Transport is a major contributor to urban air pollution which leads to a range of serious health effects, as well as visual pollution and damage to buildings.

A small percentage of trucks accounts for a significant portion of emissions, with 2 percent of vehicles accounting for around 10 percent of truck emissions (Monash University, Field Operations Research Section, 1996). Reducing emissions from these vehicles would deliver substantial environmental benefits.

Since March this year, TAFE NSW - South Western Sydney Institute, Wetherill Park College has been offering free courses on 'How to Reduce Truck Emissions'. Sponsored by the Roads and Traffic Authority NSW, these 3-hour courses provide truck drivers and operators with practical measures to reduce truck emissions, improve profitability and reduce the risk of being fined.

The Institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NSW Road Transport Association to promote skill development, particularly where skills shortages currently exist. NSW Transport Association represents 600 member companies with 37,000 employees.

The aims of the Memorandum are:

• to build the professionalism of NSW road transport operators
• to provide training that will bring new people into the industry by addressing skills shortages
• to put in place a range of new training programs developed jointly by TAFE NSW and the NSW Road Transport Association.

TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute (SWSI) and the NSW Road Transport Association recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote skill development. Pictured (l-r) are Terry Crotty, Trevor Smith (SWSI), Alan Eipper, Lyle White (NSW Road Transport Association), Dianne Murray (SWSI), Martin Iffland, Philip England, Deidre Ackerman (NSW Road Transport Association), Robert Warburton and Margaret Stuart (SWSI)

Martin Iffland, Chief Executive of the Association, said that his organisation would benefit greatly from the expertise that TAFE NSW can bring to the industry: 'TAFE NSW has a well-earned reputation as a training provider of the highest quality.'

Wetherill Park College is the base for heavy vehicle training in the South Western Sydney region. This new arrangement will increase the importance of South Western Sydney Institute as a key provider for transport-related training in NSW.

Dianne Murray, Acting Institute Director, said that both organisations are keen to develop a range of training programs to provide the skills needed by the transport industry and to boost the career prospects of transport workers.