Women are gradually breaking down the gender barriers in the logistics sector. Thanks to more training opportunities, they are increasingly stepping into roles previously occupied by men Audrey Thabile (36) is one example. She is a driver tester at SA’s largest truck driving academy, Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS). Armed with her Code 14 licence, Professional Driving Permit (PDP), and Dangerous Goods Permit, after completing driver training at ILS, she was found to be such a remarkable candidate she was hired to join their training team. “I love trucks. It’s been that way since I was young. When I came across Innovative Learning Solutions’ Introduction to Advanced Driving Techniques course, I knew I had to sign up for it. The training was exactly what I needed because I had already conducted my Code 14 training and testing with a three-axle truck – and the ILS programme uses a Volvo Superlink which requires more skill to handle. Trucking companies want drivers who are competent in the Superlink, and a competency certificate proves you know what you are doing,” says Thabile.Tasked with grooming a mostly male audience on how to tackle the challenges of the road, Thabile considers herself the best man – ahem woman – for the job.According to Arnoux Maré, CEO and founder of ILS, Thabile was also the company’s first female driver training candidate. “We are expanding our offering to offer more women the skills they need in logistics – whether as controllers, planners or logistics managers. We cover the skills you need for this in-demand industry. We look forward to seeing more women equip themselves with the necessary skills to master working in the field, whether manoeuvring a Superlink truck or working in FMCG and the logistics industry, traditionally considered a male-dominated industry.” According to Thabile, women often don’t opt for logistics as a career as it is so often thought of as a man’s job, especially driving. “Driving is gender-neutral. It is not reserved for a specific gender, but many studies have proven that women generally are safer drivers than men, yet there are fewer of us driving professionally,” she says.With more women carving their mark in logistics and driving, Maré is confident the industry will reach parity. “Our job at ILS is to make sure we minimise any stumbling blocks in the path for women in logistics by providing them with the opportunity to upskill themselves and make them better and safer drivers.”
