The Australian Trucking Association has launched its InRoads Diversity and Inclusion program, offering 2000 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 as the ATA InRoads Diversity and Inclusion program, supported by partner Teletrac Navman.

The trucking industry reportedly faces a shortfall of 26,000 positions annually, a number that is expected to accelerate with increasing demand for online and direct-to-consumer purchases. Bianca D’Rosario, ATA Director of Marketing & Corporate Partnerships, said opening up the industry to under-represented groups — such as women, older workers and multicultural groups — is a key part of addressing the current trucking workforce shortage and a recurring theme from the ATA’s 2024 Driver Training and Workforce Summit.

The program is based on courses from the SBS Inclusion Program, which provide a short, sharp and general understanding of inclusion, suitable for employees at any level, enabling workplaces to embed a culture of openness and acceptance of diverse employees.

“We are grateful to Teletrac Navman, who has funded the program since 2020 and is generously sponsoring 5000 free SBS Inclusion Program licences. 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. In an industry of small businesses and high travel, the 24x7 accessibility of the courses is especially valuable,” D’Rosario said.

Sarah James, ANZ Marketing Manager of Teletrac Navman, added that the workplace safety and productivity benefits from inclusive workplaces will help to response to the industry’s growing workforce pressures. “Inclusive policies need to become standard in all industries. They’re just good business practice and good WH&S practice, which is what we’re in the business of delivering, and we’re keen to support the transport industry to succeed in this space too,” James said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Drazen Zigic