The Australian Trucking Association and Teletrac Navman are driving diversity change, announcing a groundbreaking initiative that will celebrate industry diversity, develop diversity champions, and improve industry image. 

“With the support of Teletrac Navman, the program will showcase diversity champions to the trucking industry and wider community, promoting positive perception of industry and encouraging new entrants into the workforce,” ATA chair Geoff Crouch said. 

Crouch said while Australia is experiencing a big shift in the perception of transport, there is still a lot of ground to cover when it comes to diversifying the workplace. 

“Data shows the average Australian truck driver is a 47-year-old male, with females accounting for only three percent of the driver workforce, and close to 60 percent of truck drivers are aged 45 years or older,” Crouch said. 

“Teletrac Navman are strong diversity champions and have demonstrated a strong commitment to drive positive change in the trucking industry. We are proud to partner with them for this initiative,” he said. 

Participants in the 2020 Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Programme will learn how to create change and facilitate diversity in their workplace and community, share personal insights into the development a marketing campaign that showcases diversity within industry and develop a strong professional network with like-minded individuals. 

“We are excited to be partnering with the ATA to champion change in transport. We know that there is a shortage of drivers in our industry and this program will help bolster diversity in the workforce,” said Megan Duncan, director of marketing, Teletrac Navman Australasia. 

“Our aim is to support an inclusive industry made up of all people from diverse communities. The benefits that come with having a diverse workforce are well known and we want to include all people in the future of transport.

“So, if you‘re just entering the workforce or going strong into your retirement years, have a disability or fit within any spectrum of society we want you to help build Australia‘s transport industry.”  

The programme has received the support of the Australian Government, recognising the importance of diversifying the industry and celebrating diversity champions. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to fostering a diverse trucking industry workforce. 

“The trucking industry has an ageing workforce and quite a low number of female drivers which is why increasing the diversity through initiatives such as this is so important,” McCormack said. 

“We understand changes are needed to attract more young people and women to this important line of work by offering a wider range of training and career opportunities.” 

The 2020 programme will consist of filming participant stories in their workplace, two days of diversity training, and marketing campaign development workshops from 31 March to 1 April 2020, participation in Trucking Australia 2020, in Cairns from 1 to 3 April 2020, and an industry marketing and promotional campaign.

Participants must be involved as an owner or employee in a trucking business that is a financial member of an ATA member association or TruckSafe. A participant could also be a direct member of an ATA association that offers individual membership.