The Western Australian government has delivered a brand-new bespoke truck training facility in Hazelmere, to help train up to 170 students a year in heavy vehicle driving operations training.

The new facility is promoted as a “one-stop-shop” for students who can gain multiple licences and industry-required safety competencies, including a heavy rigid licence and forklift licence.

40 students have already commenced training at the Hazelmere site, which includes heavy rigid trucks and forklift equipment for students to train on, and practical driving areas.

The course is free, saving students up to $356 in fees per enrolment. Completing the course will open up careers in truck driving, forklift and warehouse operations, delivery or bus driving and a range of other transport and logistics roles.

WA Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says the state government is putting WA first, making sure Western Australians have access to quality training through free and low-fee TAFE.

“Our economy relies on a strong and skilled transport workforce to keep goods moving across our state while supporting key industries,” she says.

“This new bespoke one-stop-shop facility is giving students access to free industry-endorsed, job-ready training in a real-world operating environment.”

Developed in close partnership with industry, the Hazelmere site has been endorsed by the Western Australia Transport Industry Association, with the training delivered by North Metropolitan TAFE in partnership with Keen Bros.

Launching in 2021, the Western Australian government’s heavy vehicle driving operations training program has trained more than 1100 students and supported them to gain their heavy rigid, heavy combination, or multi combination licences.

More than 730 participants have moved into employment, while around 28% of participants have been women.

Work is continuing to identify a location in Neerabup to deliver a future truck training facility for the northern suburbs.