Volvo Iron Women Program - Hear from Jo - Wodonga TAFE Transport Teacher

Friday, 15 May 2026

What I love about teaching the program

What I absolutely love about teaching this program is the energy in the room and the connections that form. When we run these courses specifically for women, there’s always this moment where someone says how refreshing it is to hear from another woman who’s actually been out there in the industry - someone who’s seen the highs, survived the challenges, and come back with stories to tell (and, let’s be honest, a few battle scars too!).

Being able to share those real, lived experiences, the good, the tough, and the unexpectedly amazing creates such an open and encouraging environment.

And the best part? Hearing their feedback. When participants tell me they can feel my enthusiasm, it makes me smile, because it means I’m probably getting just a little bit carried away… in the best possible way.

It also gives me the chance to relive my own journey, which I clearly still get pretty excited about! Knowing that I can pass that on helping others see what’s possible for themselves is incredibly rewarding. At the end of the day, it’s not just about teaching a course; it’s about sharing a story, sparking confidence, and maybe even convincing a few people that this industry is just as rewarding as I think it is.

 

To others wanting to get into the course, I would say this…

If driving a heavy vehicle or getting into the transport industry has been a lifelong dream or even just a tiny “maybe” sitting in the back of your mind, just go for it.

Honestly, what have you got to lose (besides maybe discovering you actually love it)?

The training and drive time you’ll gain here go above and beyond what you’d typically get through standard heavy vehicle licensing , it’s not just learning, it’s real experience.

When we reconnect with women who’ve completed the course, it’s incredible to see where they’ve ended up. These are women out there doing amazing things, breaking barriers, and proving every single day that they belong in the industry. And the best part? When they share their stories, whether it’s a tough day or a slightly awkward moment (and there are always a few of those!)—they’re laughing. They’re smiling. That tells you everything. They’ve found a place belong and grow.

Of course, there are barriers for women entering the transport industry,but more often than not, the biggest ones are the ones we place on ourselves. The moment that mindset shifts, when the thought changes to “I can do this,” everything opens up. That confidence is a game-changer. From there, it’s about feeling supported, finding your feet, and building something meaningful for yourself, your family, and your community.

And while this journey is empowering, it’s not something we do alone. There are some incredible men in this industry who genuinely support, mentor, and champion women’s growth. Their willingness to share knowledge and open doors plays such an important role and this is something worth recognising and celebrating.

At the end of the day, this journey doesn’t stop once the course finishes. Every day brings a new lesson, a new challenge, or a new win. And that’s the beauty of it—there’s always something more to learn, and always another reason to keep going.