More than 200 new jobs will be created in next two years

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VICTORIA'S caravan industry has taken an important step in improving the quality and commitment of its workforce.

The move follows a survey last year which identified that more than 200 new jobs would be created in the $4.5 billion industry during the next two years.

The Caravan Industry Association Victoria's Jobs, Career & Training Strategy was officially being launched today by the State's Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll.

Chief executive Rob Lucas (pictured) said manufacturing was the bedrock of Victoria's strength, accounting for 74 percent of jobs in the component sector and in building caravans and motorhomes.

"Even when we allow for Queensland’s strong position in manufacturing camper trailers, we still account for 64 percent of all manufacturing jobs – a massive total of 4123 jobs," he said.

"To put that in perspective, that's more than the total manufacturing jobs at Toyota, Holden and Ford combined before they ceased manufacturing.

“Anyone who thinks manufacturing is dead in Australia should take heart from the caravan industry nationally, and especially the Victorian landscape."

Mr Lucas said his association thought it pertinent to develop a jobs, careers and training strategy that would further strengthen the Victorian caravan and camping industry to attract and retain a motivated, innovative and rewarded workforce.

He thanked the Minister for launching the strategy, saying this demonstrated how he valued the contribution made by the caravan Industry to the Victorian economy.