting the Pilbara mining industry with Matic Transport. These employment opportunities are positively life changing.

The program to date has attracted 175 applications, delivered the full training course to 105 people with 68 people to date joining the driving ranks in the industry. Extension of the initiative from Perth into the regional areas has already begun with the Collie/Bunbury program going live and Geraldton, Albany, Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland on the planning board. The project continues to grow in quality of output and employment opportunities.

The industries showing interest in the program is expanding well outside of the direct transport industry into Civil Construction, Mine Site Services, Food Distribution, Warehousing and Catering. This increased breadth has broadened the opportunities being presented to graduates with a far wider array of pathways into employment being available.

Western Roads Federation are working closely with participants to assist in developing CV’s, honing interview skills and more accurately align applicants to prospective employment areas This is not only producing better employment outcomes but is reducing misalignment and potent time wasting for both employers and candidates. Candidates are also gaining valuable advice on where their careers can develop and the best avenues for them to achieve their goals.

The degree in which the course has gained industry support from within the transport sector and other associated industries has been fantastic.

By broadening the employment opportunities significantly those who complete the licencing requirements are in a very strong position to gain employment offers that suit their circumstances and therefore more likely to result in long term employment and development opportunities. Currently 87% of people attaining their licence have gained full time employment and the numbers are growing.

Western Roads Federation has been formed to give a strong unified voice for companies who use WA roads for commercial benefit. Western Roads Federation is a membership driven organisation. If you believe in the industry and what you do, then make sure your company is a member, and get involved. For a membership application form Email cam.dumesny@westernroads.com.au ◆ Phone 08 9365 7799 or 0481 064 371 180 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004