Truck Driving Skill Shortage in Australia

Truck driving ranks among the top five professions in Australia facing a skill shortage, with over 26,000 vacancies. This lack of skilled drivers poses significant challenges for the industry.

Impact on Businesses

Business owners and managers in the trucking sector report that they have equipment going unused. Their hesitation to invest in new, safer, and more effective trucks stems from uncertainty about finding qualified drivers to operate them.

Missed Opportunities for Aspiring Drivers

Meanwhile, aspiring drivers are missing out on wonderful job prospects and long-term career opportunities in this sector.

Success Story: Brad Train

The success story of our 2025 Professional Driver of the Year, Brad Train, exemplifies the potential of a trucking career. In his early twenties, Brad worked on a cattle station in the Northern Territory, intrigued by the life of road train drivers.

A Rewarding Career

Today, he is known for skillfully transporting heavy equipment while mentoring new drivers. In addition to his driving career, he has also become a skilled Muay Thai fighter. Truck driving provides a life full of travel and learning, offering immediate income without the burden of extensive educational debt.

Career Fact Sheets Initiative

With the backing of our Foundation Sponsors—bp, NTI, and Volvo Trucks—the ATA has introduced a series of career fact sheets aimed at informing students, parents, and career counselors about trucking career paths.

Key Findings on Earnings

The first fact sheet, titled “Earn More Before You’re 25,” reveals that truck drivers can earn upwards of $88,000 annually in their twenties, in contrast to first-year apprentice mechanics who make approximately $29,500 a year. These resources also compare truck driving with alternatives such as pursuing a business degree, which involves three years of study and $51,000 in debt.