The Australian Trucking Association has welcomed the driver education and training division of Wodonga Institute of TAFE, DECA as an associate member, deepening the close relationship of both organisations and their commitment to improving driver training and working towards a safe, professional and viable trucking industry.

“The addition of a leading provider of training and driver education in DECA to the ATA is a real win for our combined commitment to a safe and professional industry,” said ATA Chair Noelene Watson.

“With its focus on driver education and training, DECA fits firmly within the ATA’s vision for a safe and professional industry, and they’ll bring significant value to the wider ATA family and industry as we pursue improved driver training, assessment and safer roads,” Mrs Watson said.

DECA’s associate membership of the ATA will build on its existing strong relationship in encouraging excellence in safety and training in the trucking industry.

“DECA is the current sponsor of the ATA’s Training Excellence Award, which seeks to encourage transport operators to take considered pro-active action to improve their organisation’s training strategy and to improve their safety culture. The stories behind the finalists and winner will increasingly be used as case studies of benchmark performance and to illustrate potential and actual improved safety outcomes,” she said.

Wodonga Institute of TAFE CEO, Mark Dixon said “we are delighted with the associate membership DECA now has in the ATA as the logical progression of our close relationship. Membership will furnish opportunity for more collaboration and serve to combine the specialist skills and influence of both organisations. DECA’s goals align with those of the ATA seeking safer roads, improved efficiency and the increased esteem for drivers and operators consistent with the road transport industry’s’ vital importance to the Australian economy.

The ATA and DECA have worked closely together on a number of policy issues, including the 2016 revision of the truck driver medical standards. The new standards set out a clear process and individual assessment to enable safe, experienced drivers to continue driving, even if their hearing loss with hearing aids exceed the allowable threshold.

As an associate member of the ATA, DECA will be able to participate in the development of ATA policy, internal committees and the ATA General Council. “

DECA was established as a training complex in the Goulburn Valley, and has since grown into a leading provider of driver education and training services. A business division of Wodonga Institute of TAFE since 2013, DECA works alongside some of Australia’s largest industries, sharing knowledge and expertise to develop a wide range of engaging and industry-relevant courses.

DECA’s vision and mission is to be Australia’s centre of training excellence and contribute to a safe environment for all road users.