The Australian Trucking Association has launched its InRoads Diversity and Inclusion program, with a further offering of 2,000 free diversity and inclusion education licences for members of state and sector trucking associations.
Previously known as the Driving Change Diversity program, the initiative has been “relaunched and refreshed” and is a “key pillar” within the ATA’s workforce agenda of attracting and retaining industry talent.
The trucking industry currently faces a shortfall of 26,000 positions annually, with that number expected to rise with increasing demand for online and direct to consumer purchases.
The ATA said that the increasing freight task is stretching trucking operators’ human resources and budgets, and opening up the industry to under-represented groups such as women, older workers, and multicultural groups is a key part of addressing the driver shortage.
ATA director of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships, Bianca D’Rosario said the program, which is based on courses from the SBS Inclusion Program, while provide a “short, sharp and general understanding of inclusion”, suitable for employees at any level.
The ATA hopes that this will enable workplaces to embed a culture of openness and acceptable of diverse employees.
“During the next 18 months, the program will provide access to important workplace safety courses: Appropriate Workplace Behaviour (including the Respect@Work and Psychosocial Hazards), Core Inclusion, Cultural Diversity and Gender Equity,” D’Rosario said.
“In an industry of small businesses and high travel, the 24×7 accessibility of the courses is especially valuable.”
Road Freight New South Wales chief executive officer Simon O’Hara added: “This is a really important program, which will help and support our members in better educating themselves about appropriate behaviour, inclusion, diversity and gender equality, in what has been a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“And at a time of labour shortages across the transport industry, demonstrating best-practice diversity, inclusion and gender equity standards will help recruit and retain people into our industry.”
The program is sponsored by Teletrac Navman, which is funding 5,000 free SBS Inclusion Program licences.
Get more information on the program and register for free licences on the ATA website.