A TRUCK driver training program in the Pilbara and Kimberley aims to grow the local heavy vehicle workforce.

The state government and logistics industry initially developed the Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations course to address the truck driver shortage during the pandemic.

The government said the program – supposedly a first for Australia – has been a success in other parts of the state and will now be rolled out in the northwest.

The $3.5 million expansion is included in the 2023-2024 state budget, building on a previous $6.1-million investment.

The additional investment intends to support North Regional TAFE to train around 350 participants in the Pilbara and Kimberley over four years.

Training minister Simone McGurk said the government’s partnership with industry to deliver the course is helping create a “highly skilled and inclusive” workforce.

“Participants are given practical, hands-on experience, ensuring they’re job-ready when they complete their course, and I’m particularly excited to see so many women taking up the opportunity,” she said.

“The Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations training program has helped hundreds of people gain employment in the heavy haulage industry, and I’m confident that success will be replicated when it’s expanded to the Kimberley and Pilbara.

“Our 2023-24 state budget continues important work towards removing barriers so all Western Australians can gain the skills needed for rewarding careers.”

And transport minister Rita Saffioti said it was fantastic to see a strong uptake in the course since it began two years ago.

“This expansion will provide a much-needed boost to the transport industry in the Kimberley and Pilbara,” she said.

“With 350 participants expected through the course over the next four years, the McGowan government is helping to create a pipeline of skilled workers for this essential industry well into the future.

“Supporting economic growth, industry diversification and greater regional engagement, remain our key priorities.”

The government said since February 2023, of the 552 participants enrolled to undertake the Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations program, 282 had achieved either a Heavy Rigid, Heavy Combination, or Multi Combination licence.

It noted that around 30% of participants in the course have been women, compared to the overall female representation among truck drivers in Western Australia being less than 4%.