The critical role of training and skills development in decarbonising the transport industry will be a key focus at TruckShowX, with representatives of Canberra Institute of Technology and Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance set to speak at the event.

Adam Ritzinger, HVIA Chief Technical Officer and TruckShowX Technical Program Manager, says skills and training requirements are all “incredibly relevant to any efforts by the heavy transport sector to decarbonise”, and will feature in a special session at Australia’s largest-ever transport industry decarbonisation show.

The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) provides training for around 20,000 students each year and developed one of Australia’s first technical training programs for vehicle technicians working on next-generation electric vehicles.

Richard Lindsay, a Teacher Level 2 who oversees the electric vehicle program development and training at CIT, will speak on CIT’s low- and zero-emissions training programs and future focus.

He will also address vital industry queries concerning staff training requirements and compliance with the Australian Standard AS5732:2022 (electric vehicle operations, maintenance, and repair).

“RTOs have an important role in preparing the industry as we transition into zero-emissions vehicles with the knowledge and skills for now and into the future. Strong Industry connections is the key to the best training outcome,” Lindsay says.

“A positive that we are seeing, as we are transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles, is that it’s attracting a new type of apprentice which will help in lowering the staff shortage gap as we move forward.”

Lindsay will be joined on stage by Michael Rose, Manager Industry Engagement at the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA), the Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) for the mining and automotive industries.

AUSMASA is one of 10 JSCs funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. The councils were established to provide industry with a strong, more strategic voice, ensuring Australia’s VET sector delivers better outcomes for learners and employers.

Rose will present on AUSMASA’s work and the outlook for the heavy vehicle sector.

“AUSMASA recognises the vital role that training, skills and workforce development will have in decarbonisation of industry to ensure the future environmental landscape,” he says.

“Our relationships with industry and training providers will help inform a solutions-based approach, ensuring the future workforce is properly trained and equipped to support the industry’s transition towards electrification.”

A spin-off of the hugely successful Brisbane Truck Show, TruckShowX is set to be the biggest trucking industry decarbonisation event held to date in Australia.

To be held May 13-14, 2024 at RACV Cape Schanck Resort in Victoria, it will explore low and zero-emissions vehicles (LZEV) and technology, and unpack the interconnected ‘ecosystem’ of equipment, infrastructure, services, regulations, policies, and people that must exist for them to work as a solution.

The two-day event will feature keynote presentations from global leaders in LZEV adoption, supported by practical case studies of local operators leading the decarbonisation effort.

Complementing this will be an expo showcasing the latest low- and zero-emissions vehicles and related technologies and, uniquely, a drive-day opportunity to get behind the wheel of the latest LZEVs.

Click here for the full TruckShowX program – and here to book your ticket/s.

TruckShowX is supported by Gold Sponsors NTI, Caltex and Hyzon, Research Partner National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO), Industry Partner NatRoad, Networking Event Partners Geotab, NewVolt and Container Transport Alliance Australia, Charity Partner Healthy Heads Trucks & Sheds, and Media Partner ROADBOSS.