Premier

Freight Industry Training Puts Women In The Driver’s Seat

11 October 2022

The Andrews Labor Government is providing direct pathways for women to fill critical roles in the freight and logistics industry through the Freight Industry Training for Jobseekers Project.

Participants are now driving heavy vehicles and forklifts and are working in warehousing thanks to the $3 million project being delivered by Freight Victoria in partnership with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) to fast-track 125 jobs in the sector over the next two years.

The project is training candidates to secure long-term job opportunities to ensure essential supplies get to where they need to be.

Upon completing at least two of the project programs, participants are job-ready for a career in transport and logistics. The VTA provides ongoing support to both employees and transport companies to ensure they are set up for long-term success.

A specific focus has been recruiting those whose employment was heavily affected by the pandemic, including women (specifically those over 45 years old), people under the age of 25, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Women currently make up just 16 per cent of workers in the freight and logistics industry.

The freight sector contributes $21 billion to the state’s economy each year and employs more than 260,000 people. Victoria is also home to the Port of Melbourne – Australia’s busiest port.

Jobseekers can sign up to the Jobs Victoria Online Hub to express interest in these vital roles: https://jobs.vic.gov.au/help-for-jobseekers/register-to-find-job-and-training-opportunitiesExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne

“I am delighted to see the real outcomes from this project being delivered, with women now working to fill these critical roles in Victoria’s freight and logistics industry.’’

’We’re addressing these skills shortages head-on to keep our supply chains moving and support Victorian producers, importers and exporters to get their goods to where they need to be.’’

Quote attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford

“Fast-tracking jobseekers in this $3 million Jobs Victoria project is delivering benefits with freight industry-specific training programs in heavy vehicle driving, forklift driving and warehousing.”

Quote attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly

“This is an important local boost supporting women to get the skills required to work in the freight and logistics industry.”

Quote attributable to Victorian Transport Association CEO Peter Anderson

“We acknowledge and thank the Victorian Government for continuing to respond to the needs of and build resilience in the freight industry across the myriad of issues that transport operators are confronting.’’

Reviewed 12 October 2022

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