- McGowan Government delivering $1.26 million Driver's Licence Training Support Program to get more young people into the construction industry
- Access to a driver's licence has been identified as a key barrier to apprenticeship employment
- Program builds on McGowan Government's commitment to boost construction workforce
A new driver's licence training initiative is removing barriers for young people training in the building and construction industry as part of the McGowan Government's efforts to get more workers into construction.
The Construction Training Fund's $1.26 million Driver's Licence Training Support Program gives students the opportunity to obtain a driver's licence while ensuring apprentices entering the construction workforce are job ready.
A driver's licence is a key requirement for many construction roles. Access to a driver's licence was identified as a key barrier to apprenticeship employment for young people at the State Government's 2021 Skills Summit.
The pilot program offers standard driver training and supervision to help participants gain a valid Western Australian driver's licence.
In addition, specialised training for driving in a construction environment, such as towing, safe management of vehicle loads, vehicle maintenance and driving in the sand will assist young people to develop awareness and skills in road safety and vehicle management.
The program complements the McGowan Government's $10 million Driver Access and Equity program, which helps disadvantaged drivers to get their licence, particularly in regional and remote areas.
The Driver's Licence Training Support Program will be available to 120 students, with 18 students currently participating in the first cohort.
The initiative is open to Year 11 and 12 students in the Construction Training Fund Scholarship Program, to supplement their pre-apprenticeship training.
For more information visit https://ctf.wa.gov.au/construction-futures/students/drivers-licence-support-program
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"My Government is committed to giving apprentices every opportunity to succeed in their chosen profession and creating a pipeline of skilled workers now and into the future.
"By helping construction industry trainees to get their driver's licence, we're providing practical support that will remove barriers to employment while helping to boost the workforce.
"This important initiative is putting apprentices in the driver's seat - ensuring they're job ready when they complete their training."
Comments attributed to Training Minister Simone McGurk:
"It's often said learning to drive gives us the keys to freedom - but for many young workers getting a driver's licence is also the key to employment. It can be truly life changing.
"The mobile nature of construction work makes having a driver's licence a necessity for most roles - and as a Government we want to remove any barriers that prevent people from entering the industry.
"This initiative gives young workers starting out in building and construction valuable life skills, ensuring they're ready to hit the ground running when they complete their training."
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Having a driver's licence opens so many doors for a young person with more education, training and employment opportunities.
"This program complements our existing $10 million Driving Access and Equity Program, which is already delivering great outcomes in a number of regions across the State.
"Since the Driving Access and Equity Program began in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions roughly 12 months ago, hundreds of disadvantaged people have either received a driver's licence or their learners permit, and with program expanding into other regions, that number will continue to grow."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Training Minister's office -6552 6600
Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500
