Following the success of the ground-breaking Driving Change Diversity Program in 2020, the Australian Trucking Association and Teletrac Navman have today opened nominations for the 2021 program.  

 

The 2021 program will celebrate industry diversity, develop diversity champions, and improve industry image, promoting positive perception of industry and encouraging new entrants into the workforce. 

 

“While the Australian trucking industry well-known for its diverse types of businesses and career opportunities, this diversity is not reflected in workplace demographics,” ATA Chair David Smith said.  

 

“Data shows the average Australian truck driver is a 47-year-old male, with females accounting for only three per cent of the driver workforce. Close to 60 per cent of truck drivers are aged 45 years or older. 

 

“Teletrac Navman are strong leaders in the diversity and inclusion space and have demonstrated a commitment to drive positive change in the trucking industry,” he said. 

 

Diversity Champion in the 2020 program Tanya De Landelles said there are many opportunities in the industry for all people. 

 

“In the past I have been overlooked for roles and experienced the culture of ‘it’s a job for the boys’ and that a female can’t do it, but we need to get young people and women involved in all aspects, as well as those with a disability as there are so many fulfilling roles,” Ms De Landelles said.  

 

Participants in the 2021 Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Program 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.  

 

Teletrac Navman’s Director of Marketing Megan Duncan said the organisation was proud to partner with the ATA for the delivery of the 2021 program.  

 

“Our ambition is to support an inclusive industry made up of all people of diverse communities,” Ms Duncan said.  

 

“The benefits of diverse workforces are well known, and we want to include all people in the future of transport.  

 

“Our 2020 Diversity Champions showcased what can be achieved, and we look forward to what our 2021 Diversity Champions will bring and how we can all help build Australia’s transport industry,” she said.  

 

The 2021 program will consist of filming participant stories in their workplace in April and promotional campaign, as well as a diversity training and development workshop and participation in Trucking Australia 2021 in October.  

 

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.  

 

The ATA and its member associations collectively represent the 50,000 business and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. Together, the ATA and its members are committed to safety, professionalism, and viability.  

 

For more information on how to participate, contact your ATA member association or visit www.truck.net.au/drivingchange    

 

To find your member association, head to www.truck.net.au/associations