Driving instructor initiative next cab off rank for skills reform
While the new heavy vehicle driver apprenticeship has been launched, that is not the end of the matter.
The long-sought Certificate III in Driving Operations received some fanfare just before Christmas, but Australian Industry Standards (AIS) is still looking for feedback on the deeply related issue of driving instruction.
The TLI Driving Instruction project includes two new skill sets and nine units of competency.
“For an aligned pathway for driver trainers and to enable mobility of vehicle instructors across all three driver/rider training sectors, Certificate IV qualifications in Transport and Logistics, Road Transport – Car Driving Instruction; Heavy Vehicle Driving Instruction; and Motorcycle Riding Instruction have been amalgamated to one qualification, TLI41221Y Certificate IV in Driver Training,” AIS states.
The deadline for feedback is February 7.
Draft materials can be found here.
The apprenticeship launch saw ministerial and prime ministerial involvement in the launch announcement that came hard on the heels of that of cash to Incitec Pivot to shore up AdBlue supply.
“Truck driving is about more than just changing gears and unloading – by providing a national driver training framework, our future truck drivers will have an advanced competency across the profession, such as load constraints, transporting dangerous goods and pre-departure inspection,” Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said earlier, while noting at the event the average age of Australian truck drivers is 56.
“This is a new approach to ensuring our transport industry has the workforce of the future and provides young Australians with the opportunity to have a career, not just a job – in a rewarding industry.
“The Commonwealth led the nation on this and we will continue to work with state and territories skills ministers to ensure they step up to roll out this new and exciting apprenticeship pathway for the next generation of professional, Australian truck drivers.”
The announcement was made at John West Logistics’ Brisbane depot, where prime minister Scott Morrison underlined the need for the initiative.
“Through the JobTrainer program, through the Boosting Apprenticeships program, we have seen a 30% increase in those and apprentices and traineeships over the last couple of years,” Morrison said.
“And that’s what Australia needs, and our government is investing in the skills and training that Australians need to get those jobs and employers like John West need here so they can get people into those jobs. And in the years ahead, that is going to be a key challenge for our economy.”
West described the move as “a great thing for the industry”.
“It’ll help us immensely and will help us bring that age down,” West continued.
“And it’s great for the younger generation, they can start off a little truck and they’ll end up driving a B-double.
“So, it’s a great thing. It’s a big step forward for our industry.”
The Transport and Logistics Industry Reference Committee finalised updates to the Certificate III in Driving Operations and the nationally agreed enhancements have been recommended for delivery as an apprenticeship, subject to states and territories agreement.