By Aaron Cordy
AUSTRALIA’S population means more freight on the road. The trouble is Australia faces a significant driver shortage by 2030 if the industry doesn’t begin to think outside the cab.
Australia’s road freight demand is expected to grow by 80 per cent by 2030, while the industry is already short of more than 28,000 truck drivers. This shortage is projected to worsen as the ageing workforce approaches retirement and fewer younger people enter the profession. Women remain significantly under-represented in truck driving roles, making up just 4.4 per cent of truck drivers.
Recognising the potential solution to the problem, WomenCAN Australia (WC), Wodonga TAFE (WT), Volvo Trucks Australia (VT), and Transport Women Australia Limited (TWA) have collaborated to form the Iron Women Program. A comprehensive training program designed to support women with no prior transport experience in becoming job-ready heavy vehicle operators.
As part of the Iron Women Program, participants and representatives from WC, WT VTA, and TWA toured FOOTT’s Shepparton operation earlier this month, before the women spent a week in the dedicated Iron Women Volvo truck in pairs and with their DECA trainer, hitting the roads across the GV to gain the experience needed before sitting their licensing tests.
“The role of supportive employers like FOOTT in Iron Women can’t be understated. They allow women in the program to understand more about the industry and the available pathways available to them,” said WomenCAN Australia CEO Heather Saunders.
FOOTT CEO Andrew Yeoland said the program provided practical exposure for participants considering operational roles.
“It was good to have the group on site and give them a look at how the operation runs,” said Mr Yeoland.
“Our industry is always looking for capable people, and programs like this help give participants a better understanding of the work before they step into it.”
The Iron Women program supports women gaining a truck licence, connecting with real job opportunities and receiving ongoing mentoring and industry support to secure transport careers and build a stronger, more sustainable driver pipeline.
