HV Driver Apprenticeship age lowered to 17 in Qld

This week the Queensland Trucking Association received the news that their Business Case to bring the Heavy Vehicle Driver Apprenticeship age down to 17 was approved by the Queensland Apprenticeship and Traineeship Office, which is excellent 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. 

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.

Gary Mahon, Chief Executive Officer, QTA said, "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."

"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."

Gary Mahon went on to say, "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, 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, please contact Angela Mottram (QTA Industry Workforce Advisor - angela@qta.com.au) who will be able to support you through the process.

All media enquiries to Gary Mahon, 0418 736 802, gary@qta.com.au

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