Victorian Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford has announced 150 new jobs to boost caravan manufacturing in the state.
Supported by the Government’s $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, the ‘earn and learn’ caravan initiative will see 150 workers 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 specialist on-the-job training will be provided by the State Government with NORTH Link and Caravan Industry Victoria at caravan manufacturers in Melbourne’s north, including at Crusader Caravans 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 the initiative would help manufacturers meet huge demand for locally built caravans as travel restrictions fall away.
“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,” Mr Lucas stated.
NORTH Link Executive Director Chris James said the jobs would 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.
“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,” Mr James concluded.
Melbourne’s north is at the centre of Australia’s caravan manufacturing industry. Some 20,000 caravans – 90% 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.
