TRAINING TRUCKERS: A CAREER FOR LIFE

The trucking and logistics industry, one of Australia’s biggest employers, is running a marketing campaign to attract foreign workers to fill the thousands of job vacancies in the sector.

As we all know by now, labour shortages are affecting all areas of the Australian economy, not just the transport sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic, along with challenging work conditions have compounded to create a gap in the job market for people seeking long term, satisfying work.

Throughout this blog, we’re looking at how to get your trucking career underway, and what pathways lie ahead for you in this critical, essential industry.

GETTING STARTED

It’s now possible to get formal qualifications for many different occupations in the transport industry, including driving.

The two-year Certificate III in Driving Operations can give you a head start in the industry as well as helping you to command a better starting salary. Your Certificate III accreditation will give you an education in driving commercial vehicles, safety, compliance, operating in difficult conditions and of course the mandatory paperwork that comes with the job.

These nationally recognised accreditations are an ideal first port of call when considering a career in trucking.

It also goes without saying that having the correct driving licences for the job is also absolutely essential.

STAYING ALERT

Once you’re in the job, one of the most important parts of learning the ins and outs of truck driving is to be across fatigue management, especially if you want to keep that job.

This is leaned into heavily throughout the Certificate III training and is looked upon very favourably by potential employers. Driver fatigue laws apply to certain heavy vehicles and a failure to adhere to the associated laws could result in large fines or a loss of accreditation.

National heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws apply to fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles, which are…

• A vehicle with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 12 tons
• A combination when the total of the GVM is over 12 tons
• Buses with a GVM over 4.5 tons fitted to carry more than 12 adults (including the driver)
• A truck, or a combination including a truck, with a GVM of over 12t with a machine or implement attached

Even low levels of fatigue can result in distracted driving, near misses, poor vehicle operation and much worse.

It is also illegal to pressure a fatigued driver into working longer hours and claims of this nature are taken very seriously by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

INDUSTRY AT LARGE

The trucking and logistics industry in Australia is a significant sector in both scale and scope.

This means that there are a variety of jobs in the industry for those who are interested in trucking and logistics but don’t necessarily want to become a driver. These can be in parts and servicing, media, sales or any number of roles that support drivers and broader road transport operations.

An inexpensive course to enhance your industry knowledge and boost your career is the course run through Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), entitled Heavy Vehicles 101.

This course, which can be completed in three to four hours, is directed at new entrants to the industry as well as existing industry participants who can be confused by some of the terminology used in other sectors or specialist areas.

A FUTURE IN TRUCKING

Road transport operators are always looking for talented and dedicated workers for industry roles.

There are many examples of apprentices who have worked their way up to executive levels and these industry leaders are usually keen to ensure that pathway remains open to those who show skill, promise and determination.

You’ll find that the trucking industry has a way of taking people in and incubating them, giving people the freedom to develop their skills and follow their passions.

If trucking is something you have considered, rest assured a world of opportunity awaits.

Interested in a career in the trucking and logistics industry? See what Isuzu are doing to attract top talent!