Wodonga TAFE and The Gordon Institute of TAFE tested a hub-and-spoke training model for Victoria’s transport and logistics sector. Funded by the Victorian Skills Authority, the $190,000 project explored how a well-equipped central training provider could work with other TAFEs or industry sites to deliver training where it is needed.
In vocational education and training, a hub-and-spoke model refers to a service delivery arrangement where a central ‘hub’ with higher capability is connected to ‘spokes’, such as another TAFE, campus, study centre or industry training workshop.
Delivered from September 2025 to June 2026, the project included research, consultation with 13 freight and transport businesses, pilot course development, training delivery and evaluation. 4 drivers from Josie’s Transport completed the Geelong pilot. Feedback from learners and project partners was positive. The project showed that industry-informed training can improve access, strengthen workforce capability and respond to regional needs. It also identified challenges including partner availability, organisational change and limited time to upskill a teacher.
Industry consultation highlighted recruitment and retention pressures, new technology and the need to confirm worker competency. Priority training areas included post-license driver training, load restraint and mass management, frontline leadership, heavy vehicle licensing and emerging vehicle technology. The project produced guiding principles to help future partners plan adaptable, efficient and lower-risk hub-and-spoke models. These cover purpose, scope, stakeholders, governance, delivery and learner support, supported by a 3-level framework for strategic, management and operational decisions.
Future projects should allow enough time for coordination, define responsibilities and regulatory requirements early and use practical tools for delivery and evaluation. Wodonga TAFE and The Gordon could also explore further training in Geelong, including a Certificate III in Sustainable Logistics focused on supply chain automation. The project provides a practical foundation for expanding collaborative, industry-responsive training across Victoria’s TAFE network.
Find out more about our Local Skills Partnerships Program.
Updated