The Allan Labor Government is paving the way for more women to build a career in Victoria’s growing public transport network – boosting the number of qualified women bus drivers in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams today announced a $550,000 Labor Government investment that will support the training and licensing of more than 300 new female drivers over the next three years.
The initiative will also provide scholarships worth $7,500 for 20 women each over three years to undertake bus mechanic apprenticeships.
The program and apprenticeships will equip candidates with the skills, capability and confidence to become professional bus drivers or mechanics.
Traditionally, there have been considerable barriers for women entering the transport industry including flexibility and cultural barriers – with the sector typically employing men in technical, operational and leadership roles.
The Bus Driver Training Program will be delivered through three of the state’s largest bus operators, Kinetic, CDC and Ventura, with industry group Bus Association Victoria Inc coordinating opportunities for regional operators to take part. Bus mechanic apprenticeships will be delivered by Tradeswoman Australia Foundation Ltd.
The Labor Government launched the Women in Transport committee in 2017, with women only making up 16 per cent of the sector – and since then, the figure has almost doubled to 31 per cent.
Since 2015, more than 20,000 extra weekly services have been added to Victoria’s public transport network, with opportunities for drivers to also support replacement bus services during major rail and road infrastructure works.
The Government recently announced new Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchises for around a third of the metropolitan bus fleet – fast tracking the replacement of existing diesel buses with 600 new zero emission battery electric buses by 2035.
As stated by Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
“We’re helping to overcome barriers and encourage more women to embark on a career in transport.”
“We are changing the culture in the transport industry and improving access to a better career progression for bus drivers and apprentices.”
