Throughout 2024, HVIA members have played an active role in the diverse range of Working Groups on offer, which have covered topics including trailer brake ADRs, powered trailers, decarbonisation, trailer wiring and workshop safety equipment.
In a series of Talk the Torque articles running until the end of the calendar year, HVIA is taking the opportunity to inform all members about the current suite of Working Group activities and invites any interested member to join a current Working Group or propose an entirely new one.
The first article kicks off with an announcement on HVIA’s newest Working Group, the Learning and Development Committee (LDC), headed by National Manager for Skills, Training and Workforce Development, Michael Rose.
The group comprises members from CMV Truck and Bus, Cummins, Toll Group and Penske. It had its first meeting last week at which Michael presented new industry data in areas specifically relevant to members, including the current workforce, apprenticeships and growth trends.
The current focus of the group is on technicians and how HVIA can support members in areas such as learning, skills, training and workforce development that they don’t have time or capacity to undertake.
The LDC members raised a number of areas needing focus, including national inconsistencies in the training pathway for Light Vehicle Technicians upskilling to Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technicians, via Recognised Prior Learning (RPL).
The LDC is headed by National Manager for Skills, Training and Workforce Development, Michael Rose (right)
Gaps in these areas exist despite the qualification itself being nationally recognised. From the technician’s perspective, it is not a smooth process to use RPL to transition into the heavy vehicle sphere.
Committee members also raised concerns about the misalignment between current training packages and the state of the industry. They note that recent moves to vehicle electrification have resulted in further misalignment in licensing requirements between states and suggest the current qualifications need to be reviewed.
In addition, the LDC has tasked HVIA with reviewing:
> The RPL process in each state to understand the differences members face; and
> The current Certificate III at a Unit of Competency level, again to better align with the state of the industry.
“National harmonisation is profoundly missing in the current training network and has been clearly identified as a focus area for the industry,” says Michael.
“Looking forward, as HVIA sit on a few national committees, the LDC is a really effective way to relay our learnings and make sure members are getting the same information and can contribute.”
For all matters relating to skills, training and workforce development, or to nominate a member for the LDC, contact Michael Rose at m.rose@hvia.asn.au.