Why Women Should Consider Working In The Trucking Sector

If you're familiar with the trucking sector, then you know that job opportunities are always available. Indeed, regardless of the state of the economy, small businesses use transportation services to make sure their cargo gets delivered to one of their chosen destinations. However, the Canadian trucking industry is essentially composed of male drivers. This is because of the various barriers that women face both when they apply for trucking jobs, and also try to develop their career. This article explains why women should consider working in the trucking sector.

Women are currently under-represented in the trucking industry

Statistics from the Trucking Human Resource Canada (THRC) reveal that women are under-represented in the transportation services sector. While women make up about half of Canada's labor force, they only represent 3% of the country's truck drivers, mechanics, technicians and cargo employees. This indicates the presence of a problem in the field, which the Canadian government has decided to tackle within the next few years by providing assistance to aspiring female trucking workers.

Public funds will be allocated to help women enter the trucking sector

In a speech that she made recently, Minister of labor Kellie Leitch stated that the government was going to fund two programs to facilitate the integration of women in the trucking industry. The first program will be in the form of a mentorship for female employees, while the second one will seek to increase the number of women present in the trucking sector. The purpose of both programs will be to create more economic opportunities for women, and help them thrive financially.

Why should things change?

There are two major reasons:

• The trucking sector is facing a shortage of skilled workers
• There's a positive correlation between women's success and Canada's economic prosperity

According to a prediction that the Conference Board of Canada made, the nation could be confronted with a significant shortage issue of 25K to 33K drivers by 2020. The shortage is being caused by the fact that the trucking sector's workforce is aging rapidly, and retirees aren't being replaced at a corresponding rate.

Leitch noted that Canada's economic stability depends on the success of women. Just like trucking leaders across the industry, she recognizes that women are capable to hold roles in this sector, and that they simply need to be mentored.

Women are needed in the trucking industry, and given all the resources that are being mobilized to attract them, they should consider having a career in that sector through a company like Ashton Transport Ltd.