Sarah Picken, 30, had spent seven years working as a disability support worker and then 12 months as a traffic controller before finally taking the plunge and pursuing a career as a truck driver.
She joined waste management business Veolia in November 2021, taking part in a six-week training program called Women on Wheels, before securing her medium rigid (MR) licence and taking to the road.
Based at Veolia’s Cambridge depot, Sarah’s first role there was centred around Covid waste collection throughout Hobart. She then moved into side loader work about 12 months ago.
“I’m in an Iveco. This role is still quite new to me – but I love it, it’s been awesome,” she said.
“Every day is different. Working in residential waste collection is one aspect I really enjoy because you get to go out to people’s homes – and you see the kids come out and wave to you and get really excited when they see the truck!
“Being on the road is awesome. The truck is like your own little office. We spend a lot of time in them too, so it’s really like your second home.”
Sarah’s current role sees her working predominantly in the Kingston area. She’s part of a team of six drivers who collect general household waste, recycling and green waste.
When Sarah spoke about her family’s background in trucking, it was no surprise that Veolia was a perfect fit.
“My dad and his family used to run a company called Eastside Recycling. So growing up I used to go out in the truck with dad. It was kerbside collections when they used to have the recycling in crates on the side of the road,” she explained.
“As a kid growing up, I developed a love for trucks. I always wanted to drive a truck of my own and make it something I did for myself.
“What stopped me initially was the cost to go for my truck licence, as well as being a female in a male dominated industry – I was worried about putting myself out there.”
Sarah came across the Women on Wheels program after a friend saw an ad for it, so she decided to apply – and was one of the successful applicants.
Veolia launched Women on Wheels to help address driver shortages and bring more women into the industry.
The pilot program started in Tasmania in 2021 with six drivers, and Veolia has since added another three. Recently, the program was extended to South Australia, where another five women were hired.
Following its success, in 2025 the Women on Wheels program will be held in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and regional Victoria, along with another intake for Tasmania. Veolia says this will add at least another 14 female drivers to its ranks.
For Sarah, Women on Wheels provided the nudge she needed to give trucking a crack.
“I don’t think I would have done anything like this if it hadn’t have been for this program,” she said. “We learnt a lot over six weeks and built relationships with each other, as well as getting to know other people in the company before going out in the trucks,” she explained.
“We learnt about safety and how the industry operates, in a comfortable atmosphere. Everyone was really supportive and encouraging.”
With three years of experience now under her belt driving the medium rigid, Sarah’s hoping to soon upgrade to her heavy rigid licence.
“I’ve been speaking with the driver trainer who is confident in me going for my HR,” said Sarah. “I’m also studying my Certificate IV in Workplace Health and Safety, and Veolia has been really supportive of that too.”
For Sarah, the knowledge and experience she’s gained through completing the Women on Wheels program has been invaluable. “I’d definitely encourage more programs like the one I’ve been lucky enough to do,” she added. “For me it was a confidence thing, if it wasn’t for this program, I probably still wouldn’t be driving trucks today.”
When asked about her advice to others considering a career change into truck driving, Sarah responded. “If there are any women out there who want to drive trucks, just go for it, it’s the best thing I ever did. Here at Veolia, everyone has been so warm and welcoming. We work together as a team, and all have each other’s back.”