Features include 24/7 emergency help and peer support forum
A new smartphone app, designed to support women in the freight and logistics sectors, has been developed by Wodonga Tafe with industry and government backing.
The Victorian government has announced its support for the Oz Truck App, which is intended to be a one-stop-shop for female truck drivers to give them the confidence and support they need on the road, following reports of bullying and intimidation by male counterparts.
The $1.38 million Oz Truck App is said to provide 24/7 emergency support during breakdowns and crashes, as well as an online forum for drivers to provide peer support, health and wellbeing information, and petrol station, weighbridge and rest-stop finders.
“The Oz Truck App is a great example of TAFEs working with industry in innovative ways – creating great opportunities for Victorians, stronger and more diverse workforces, and addressing skills needs,” Victorian Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said.
The app was developed after research undertaken at Wodonga TAFE identified negative cultural perceptions of women in the freight and logistics industry.
This included reports of intimidation and bullying by male counterparts, and a desire for more support and training for new female drivers and those of diverse backgrounds.
The project is now being piloted using 5,000 truck drivers before being rolled out for free to the broader industry.
As part of the Victorian Government’s Women Driving Transport Careers program, Wodonga Tafe developed the app in collaboration with Launchpad App Development – alongside Australia Post, Linfox, Volvo Group Australia, the Australian Trucking Association and Transport Women Australia.
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Wodonga TAFE CEO Phil Paterson said his team was proud to launch this new initiative alongside its industry partners.
“It’s an innovative app that will encourage more women to get involved in the industry and increase its professionalism, safety and diversity,” Paterson added.
Other initiatives to support women in transport careers include a VET ambassador in schools program, a diversity training program for middle managers in trucking organisations, the creation of a modified heavy vehicle training course and creation of a new truck driver capability framework.
Since 2014, the Victorian government said it has invested a record $3.2 billion to rebuild Tafe and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 includes a $383.8 million investment in the sector to ensure more Victorians get the training they need for in-demand jobs.