A major investment in transport industry training is set to strengthen Australia’s future heavy vehicle workforce, with $2.5 million committed to upgrading training facilities at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park.
The funding aims to help address growing skills shortages across the freight and transport sector, while preparing apprentices for both today’s heavy vehicles and the emerging technologies that will shape the industry’s future.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Skilled Workers
The investment comes at a critical time for the transport industry.
According to government projections, road freight demand is expected to increase by almost 80 per cent by 2050, creating significant demand for skilled workers capable of building, maintaining, repairing, and servicing trucks, trailers, and buses.
At the same time, Australia’s heavy vehicle manufacturing and maintenance workforce is ageing, with almost half of all vehicle body builders currently aged 45 or older.
Industry leaders say attracting and training the next generation of technicians will be essential to keeping Australia’s freight network moving.
What’s Included in the Upgrade?
The funding will deliver several improvements at the Wetherill Park campus, including:
New Outdoor Practical Training Area
A purpose-built covered outdoor learning space will provide apprentices with dedicated areas for:
- Heavy vehicle dismantling
- Assembly work
- Practical vehicle manufacturing training
- Hands-on industry experience
The new facility is designed to better replicate real-world workshop environments and provide students with practical skills employers are seeking.
Engineering Workshop Improvements
The campus will also receive upgrades to its engineering facilities, including:
- New industry-compliant extraction systems
- Improved safety infrastructure
- Upgraded grinding room facilities
These improvements aim to create safer and more effective learning environments for students undertaking engineering and fabrication training.
Exposure to Future Truck Technology
As part of a partnership between TAFE NSW and clean energy company Pure One, apprentices will also gain hands-on experience with emerging heavy vehicle technologies.
Pure One has provided a hydrogen-powered electric prime mover valued at approximately $780,000 for educational use.
The vehicle will allow students to learn about:
- Hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles
- Battery electric technologies
- Alternative fuel systems
- Emerging transport technologies
The initiative is designed to ensure future technicians are prepared for the evolving vehicle technologies expected to become increasingly common across Australia’s transport industry.
Supporting Western Sydney’s Freight Hub
The investment has been welcomed by industry leaders, particularly given Western Sydney’s growing importance as a freight and logistics hub.
The region is home to:
- Major distribution centres
- Manufacturing precincts
- Transport operators
- Industrial estates
- The future Western Sydney Airport
Training workers close to these key freight and logistics centres helps create a stronger pipeline of skilled workers for local employers while supporting broader economic growth.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
The latest funding builds on broader government investment in advanced manufacturing and transport training facilities, including significant investment in TAFE NSW’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at Wetherill Park.
Construction of the new outdoor learning area is expected to begin during 2026, while engineering facility upgrades are scheduled for completion in 2027.
Why It Matters for the Transport Industry
The heavy vehicle industry continues to face workforce shortages across multiple skilled trades.
From vehicle manufacturing and repairs through to fleet maintenance and emerging technology servicing, businesses are increasingly competing for qualified workers.
Investments like this help:
✅ Address skills shortages
✅ Support apprenticeship pathways
✅ Prepare workers for new vehicle technologies
✅ Strengthen the future transport workforce
✅ Support long-term freight industry growth
As freight demand continues to rise, developing skilled workers will be just as important as investing in roads, vehicles, and infrastructure.
At Logbook Checker, we know that a strong transport industry starts with skilled people. Supporting the next generation of technicians and tradespeople will be critical to keeping Australia’s freight network moving safely and efficiently for decades to come.