NIBC has partnered with Young Enterprise NI to help encourage more women in Northern Ireland to join the haulage profession. During a number of visits to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country, NIBC and Young Enterprise NI will address misperceptions and spread the word about the work of women in the sector.
According to recent reports, nearly 1.5m people work in transport and logistics in the UK, but less than a quarter of these employees are female and only one per cent are HGV drivers which proves the severe need for diversity within this sector.
Jemma Dougherty, Marketing Manager of NIBC, speaking on a visit to Ashfield Girls’ High School commented: “It is common knowledge that there is an incredible shortage of women in the Transport Industry, however there is also not enough awareness around the contribution of woman within the industry, it very often goes unseen.
“Only eight per cent of workers within the haulage industry are women, there is clearly a large part of the population that is not being targeted. NIBC, together with Young Enterprise, are meeting students to discuss all aspects of the sector, including career opportunities. Through a better understanding of the many roles of women within this industry, it is our hope more will consider the haulage industry as a career.
“We should relish diversity. The industry will only be able to attract the right talent and overcome its perception issues by better promoting the scope of opportunities available to women. We are committed to inspiring females from a young age, so come on girls, what are you waiting for?”
NIBC specialises in helping transport companies across the UK, Ireland & Holland to run their fleets more efficiently and profitably through the use of tailored telematic products, including live vehicle cameras, fuel management software and tachograph analisys. Founded in 2004, NIBC is now based across two offices in Antrim and Liverpool and it continues to offer highly innovative solutions to some of Europe’s leading transport companies.
Barbara Edgar, Training Officer at Young Enterprise NI, added:“Young Enterprise is very grateful to NIBC for bringing new opportunities to the awareness of the next generation. We need to inspire women to choose a career in transport and NIBC has certainly transformed attitudes and helped young people open their eyes to a career they may not have considered previously.”
