The QTA has secured a major win, with Queensland the first state to lower the age for this driving apprenticeship
Last week the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) announced it received the news that the Business C Vehicle Driver Apprenticeship age has lowered in a major boost for up and coming drivers.
The Queensland Apprenticeship and Traineeship Office approved the move for the apprenticeship age to lower to 17 in good news for the future of the road freight industry.
With Queensland being the first state to approve the apprenticeship in October 2022, the uptake has been hampered by the original commencement age which was set at 20 years old. Feedback gathered from industry indicated that the age needed to be lowered to entice school leavers into the industry.
RELATED ARTICLE: The future of the NHVR in Australia
This extensive body of work was completed by Camilla Elmes who performs the role of QTA Industry Skills Advisor. This position, along with the Industry Workforce Advisor position, is funded by the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training.
“This is great news for the road freight industry. Being able to offer a heavy vehicle driver apprenticeship to school leavers is a great step towards securing the future professional driver workforce,” QTA CEO Gary Mahon says.
“We now need to secure Priority 1 funding for the HV Driver Apprenticeship which will provide employers with more of an incentive to take on driver apprentices. With driver shortages the number one issue in the sector, it is critical that it is changed to Priority 1 funding.
“There will be now more confidence for employers to take on young people as the apprenticeship will provide them with the essential development pathway to become a competent heavy vehicle driver.
“Although at this stage, the age based licencing progression will still apply, people coming out of an apprenticeship will be more appropriately skilled and will have a Certificate III qualification as well as real industry experience.”
If employers need support to engage an Apprenticeship Provider and or a Registered Training Organisation, the QTA says to please contact Angela Mottram (QTA Industry Workforce Advisor – angela@qta.com.au) who will be able to support you through the process.