A major drawcard of the program is the opportunity to get work quickly after participants complete the course.

A hands-on transport and warehousing course offered by Victoria University has taken top honours at the recent Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Awards.

The institution’s Ready to Work program won the Training, Education and Development category, beating finalists from other universities, government organisations and private companies.

The four-week program helps tackle Australia’s shortage of logistics and transport workers by fast-tracking students into the industry. It offers a comprehensive range of hands-on and classroom transport and warehousing training, taught in nationally accredited competency units.

Explains Peter Jacobson, head of VU’s Industry Skills Training, "Anyone can get a forklift licence, but are they ready to work? This training fills the gaps and ensures that new starters have the background knowledge to be productive from the first day."

Taught by trainers direct from the industry, the course includes the basics of driving a heavy vehicle, securing cargo, operating a forklift, workplace communication, fatigue management, navigating by maps, occupational health and safety, and teamwork.

A major drawcard of the program is the opportunity to get work quickly after participants complete the course. One of the course’s major partners, family-owned business, Peter Sadler Transport, has already recruited several employees.

The course can be tailored to address skills shortages in specific areas of the industry. One session was custom-made and run exclusively for female employees of Australia Post.

Students are recruited through job networks or training organisations, or can register directly. The program has clear links to further study at higher certificate levels.