Driver Academy Trainee - Wingfield

Program Overview

The Women's Driver Academy is a paid, permanent full-time training initiative based in Wingfield, South Australia, starting September 2026. This unique program supports women, female-identifying, and non-binary people to enter the transport industry without prior heavy vehicle experience, focusing on waste and resource recovery at Cleanaway, Australia's leading waste management company.

Training and Career Path

Over five weeks, participants receive comprehensive training including Heavy Rigid (HR) licence acquisition, industry-standard driver training, practical workplace exposure, safety and compliance education, and ongoing mentoring. Graduates will have access to long-term employment opportunities as Drivers/Multi-Systems Operators servicing Adelaide metropolitan customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate collection vehicles (rear, front, and side lift) safely
• Collect and manage waste and recyclables from commercial and municipal sites
• Perform vehicle inspections and complete operational documentation accurately
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain vehicle cleanliness
• Work safely both individually and collaboratively within a team
• Undertake manual handling tasks as required

Work Conditions and Hours

There are two streams with distinct schedules:

• Commercial & Industrial Services: Monday to Friday, start times from midnight, shifts of 10-12 hours
• Municipal Services: Monday to Friday, shifts between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm with varying lengths

Compensation and Benefits

• Base pay at Level 4 Classification, $34.28 per hour
• Meal allowance after 10 hours
• Overtime pay at time and a half for first 2 hours beyond 7.6 hours, then double time
• Employee share program, assistance programs, novated leasing options, health insurance discounts
• Opportunities for ongoing development and career advancement

Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates demonstrate strong safety awareness, reliability, positivity, strong work ethic, communication, customer focus, adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and punctuality. Attitude and potential are more important than prior truck driving experience.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold an unrestricted Australian driver’s licence for at least 24 months with minimum 8 demerit points remaining
• Have a clean driving record
• Legal right to work in Australia
• Available for the full 5-week training program
• Willing to work early and varied shifts
• Physically fit to perform manual handling
• Pass pre-employment medical, drug/alcohol tests, and background verifications

Diversity and Inclusion

This program acknowledges and respects the traditional custodians of the land, encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and supports culturally diverse backgrounds including female-identifying and non-binary applicants. The initiative aims to increase female representation in transport operations.

Recruitment Process

• Review of applications
• Information sessions and interviews
• Driving history, reference, and criminal checks
• Functional, medical, and drug/alcohol assessments
• Verification of driving licences and work eligibility