Women take the driver’s seat in $3m freight industry training for jobseekers

A new $3 million program by the Victorian State Government is set to direct pathways for women to fill critical roles in the freight and logistics industry – putting women in the driver’s seat.

The Freight Industry Training for Jobseekers Project is being delivered by Freight Victoria in partnership with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA).

The project trains candidates to secure long-term job opportunities in the transport and logistics sector to ensure essential supplies get to where they need to be.

Related: Victoria boosts jobs for women in logistics and warehousing

The state government said that participants who have completed at least two of the project programs are job-ready for a career in the sector. The VTA then 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.

“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,” said Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne.

“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,” Minister Horne said.

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

Over the next two years, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) aims to fast-track 125 jobs in the sector.

“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,” said 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,” Connolly said.

Source: Victorian State Government media release