- Published:
- Sunday 31 October 2021
The Andrews Labor Government is backing local jobs and Victorians hitting the road as travel restrictions fall away, with new support to help manufacturers meet huge demand for locally-built caravans.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today announced 150 new jobs to boost caravan manufacturing in the state, as people spend more time touring now Melbourne and regional Victoria have come together in Phase C of the Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan.
The Labor Government with NORTH Link and Caravan Industry Victoria is providing specialist on-the-job training at caravan manufacturers in Melbourne’s north, including at Crusader Caravans in Epping.
Under the ‘earn and learn’ initiative, 150 workers will receive support and skill development in areas including assembly, service and repairs, warehousing and logistics, administration and sales to kickstart their new careers – while earning an income.
The jobs will go to those from priority groups that have been hardest hit by the pandemic including from CALD backgrounds, long-term unemployed and young people under 25 years.
Ten manufacturers have been engaged and the boosted workforce is helping the sector address workforce shortages. 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.
Melbourne’s north is the heartland of the nation’s caravan manufacturing industry. Some 20,000 caravans – 90 per cent of the Australian total – roll out the door of a Victorian factory each year.
The sector is worth $2.3 billion to the Victorian economy annually, with about 7,500 caravan industry workers drawing $600 million in wages every year.
The caravan initiative is supported by the Government’s $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, which is creating 10,000 steady and secure jobs for workers most impacted by the pandemic.
For information about the Jobs Victoria Fund and how businesses and individuals can apply, go to jobs.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
“The caravan industry is booming and this provides a great opportunity for Victorians to build a career in an industry that is really going places.”
“Being able to earn a wage while learning new skills and building knowledge on the job is a winning combination.”
Quote attributable to Caravan Industry Victoria CEO Rob Lucas
“People are travelling again and want more of our industry’s products and this program comes at a time when our employer members need it the most.”
Quote attributable to NORTH Link Executive Director Chris James
“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.”