NEWS
Chill to launch female-only trucking program Refrigerated logistics company, Chill, will run a female-only training program for truck drivers in New South Wales. The business’ Sydney-based headquarters has been given an exemption to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, allowing it to advertise and run a female-only trucking training and education program. Chill lodged the exemption application last year, in a bid to lead the charge for women in the transport industry, particularly in light of growing staffing shortages across both the transport and warehouse sectors. Currently, women make up just 26 per cent of the transport industry in Australia – a figure Chill co-director Lauren Wade is keen to change. “The days of the stereotypical male ‘truckie’ sitting behind the wheel of a big rig are gone,” said Wade. “We’ve seen a significant shift in the transport and warehouse industries, particularly in the last few years, courtesy of the ageing workforce and a severe staff shortage. “It comes at a time when e-commerce and the demand for door-to-door delivery is on the rise, so businesses need to start thinking about a succession plan,
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with career progression, more family-
“It gives me time to think and reflect and
“We’d love to see similar businesses follow
friendly rosters, and new equipment and
I get to meet so many interesting people
suit and apply for their own exemption.
procedures.
along the way.
“An industry-wide shift would make
“Companies across the nation are looking
“It’s a great career option for people who
significant in-roads in addressing the
for good-quality, professional truck drivers
don’t want to be confined to an office, are
gender gap in the transport sector, while
and warehouse staff and women are
deadline and outcome driven, and want
training drivers at a time when we really
critical to filling these positions.
something that works in with their lifestyle.
need them.”
“Being able to run a trucking training
As a woman, I love the idea that I’m shifting
Women in Trucking Australia CEO Lyndal
program that is solely designed for women
the gender balance within the industry and
Denny welcomed the announcement.
means we can attract and retain them into
empowering other women to sign up and
“We congratulate Chill for setting the
employment and gain some momentum
give it a go.”
standard, for embracing change and for
for females in the industry.”
Chill is now working with industry bodies
actively developing and implementing
Chill Senior Planner Liesel Croukamp, who
to get the program up and running. The
strategies to recruit and retain female
started her career as a driver and returned
business will also help support the cost of
heavy vehicle drivers,” she said.
to the road during Covid-19, believes truck
truck licences for successful candidates.
“Their commitment to strengthening
driving is a fantastic career for women.
“These programs have the potential to be
the pipeline of female talent into this
“I absolutely love being out on the open
rolled-out state-wide, providing a longevity
traditionally male-dominated vocation gives
road and spending time behind the
plan for attracting and skilling women in the
aspiring female truckies hope that the tide
wheel,” she said.
sector,” said Wade.
is starting to turn.”
Trailer Magazine APRIL 22
