UD Trucks SA recently announced the expansion of its steadily growing “Ultimate Women Program”, in partnership with Commercial Transport Academy (CTA).
Following the success and enduring impact of the program in the last two years, the CTA has established the first ever Bus Driver Development Program – a joint venture between the CTA, South African Bus Operators Association (SABOA), Clarendon Transport Underwriting Managers (CTU) and UDTSA. There are approximately 30 female trainees that will benefit directly from this life changing initiative and in efforts to intensify the training process, UDTSA proudly sponsored a new Croner Bus PKE 280 65-seater.
The UD Trucks SA Ultimate Woman Program was successfully launched in 2022 with its primary objective being to drive gender transformation initiatives in the transport industry, to which UDTSA sponsored two new Kuzer light-medium duty trucks. After gaining extensive experience in the year-long program, the CTA has been successful in supporting all beneficiaries to secure employment as professional truck drivers, attesting to the continued commitment of UDTSA and CTA to facilitating change and transformation through empowerment of women in the transport industry.
“We are pleased to have partnered with UDTSA in advancing the shared vision of increasing representation of female derivers in the transport industry and paving a way for an equitable society. The program has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception and we cannot thank UDTSA enough for the unwavering support and the lasting impact this program has had on the lives of these young women,” said Nicci Scott, Founder of Commercial Transport Academy.
As part of this Bus Driver Development Program, participants undergo extensive training for a period of 12 months. This training covers technical modules such as vehicle operation and control, defensive driving techniques, traffic laws and regulations as well as route navigation or planning. A strong theoretical component covers critical modules such as stress management, professionalism and effective passenger communication.
“Our meaningful partnership with CTA has been nothing short of transformative in our constant endeavour to empowering women in our industry and leaving a lasting imprint on societies within which we operate. Having been able to further expand the program to training bus drivers, highlights the success of the worthy cause and our dedication to making life better for people, the planet and the logistics sector,” said Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director UD Trucks Southern Africa.
