Program Aims To Steel Women For Truck Driving Career

Volvo Trucks Australia, in conjunction with the Wodonga TAFE, this week launched the Australian pilot of the successful ‘Iron Women’ driver training program

Eleven candidates from five transport companies across three states will take part in the Australian pilot program of ‘Iron Women’, a driver training and licensing program aimed specifically at females.

In conjunction with Wodonga TAFE, Volvo Trucks Australia has launched the pilot of the program successfully run around the world to provide vocational training and heavy vehicle licensing to females of all ages and backgrounds interested in pursuing a career in road transport.

The three-module course covers all facets of driver training, from compliance, fatigue management and load restraint to initially obtaining a heavy rigid (HR) licence. On completion the participants will receive their Certificate III in Driving Operations.

After 12 months on the job as a HR driver, the participants will complete their final module of training and undertake their HC licence test.

Volvo Group Australia President and CEO Martin Merrick is hopeful programs like ‘Iron Women’ will help shift the dial on the traditional driver stereotypes and show that a career behind the wheel can be both fulfilling and rewarding.

He notes the transport industry is suffering from a chronic shortage of skilled drivers and, anecdotally, the industry’s image is an impediment to women considering a career in road transport.

“We see time and time again in our own business that diverse teams thrive whether it be on the shop floor or in our own headquarters. To see that sort of diversity reflected in our future transport industry would be a fantastic outcome,” he says.

Companies taking part in the pilot program include Team Global Express, Southeast Queensland Hauliers, John West Logistics, JATEC and Nolan’s Interstate Transport. One fully funded spot was also offered to a Tasmanian-based candidate.

Under the pilot program participants will undertake two weeks of classroom theory followed by one week of on road heavy vehicle training at Wodonga TAFE’s Barnawartha Vic Logic Campus using a Volvo FL Electric rigid and a counter-weighted Volvo FH 500 I-Save prime mover.

CEO Phil Paterson says Wodonga TAFE is delighted to be a partner in the program, which will also include presentations from experienced guest speakers including Melissa Weller from Heathy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, Heather Jones from Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls, and Kerri Connors, former tanker driver turned mental health advocate with rural and industry not-for-profit RAWTAS.

“This extends industry specific capability and support to women entering the road transport industry,” he says, adding it’s a “fantastic collaborative partnership underpinned by our joint commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse educational environment, equipping participants with the future skills for success in heavy vehicle industry.”

Top Image (L-R): The Class of ’23 – Richelle Bautista (TGE), Magdalene Faaumu (TGE), Kerri Connors (RAWTAS), Alex Stojanovic (Wodonga TAFE), Lisa MacDonald (SEQH), Caitlin Barlow (JATEC), Katherine Graham (SEQH), Casey Miru (JWL), Jacqui Lawson (TGE), Stacey Ponga (TGE), Diane Jackson (Tas), Kirsten Nufer (Nolan’s), and Tanya-Dee Bonner (SEQH)