Media Release

The Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC), the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads have joined forces to secure a $1 million government skills package to train more than 400 heavy vehicle drivers across the state. 

QBIC Executive Director David Tape said the Transition program would supply much needed training support to meet skills shortages for the road freight and passenger industries. 

“The Department of Transport and Main Roads will deliver the Transition program in 2012, with leadership from the Transport and Logistics Workforce Advisory Group Queensland (TLWAG-Q) and partnership funding from Skills Queensland,“ said Mr Tape from QBIC. 

QBIC Executive Director David Tape also welcomed the package for the bus industry. 

“Employers take note. This is a great opportunity for us to welcome people to our industry who will graduate with a skill set developed by and targeted at our sector,” Mr Tape said. 

Transition is a state-wide heavy vehicle driver training and licensing program for 400 new entrants and existing workers. 

The program will provide the skills and training needed for people to work in freight and passenger transport – a genuine opportunity for those wishing to enter these industries. 

Additionally, existing truck drivers can upgrade their current licence and skills. 

This program will train participants in a nationally accredited and industry endorsed skills set. The courses are offered across three areas: bus driving licences, truck driving licences and multi-combination licence upgrades. 

Training will be delivered across Queensland in metropolitan and regional locations to be identified by industry demand. Places for new entrants will be fully-funded while existing worker licence upgrades will attract a 15 per cent co-contribution from the individual or their employer. 

“The Transition program is a great outcome of the TLWAG-Q partnership which aims to develop sustainable solutions for skills shortages in our industries,” Mr Tape from QBIC said. 

“This training program will see a fresh pool of talent start a career as a bus or truck driver while also offering support to the retention and development of the current driver workforce.” 

QBIC acknowledges the hard work and collaborative efforts of our partners Transform at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Skills Queensland and the Queensland Trucking Association. 

More information about how individuals and employers can become involved in the program will be made available in May 2012 at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/transform.

Media contact: David Tape (07) 3397 1700 or 0407 002 970