Congratulations ONTTC, 2025 Industry Collaboration Award Finalist

This Victorian Training Award recognises an exemplary skills development collaboration between at least one employer and/or industry body and at least one organisation delivering nationally recognised vocational education and training.

The Outer Northern Trade Training Centre (ONTTC) TEC Program is a strategic collaboration between industry and education designed to address critical shortages of skilled technical workers in the heavy automotive sector. Uniting industry leaders Cummins APAC, Komatsu Australia, Daimler Truck, Westar Trucks, Bayfords Automotive Group, with ONTTC and the Australian Institute of Training, created life-changing vocational pathways for youth from under-resourced communities.

Delivered through the VET Delivered to Secondary Students program, the initiative focuses on equipping secondary students with industry-relevant skills and qualifications in heavy vehicle maintenance and repair. Students have technical training, job skills and career guidance at ONTTC. Industry partners provide trainers and high-end equipment.

In 2024, the TEC program achieved a 67% completion rate, with 71% of graduates securing employment within six months and a further 21% progressing to further study. Fostering practical education opportunities, the collaboration bridges the gap between vocational training and industry needs and potentially breaks the cycle of poverty and generational unemployment.