Driver Award wages to increase 4.6

o Similar issues to the migrants and refugees where it was found, in that the hours and duration of the course are a barrier. • Defence Veterans: WRF has reached out to the Defence Veteran community, where it has been identified that over 400 ADF personnel exit the services to WA every year. • Work is also progressing with other groups as well.

Course Design

WRF has determined that to retain the integrity of the program in delivering safe well-trained drivers the various pathways of candidates need to be identified and program delivery option tailored to suit both candidate groups and industry stakeholders.

An option is emerging with the Kalgoorlie TAFE, where core units are delivered face to face with the remaining units completed online over the next 12 months. The benefit of this model is that candidates receive the critical core training elements plus licence so can enter the work force earlier.

Going Forward

The industry is in dire need for access to well-trained heavy vehicle drivers. The program has been highly successful in attracting participants, holding their attention throughout training and gaining good employment outcomes through the WRF industry engagement initiatives.

To continue this success and broaden the involvement with wider industry sectors it is proposed that the Skill Set is reviewed to accommodate the changing needs of the various candidate and industry groups to ensure and efficient and effect deployment of the funding and continue to deliver value for money outcomes. A ustralia is in the grip of a labour shortage that is particularly dire in regional areas. We need young families to rejuvenate regional towns and cities – skilled and low-skilled workers, kids in schools, participants in sporting teams, volunteers and attendees at community events.

There may be a ray of sunshine.

New data released by the Regional Australia Institute indicates that migration from capital cities (mostly Sydney and Melbourne) to regional Australia increased by 16.6% over the past 12 months. Most promisingly, millennials in the 24-40 years age group are leading the charge, attracted by cheaper housing and a booming regional jobs market.

MILLENNIALS LEAD REGIONAL MIGRATION

WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION IS THE UNITED VOICE OF WA TRANSPORT COMPANIES

Western Roads Federation has been formed to give a strong unified voice for companies who use WA roads for commercial benefit. Western Roads Federation is a membership driven organisation. If you believe in the industry and what you do, then make sure your company is a member, and get involved. For a membership application form Email cam.dumesny@westernroads.com.au ◆ Phone 08 9365 7799 or 0481 064 371 180 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004