Accelerating change: New program encouraging diversity in garbage truck drivers

Women are bucking tradition and becoming garbage truck drivers to boost lagging driver numbers. Here’s why Tasmanians are leading the nation.

Steph French and Sarah Picken who are truck drivers for Veolia. Women in wheels program being rolled out nationally. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

More Tasmanian women have become truckies amid fears of a national shortage of drivers because of an inclusion program.

Waste management company Veolia has increased female employment within the waste industry through an essential training, development, and inclusion-based program designed to create opportunities for women.

The Women on Wheels program first started in 2021, with Veolia ANZ chief executive Richard Kirkman saying it provided training and development to diversify their workforce.

So far more than 50 female drivers have been recruited.

“Across Australia, incredibly, women only make up 3 per cent of truck drivers nationally, yet female drivers are some of the best drivers we have,” Mr Kirkman said.

Steph French and Sarah Picken. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Kirkman said the program helped to establish those missing relationships between heavy vehicle drivers and employers to encourage on-the-job training.

“The most common barriers to getting started as a truck driver are the cost and time commitment to become accredited to drive these large trucks and have the assurance of a role once accredited. Women on Wheels takes care of all three,” he said.

“We provide structured training and development paid for by Veolia, and women learn on the job with supportive and experienced operators. At the end of it all, they commit to working for us for at least a year.”

Veolia WoW participant Steph French said the program was instrumental in launching her career as a truck driver.

“It allowed me to bypass the often-discouraging process of applying for jobs where my chances of success felt limited,” she said.

“It provided me with the opportunity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other women in the industry, creating a supportive network of individuals who shared my goals and aspirations.

“This sense of community and shared purpose was invaluable, and I truly believe that without the WoW program, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Steph French and Sarah Picken. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Kirkman believes encouraging women into the industry is the key to tackling the labour shortage.

“It has been estimated that there are around 20,000 vacancies for truck drivers nationwide,” he said.

“We know women are interested in driving heavy trucks but the pathways just weren’t easily accessible. Women on Wheels opens a door to that career.”

Since the program’s debut in Tasmania, more than 50 roles have been created and filled by women, with the program now on track to be deployed across the country.

“We will be looking to roll this program out nationwide,” Mr Kirkman said.

“We have a WOW program running in South Australia and have recently advertised for Expressions of Interest in Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia.”