Australia’s Truck Driving Skill Shortage
Truck driving ranks among the top five occupations in Australia facing a significant skill shortage, with over 26,000 unfilled positions. This gap in skilled labor is causing serious impacts across the industry.
Consequences for the Trucking Industry
Many trucking business owners are reporting idle equipment as they hesitate to invest in new, advanced trucks, fearing they won’t be able to find qualified drivers to operate them.
Opportunities for Aspiring Drivers
Meanwhile, many potential drivers are missing out on excellent job opportunities and promising long-term careers. The success story of Brad Train, the 2025 Professional Driver of the Year, illustrates the potential of a trucking career.
Brad Train’s Journey
In his early twenties, Brad worked on a cattle station in the Northern Territory, observing road trains and dreaming of a more exciting lifestyle. Today, he is highly regarded for transporting heavy equipment and mentoring new drivers, all while pursuing his passion for Muay Thai boxing.
Benefits of a Truck Driving Career
Truck driving presents an appealing alternative to traditional desk jobs, providing opportunities for travel, adventure, and earning while learning, without the burden of extensive education and significant student debt.
New Career Resources for Students
With the support of bp, NTI, and Volvo Trucks, the ATA has introduced new career fact sheets aimed at educating students, parents, and career advisers about the benefits of truck driving careers. These were launched at the 2025 Canberra CareersXpo, reaching thousands of high school students.
Comparative Earnings Overview
The first fact sheet, titled ‘Earn More Before You’re 25’, highlights that truck drivers can earn upwards of $88,000 per year in their twenties, significantly higher than entry-level positions in other fields such as mechanics or business graduates, who often face student debt. The second fact sheet explains the progression from a car license to a multi-combination license, detailing starting hourly rates for drivers.
As Australia evolves, it’s crucial for employers to focus on recruiting and training new talent in the industry, moving beyond just the current workforce.
