More women will have the chance to enter the freight and logistics sector thanks to a new Andrews Labor Government employment project providing a direct pathway to critical roles.
With the freight industry contributing $21 billion to the state’s economy each year, Freight Victoria is fast-tracking 125 jobs in the sector in partnership with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA), filling workforce shortages with freight companies over the next two years.
The Freight Industry Training for Jobseekers Project will train candidates to secure long-term job opportunities to ensure essential supplies get to where they need to be. The program will focus specifically on women, who currently make up just 16 per cent of employees in the sector.
Keeping goods on the move and linking farmers and local producers with the rest of Australia and the world, Victoria’s freight industry employs more than 260,000 people. It is also home to the country’s biggest and busiest port, the Port of Melbourne.
In the last year alone, the port has seen a spike in the arrival of toys and sporting goods (42 per cent increase), furniture (32 per cent increase), and appliances (41 per cent increase).
The $3 million employment project through Jobs Victoria will deliver freight industry-specific training programs in critical areas such as heavy vehicle driving, forklift driving and warehousing.
Upon completing at least two of these programs, job seekers will be job-ready for a career in the transport and logistics sector. The VTA will provide ongoing support to both employees and transport companies to ensure they are set up for long-term success.
A specific focus will be on recruiting those whose employment was heavily affected by the pandemic, women (specifically those over 45 years old), people under the age of 25, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Jobseekers across Victoria are encouraged to sign up to the Jobs Victoria Online Hub to express interest in these vital roles by visiting .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
‘’This project will help fast-track jobseekers in the freight and logistics industry, particularly women over 45 who are underrepresented in the sector, allowing them to access specialised training.”
“By addressing this skills shortage, we’re not just getting more people into quality jobs; we are bolstering the supply chain and supporting Victorian producers, exporters, and importers to get their goods where it needs to go.’’
Quote attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
“The $3 million employment project through Jobs Victoria will deliver freight industry-specific training programs in critical areas such as heavy vehicle driving, forklift driving and warehousing.”
Reviewed 21 March 2022