The AU$250-million Jobs Victoria Fund supporting the Australian Government’s “earn and learn” caravan initiative will see up to 150 workers receiving assistance and skills improvement in areas like assembly, repair and service, warehousing and logistics, as well as administration and sales. This will help them start their careers and earn income, a report said.
The on-the-job training will be offered by the State Government with NORTH Link and Caravan Industry Victoria at caravan manufacturing facilities in Melbourne‘s north, such as the Crusader Caravans located in Epping.
“Ten manufacturers have been engaged, and the boosted workforce is helping the sector address workforce shortages,” Minister Pulford said in a statement.
“Crusader Caravans will take on two new staff members as part of the program and will soon increase its factory size to meet soaring demand from long-time caravanners and recent converts to mobile holidays.”
Caravan Industry Victoria CEO Rob Lucas said that the initiative would support manufacturers in meeting the massive demand for locally-built caravans as travel restrictions fade off.
“People are traveling again and want more of our industry’s products, and this program comes at a time when our employer members need it the most,” Lucas declared.
NORTH Link Executive Director Chris James stated that the positions would be given to people who belong to the most affected groups by the pandemic, including those from the CALD background, long-term unemployed, and youth under 25.
“It is a win-win – it will supply workers to a growing industry and also help people find a job while giving them the support they need to adjust to a new career,” James said.
Melbourne‘s northern region is at the heart of the caravan manufacturing industry in Australia. Around 20,000 caravans (90 percent of the Australian total) leave the doors of the Victorian factory every year.
The industry is worth AU$2.3 billion for the Victorian economy every year. Around 7,500 workers from the caravan industry earn AU$600 million in wages every year.