Putting our future in the hands of a new generation

Big Rigs column – May 2023

We have been delighted by the enthusiasm from students and their schools to come to the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show to look at career opportunities in the heavy vehicle industry.

HVIA facilitates an ongoing schools-to-industry tour program, as part of our workforce development program, however, the biennial truck show is the perfect forum to provide students with an overview of just how big the industry is, and just how diverse the opportunities are.

Not just that. It is exciting. There aren’t many students who come to the event who aren’t impressed by what they see. It is an incredible asset for us to be able to share with young people – some of whom we hope will be working on that floor in years to come.

In fact, we know that is highly likely because so many of the executives leading our members’ companies started in the industry in a trade.

That is a story that we share with the students – we invited ambassadors from various sectors of the heavy vehicle industry to share the stories of their fascinating and diverse career paths.

There is a consistent theme that has come through from all of them:

if you have a “can-do” attitude, and you are willing to throw yourself in and give things a red-hot go, …this industry has endless opportunities that will set you up for life.

The 2023 Brisbane Truck Show is proving to be the most successful yet at drawing students to take a look at the industry as potential employers.

At the time of writing the number of schools participating has gone past fifty, and the number of students is heading up towards 2,000.

We have a lot to offer them.

Australia’s automotive manufacturing industry is alive and well, with hundreds of innovative trailer, specialised vehicle, component, equipment and technology manufacturers and suppliers in addition to the product assembly of global heavy vehicle brands such as Volvo, Mack, Kenworth, DAF, SEA Electric and now Hyzon.

Australia’s Heavy Vehicle Industry directly employs over 80,000 people and manufactures, services and repairs some of the world’s most efficient, safe, innovative and technologically advanced vehicles.

A career in the heavy vehicle industry is about far more than just a singular skillset – it is how every individual’s contribution fits into the big picture. Each role is a vital cog in the machinery that allows the trucking industry to keep Australia moving.

On their visit to the truck show the students will watch a heat of the National Apprentice Challenge in the stadium-like South Bank Piazza.

Australia’s best have been selected to represent their State for two days of dynamic competition to find the best team in the country.

Entertaining and informative commentary, great interviews and presentations offer students a behind-the-scenes look at Australia’s vital heavy vehicle industry.

Then they will take the Brisbane Truck Show “careers walk” through the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Our new digital mapping offers students a self-guided tour of the show and highlights all the career specialists waiting to welcome students to their stands.

Exhibitors can’t wait to talk to students about the diverse career opportunities their companies have to offer.

We are opening the door to a new generation, it is up to each of us to welcome them through and to give them the guidance and support that will set them on their way.

We need them. They are our industry’s future.