From Determination to Opportunity: Emma’s Iron Women Journey

A Dream Years in the Making 

For Emma, driving trucks wasn’t a new ambition…it was a goal she had been working towards for years. 

After spending more than 15 years working on farms, Emma developed a strong interest in Transport. She earned her Heavy Rigid (HR) licence six years ago, hoping it would be her pathway into trucking. However, like many new drivers, she faced the challenge of needing experience to secure a job, while needing a job to gain experience. 

“It’s been a long hard road and it hasn’t been easy. At times, I thought it would be easier to give up, but I pushed on and didn’t give up,” says Emma now. 

Finding the Right Opportunity 

“I came across this Volvo Iron Women Program on Facebook and I enquired and got the chance to enroll and complete it. That’s where everything started and that’s when the doors started to open up.” 

Emma knew she had the drive and determination to succeed, but like many aspiring drivers, she struggled to gain the experience employers were looking for. 

With the support of WomenCAN Australia, Emma enrolled and quickly realised it offered far more than driver training. Through hands-on experience, industry exposure, and direct connections with employers, the program helped bridge the gap between holding a licence and securing meaningful employment. Just as importantly, it connected Emma with a group of supportive women who encouraged one another, built confidence together, and shared the same goal of creating a future in Transport. 

Building Confidence Behind the Wheel 

While the first few days were filled with nerves, Emma enjoyed watching the confidence of the group grow.  

“Everyone built up their confidence and we all supported each other. Watching the girls get in the truck and have a drive, and smiling because they’d never been in a truck before, let alone driving one themselves, was amazing.” 

With previous truck driving experience, Emma was eager for the driving component of the program. 

“I was ready to jump behind the wheel. Being in different trucks, different road conditions and different situations taught me a lot that I could take on board to become a safer truck driver.” 

Turning Training into Employment 

After completing the program, WomenCAN Australia helped Emma connect with local employers and showcase her transferable skills. Soon after applying with FOOTT, she received the news she had hoped for: a position as a Heavy Vehicle Operator. 

Today, Emma works as a Side Loader Operator with FOOTT, servicing collection routes across the Goulburn Valley. She enjoys the variety of the role and credits FOOTT’s welcoming culture, structured onboarding, and ongoing support for helping her build confidence and continue developing her skills. 

“They gave me about two weeks of buddy-up shifts and they offer ongoing support if I need it,” Emma said. 

Emma’s journey highlights the purpose of Volvo Iron Women: creating pathways for women into transport through training, industry connections, and support. 

“Completing this has led me to permanent employment with a local company. The company and other drivers are supportive and welcoming.” 

FOOTT CEO Andrew Yeoland said, “The waste and logistics industry offers fantastic career opportunities, and programs like Volvo Iron Women play an important role in creating more pathways for female drivers. Emma’s success is a credit to her determination, and we’re proud to have her as part of the FOOTT team.” 

Inspiring the next Cohort of Iron Women  

FOOTT kindly allowed Emma to return to the Volvo Iron Women Program recently, giving her the opportunity to share her story with our second cohort of participants at DECA in Shepparton. 

Arriving in her side loader truck, Emma spoke about her journey and provided inspiration and a real-life example of what can be achieved with determination, industry support, and the right opportunities. 

Emma’s visit was filled with plenty of questions, laughter, and meaningful conversations as women exchanged experiences, insights, and advice. It was a valuable opportunity for the women to connect with someone who had recently walked the same path and now building a successful career in transport. 

Looking Ahead 

Emma’s journey is only just beginning. She has recently secured her automatic Heavy Combination (HC) licence with Jo, the Volvo Iron Women trainer – a memorable moment for both of them. This qualification opens is a major milestone allowing Emma to operate larger vehicles such as semi-trailers and heavy transport trucks, opening the door to a wider range of roles, greater job opportunities and increased earning potential. 

Looking ahead, Emma plans to obtain her Multi Combination (MC) licence, the highest class of heavy vehicle licence in Australia. enabling her to drive road trains and B-double trucks 

“My goal in the next five to ten years is to head north driving tippers or stock and living life on 18-plus wheels.  I’m excited to start this new career and journey. This is only the beginning of something that’s going to be an adventure of a lifetime.” 

Emma’s story is proof that when women are given the right opportunities, support and industry connections, they can build successful careers in Transport and beyond.