HEAVY VEHICLE TRAINING PROGRAM
711. Mr D.R. MICHAEL to the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the McGowan Labor
government's significant investment in training and skills,
particularly in industries facing skill shortages.
(1) Can the
minister update the house on the heavy vehicle driver training program and
outline how it is supporting the industry in its need for more skilled workers?
(2) Can the
minister outline to the house how the program is also supporting more women to
enter what has been a male-dominated industry?
Ms R.
SAFFIOTI replied:
I thank the member for that question
and, of course, for his strong advocacy for the transport industry.
(1)–(2) Members
will be aware that we are implementing a range of initiatives to encourage more
people to become truck drivers in this state. One of the key initiatives that
we have created is a new short six-week program
that encourages people to enter the industry. The skill set program is all
about encouraging people who want to change careers or get a career for
the first time in the truck driving industry.
Two days ago, I was out there at the
airport site with the Minister for Education and Training, and we talked to members who are delivering and also
participating in the heavy vehicle driving operations skill set. So far,
230 people have gone through that program and have gained jobs in that
industry. We talked to a number of women who
are participating in that program. Just to give members a snapshot of the
success of the program, currently three per cent of truck drivers are women. Of
the 230 people who have graduated from that program and gone on to get jobs, 30
per cent are women. That is an incredible achievement.
On
that day, two days ago, we met about eight women who all explained their
personal circumstances. There was a single mum of seven who was entering
into a long-term career for the first time. There was a woman who had left the
banking industry and wanted to come into maybe a more dynamic industry—no
insult to bankers—and was very keen
to get a job in the industry. There was another single mum who wants to get
a job in civil construction. This is a pathway for a person to not only become
a truck driver, but work in warehouses or online delivery.
There
are a number of different careers for people who, as I said, want to change
careers, but especially for many
women who have never had the chance to go in and get a long-term secure job.
This was, to be honest, one of the most gratifying days to actually meet
people who are taking advantage of the opportunities that are given and who are
so passionate about the industry.
Mr D.A. Templeman: I could
see you driving a cement mixer.
Ms
R. SAFFIOTI: Ha-ha! Possibly my
career choice at the end of this parliamentary year, I can tell you! Of course,
it allows all of us to change careers. Maybe the Leader of the Liberal Party,
after no longer being the Leader of the Liberal
Party, can also take this six-week course and become a truck driver, too. It is
a great program. It is delivering real opportunities. We have 1 000
places to fill. It is about creating new opportunities. When we meet people who
are undertaking the course, we realise that these types of programs that we are
delivering actually make a difference in people's lives.
The SPEAKER: The Leader of
the Liberal Party with the last question.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER: Order, please!