WA to build new truck driver training centre

The Western Australian Government will spend $17.4 million to build a new truck driver training centre in Neerabup, north of Perth.

The dedicated TAFE-run training facility will have the capacity to train 170 students a year. It will have heavy rigid trucks and trailers, forklift trucks, a high-tech heavy vehicle driving simulator and wide roads for practical training.

Western Roads Federation CEO Cam Dumesny welcomed the new funding, which builds on the WA Government’s support for the industry through the successful Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations training program.

“The investment is a recognition of the importance of the road transport industry to the state and the on-going success of the training program,” Cam said.

The WA Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Program is a State Government initiative aimed at addressing skills shortages in the transport and logistics industry by training individuals to become qualified heavy vehicle drivers. The program provides both theoretical and practical training, including hands-on experience in heavy haulage, and aims to equip participants with the skills needed for various heavy vehicle driving roles. 

Upon successful completion, participants may be eligible to obtain a Heavy Rigid (HR), Heavy Combination (HC), or Multi Combination (MC) class vehicle license, depending on their training and assessment. Hundreds of participants have gained employment after completing the program.

ISA Senior Engagement Manager Camilla Elmes said “the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers has been highlighted as a key challenge for industry in the 2025 Transport and Logistics Workforce Plan. The WA Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Program is a great example of an industry led initiative delivering training for the critical skills required to become a safe heavy vehicle driver and enabling real employment outcomes. A purpose-built training facility will further enhance industry’s ability to access skilled and job ready driver candidates.”