Industry Skills Australia (ISA) attended the Tasmanian Transport Association’s (TTA) Annual Conference on 29 July 2026 in Devonport, Tasmania. The conference brought together stakeholders from across the road, rail, port and shipping sectors, including industry leaders, employers, government representatives and training stakeholders, to discuss the current and future opportunities and challenges shaping Tasmania’s transport supply chain industries across the state.
ISA’s Senior Engagement Manager, Camilla Elmes, attended the conference, which featured a comprehensive program covering critical infrastructure improvements to support freight efficiency, upcoming regulatory and compliance changes, and government initiatives focused on workforce development. The conference also provided an opportunity for ISA to engage with employers and industry stakeholders, share insights on emerging workforce challenges, and discuss ISA’s active projects and program of work across the transport supply chain industry, including initiatives focused on workforce attraction, skills development, training pathways and industry capability building (LINK to Projects).
A key highlight was TTA’s Open Road Program, delivered in partnership with Rural Alive and Well (RAW), the Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association (TTOOA), and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania (RFDS). The program now includes a dedicated bus service that connects freight transport workers with essential health and wellbeing services, helping improve access to support across regional and remote communities.
The conference also showcased DriveTrain, TTA’s innovative workforce development initiative developed in collaboration with the Tasmanian Government. The program provides a structured pathway for driver development and licensing through supervised practice and workplace-based training, addressing critical workforce challenges facing the industry.
ISA is currently partnering with TTA and the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People on the Tasmanian Transport and Logistics VET in Schools Pilot Program, which is scheduled to commence in 2027. The pilot aims to introduce transport and logistics training opportunities in secondary schools, helping attract young people to the sector and strengthen future workforce pipelines.
ISA congratulates the Tasmanian Transport Association on delivering a highly successful event. The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in building a skilled, resilient and future-ready workforce.
