- Cook Labor Government delivers bespoke facility to train next generation of truckies
- Free TAFE course delivering Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Training underway in Hazelmere
- More than 78,000 workers in freight, logistics, and transport needed across Australia by 2029
- Cook Labor Government putting WA first, training Western Australians for jobs of the future
The Cook Labor Government has delivered a brand-new bespoke truck training facility in Hazelmere, to help train up to 170 students a year in Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Training.
The new facility is a one-stop-shop for students who can gain multiple licences and industry-required safety competencies, including a Heavy Rigid licence and forklift licence.
Forty students have already commenced training at the Hazelmere site, which includes heavy rigid trucks and forklift equipment for students to train on, and practical driving areas.
Completing the course will open up careers in truck driving, forklift and warehouse operations, delivery or bus driving and a range of other transport and logistics roles.
The course is free, saving students up to $356 in fees per enrolment.
The demand for workers across transport, freight, and logistics industries is high - in 2024, there were 28,000 unfilled truck driver positions nationally, with that figure forecast to grow to 78,000 by 2029.
Developed in close partnership with industry, the Hazelmere site has been endorsed by the Western Australia Transport Industry Association, with the training delivered by North Metropolitan TAFE in partnership with Keen Bros.
Launching in 2021, the State Labor Government's Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Training program has trained more than 1,100 students and supported them to gain their Heavy Rigid, Heavy Combination, or Multi Combination licences.
More than 730 participants have moved into employment, while around 28 per cent of participants have been women.
Work is continuing to identify a location in Neerabup to deliver a future truck training facility for the northern suburbs.
Comments attributed to Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The Cook Labor Government is putting WA first, making sure Western Australians have access to quality training through free and low-fee TAFE.
"Our economy relies on a strong and skilled transport workforce to keep goods moving across our State while supporting key industries.
"This new bespoke one-stop-shop facility is giving students access to free industry-endorsed, job-ready training in a real-world operating environment."
Comments attributed to Belmont MLA Cassie Rowe:
"The opening of the brand-new Hazelmere truck training facility is a fantastic investment by the Cook Labor Government.
"Through the WA Government's fee-free TAFE initiative, more people in Belmont and surrounding suburbs can access high-quality truck driver training without the barrier of course fees, helping address critical skills shortages and create more local job opportunities."
Comments attributed to Forrestfield MLA Stephen Price:
"We know how important logistics are to the Western Australian economy and we want Western Australians to be able to take up these roles.
"This new facility will provide more training options for local students to gain their heavy vehicle licence and ensure we have well trained operators maintaining safety across our road networks and workplaces."
