Truck driving, a traditionally male-dominated industry, is gradually experiencing a shift towards inclusivity and gender diversity.
In Australia, as of 2021, only about 2.9% of truck drivers were women, reflecting the underrepresentation of women in this sector.
Addressing this gender gap, Alex Fraser and its parent company, Hanson Australia, launched the Trainee Driver Program in 2018, a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering women and offering them a pathway to successful careers in truck driving.
The Trainee Driver Program: Paving the Way for Women
The Trainee Driver Program by Alex Fraser and Hanson Australia is designed to provide women with comprehensive training and employment opportunities in the truck driving sector.
This five-week intensive training program includes theoretical education and practical driving instruction, ultimately leading to the acquisition of a Heavy Rigid (HR) license.
Graduates of the program are then offered full-time positions as concrete agitators and tandem tipper drivers.
The program’s success is evident, with the initial program in 2018 graduating seven women drivers. Subsequent programs in 2021 and 2022 trained and employed more women, demonstrating the growing interest and momentum among women seeking truck-driving careers.
Creating Opportunities for Young Women
Jeff Burns, Hanson Australia’s Regional Human Resources Manager, emphasises the inclusivity of the Trainee Driver Program, which welcomes applicants from diverse professional backgrounds.
“It’s a big boost for the participation of women in our business. We have trainees from all walks of life, including personal care attendants, chefs, retail assistants, traffic controllers, hospitality and hair and beauty specialists,” he says.
The program has attracted candidates from personal care attendants to chefs, reflecting the diversity of individuals eager to enter the truck driving industry.
A Graduate’s Perspective: Mira Novak’s Success Story
Mira Novak, a graduate of the Trainee Driver Program, shares her inspiring journey into the truck driving profession.
Motivated to re-enter the workforce after starting a family, Novak seized the opportunity presented by the program. Encouraged by the supportive environment and the prospect of obtaining her HR license, she embarked on this transformative experience.
“When I started, I didn’t see many women driving trucks. In the past couple of years, I’ve noticed many more women driving or working in positions that men have traditionally filled. It’s great driving into sites and seeing women operating heavy machinery,” she says.
Novak highlights the significance of the program’s ‘women only’ aspect of the program, which created a comfortable and empowering learning environment. She notes that the program empowered her not only with driving skills but also with essential life skills such as time management and customer service.
Paving the Way Forward
The program has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in this traditionally male-dominated field by providing women with training, opportunities, and a supportive community.
As Mira Novak encourages, women aspiring for a rewarding truck driving career have a golden opportunity to apply for the upcoming Trainee Driver Programs by Alex Fraser and Hanson Australia.
Learn more about the program and how to sign up via the Alex Fraser Careers Page.
