Accelerating Change: New Program Paves the Way for Women in Trucking Careers
Holcim promotes vocational training and heavy vehicle licensing for women
Next month, Holcim will launch “Women on Wheels” (WoW), a new pilot program dedicated to attracting and offering vocational training and heavy vehicle licensing to women of all ages and diverse backgrounds interested in pursuing a career in road transport.
Beginning 4 March 2024, the WoW Program will support two female trainee drivers through a comprehensive seven-week training program, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain their Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence and secure a permanent Concrete Agitator Truck Driver role with Holcim Australia.
The program covers all facets of driver training, combining external driving school sessions for HR Licence, internal Holcim driver training, and participation in the Driver Education Centre of Australia (DECA) Rollover Pro Driver Program. This holistic training regime ensures that the participants not only meet industry standards but exceed them, setting a new benchmark for excellence in HR driving and career opportunities in driving heavy vehicles.
The WoW Program extends beyond training to encompass greater safety awareness, increased diversity in the workforce, and a more inclusive and skilled community of drivers.
The selection process for the “Women on Wheels” Program included a hands-on experience of the role of the Concrete Agitator Truck Driver at Holcim’s Wonthaggi Concrete Plant in Gippsland, Victoria.
The meticulous selection process ensures that the chosen individuals are the right fit for the challenging yet rewarding role of a concrete agitator truck driver.
Concrete agitator trucks are heavy vehicles used to transport ready-mix concrete while maintaining its quality by turning a drum with a spiral blade attached inside to agitate the concrete.
Holcim’s Head of Logistics, Ranjit Ratilal, says the benefits of the WoW program extend beyond the training, encompassing greater safety awareness, increased diversity in the workforce, and a more inclusive and skilled community of Concrete Agitator Truck Drivers.
“The WoW Program, already successfully implemented across Holcim globally, represents more than just a training initiative; it also includes a compelling safety aspect. Research consistently indicates that female drivers play a pivotal role in reducing road fatalities. The Australian Road Safety Foundation underscores this by emphasising that women are statistically more safety-conscious behind the wheel. Holcim’s focus on safety aligns with the broader societal benefits of having more women in the logistics workforce,” says Ranjit.
“The selection process for the WoW Program was anything but typical. Conducted at our Wonthaggi Concrete Plant in Victoria, seven local female candidates participated in an assessment centre-style evaluation. This not only allowed Holcim to assess their capabilities in various scenarios but also offered the candidates insights into their future employer and role. This meticulous process ensures that the chosen individuals are the right fit for the challenging yet rewarding role of a Concrete Agitator Truck Driver.”
In May, following the successful integration of the two appointed candidates into their permanent roles, a comprehensive review of the program will be conducted. This evaluation is a crucial step before considering recommendations for its future development.
Holcim’s commitment to diversity extends beyond the rhetoric. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. By tapping into a broad spectrum of experiences and approaches, Holcim aims to enhance innovation, agility, and ultimately improve customer outcomes.
