The Victorian Government has delivered on its $3 million Freight Industry Training for Jobseekers Project, fast-tracking 125 jobs for pandemic-affected workers including women over the age of 45.
Participants are now driving heavy vehicles and forklifts and are working in warehousing thanks to the project, which is being delivered by Freight Victoria in partnership with the Victorian Transport Association.
The project is training candidates to secure long-term job opportunities to ensure essential supplies get to where they need to be.
Upon completing at least two of the project programs, participants are job-ready for a career in transport and logistics. The VTA 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.
Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, said the government was working to address chronic skills shortages in the freight 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,” Ms Horne said.
‘’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.’’
The freight sector contributes $21 billion to the state’s economy each year and employs more than 260,000 people. Victoria is also home to the Port of Melbourne – Australia’s busiest port.
