Tamworth Transport Supply Chain Cluster (TTSCC) has secured funding through the Regional Employment Trials program, which has allowed the group to bring in a TAFE-accredited simulator.

This will help people graduate from a car to heavy rigid licence, which is the first step in becoming a seasoned truck driver.

Coordinator of the TTSCC, Susan Sims, said the program was not just for those pursuing a career in the industry, but it could also be useful for the likes of farmers, who often can't afford the $1500-plus that it costs for lessons.

"We are obviously looking for people interested in making the transport industry a career, but there may be people on farms or other industries who haven't had the money to pay for their own training," she said.

"The whole concept of the Regional Employment Trial funding is to cast the net wide."

She said one of the other major focuses of the upcoming training program was to assure that new truck drivers were actually ready to be on the road.

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Having a licence doesn't necessarily make people good drivers, she said, and it was important to provide "pre and post training".

Increasing the number of women in the workforce is also something Ms Sims is keen to do.

People will need to be screened, do some paperwork and be available for the courses on either Wednesday, May 12, Thursday, 13 or Friday 14.

Anyone who is interested in taking part will need to register through research@wixim.com.au

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