Get women behind the wheel - campaign launched for more female lorry drivers
It may be a career that most women wouldn't even consider - but professional racing driver Rebecca Jackson urged girls to get behind the wheel of a HGV at an exciting competition launch in Cannock.
The exclusive campaign was hosted by HerGV to encourage women into the haulage profession by offering the chance to win all expenses paid training and a work placement.
At the event held at the M6 Toll services yesterday, TV presenter and Le Mans driver Rebecca spoke of her delight at being part of the initiative.
She said: "Ultimately this is a competition for women and girls to win a HGV licence and M6 Toll are backing it.
"Only one per cent of the female population are HGV drivers so there is a massive population that are not being targeted.
"I have been in a male dominated environment all of my career and more and more women are now getting interested in cars, but we are still waiting for the haulage industry to catch up.
"This is a great competition and a way for women to prove that they can get out there and drive one of these vehicles just as good as a man!"
Female HGV driver for the past six years, Kara Rouse, was also at the event with her customised haulage truck.
The mother-of-three said: "Never would I have thought I would be a HGV driver but if you put your mind to something then anything is possible.
"Before training as a driver I was a nail technician but then from a bet I got behind the wheel of a HGV.
"There's just a great buzz about being on the road in a big vehicle - whenever you park up men are always shocked to see a female driver."
James Hodson, director of motorway operations, said that they were eager to get involved with the competition.
He added: "There's been some really good interest so far. It's s a great career for a female to have as it's flexible and can fit around their lifestyle.
"There is a shortage of drivers in the industry so for more women to get involved would be fantastic."
As part of the competition women need to upload a short video on www.her-gv.co.uk to say why they would want to become a HGV driver. Those shortlisted will be in with the chance of winning driver training worth up to £3,000 leading to a new career on the road.
It is held in collaboration with Pertemps and the Road Haulage Association.
