In today’s world, women work alongside men in almost every profession. There are women who are fighter pilots, astronauts, CEOs and prime ministers. Even in the logistics industry, there is a female presence among truck drivers, once a male-dominated industry.
In support of developing skilled heavy-duty truck drivers, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Volvo Trucks), has introduced its Volvo Iron Women initiative to Malaysia. The programme also has the support of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry as strategic partner. 
Becoming heavy vehicle drivers
The Volvo Iron Women programme is designed to empower candidates from end to end, beginning with the undertaking of lessons and examinations through an authorised driving institution to obtain a Class E license to drive heavy vehicles.
Following a full health evaluation, candidates then progress to the next stage of obtaining a Goods Driving License (GDL) by attending a 7-hour lecture and theory examination, of which all costs will be borne by the employing company. The GDL is divided into 3 categories, namely light vehicles, heavy vehicles (kejur) and jointed vehicles (bersendi). The Volvo Iron Women programme in Malaysia is focused on jointed vehicles.
Volvo Trucks also integrated a 3-module course comprising theory, practical and assessment stages which covers all facets of driver training, from compliance, fatigue management, trailer coupling and uncoupling and defensive driving among others.
First group of graduates
The Volvo Iron Women first group of graduates comprises 5 women between 27 years and 40 years old. Three of the 5 candidates are mothers, one of whom is a single mother of five. The women come from different levels of experience in the haulage industry, ranging from brand new drivers to existing Class E license holders for Rigid trucks (Kejur).
Following their graduation recently, all 5 women will be employed by Taipanco Sdn Bhd based in Port Klang, Selangor. Experienced drivers in the company will then mentor and help them on-board.
Intakes started
Intakes for Volvo Iron Women 2025 in Malaysia have officially begun with 2 training groups scheduled for the first and second half of the year. The initiative aims to empower approximately 100 women heavy-duty truck drivers by the end of 2025.
The duration of the programme can take anywhere from 3 days (for existing E- GDL license holders with some experience) to 8 weeks for non-license holders who are new to driving trucks.
Global initiative by Volvo Group
The Volvo Iron Women programme is a global initiative by Volvo Group that was initiated 2016. Today, more than 820 women have graduated from this programme. The introduction of the programme in Malaysia has been well received by a growing number of logistics players as the demand for skilled heavy-duty vehicle drivers is at an all-time high. This is in tandem with the projected growth of Malaysia’s haulage and logistics industry.
Speaking on the potential of the programme in Malaysia, Volvo Malaysia Managing Director, Anthony O’Connell, said: “The Volvo Iron Women programme is a testament of our commitment to educating women to qualify as heavy-duty commercial truck drivers. We are deeply encouraged by the support of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in partnering with us to advance the Iron Women programme for the long term. Our Iron Women graduates are truly inspiring and we are honoured to play a part in empowering them to provide for their families and contribute as valued talent in the industry.”
Government support
The ministry will lend its support to equip the Iron Women graduates with the knowledge and skills to navigate a male-dominated industry, especially with an awareness to recognise and address any form of gender bias harassment with confidence. This includes endorsing the Volvo Iron Women programme for counselling and training for gender bias harassment, and provision of a hotline for women drivers in need of counselling or advise should the need arise.
The ministry will also assist in identifying and recommending viable candidates as participants. By integrating a support system for the women, it hopes to create a seamless and sustainable transition of more women into new economic sectors, especially one traditionally dominated by men.
PDRM first to graduate from Volvo Trucks Advanced Driver Development Programme