At CMV Truck & Bus, we’re proud to celebrate the achievements of emerging talent shaping the future of the truck and bus industry. One standout example is Star Bux, who was recently recognised as the 2026 Alice Anderson Award recipient at Kangan Institute’s Industry Excellence Awards – a night dedicated to honouring the transformative impact of vocational education and the commitment of students and apprentices across the state.
This award pays tribute to Alice Anderson, a pioneering Melbourne mechanic who founded Australia’s first all women motor garage. Her legacy of championing women’s access to technical education and mechanical apprenticeships remains a powerful force in encouraging more women to enter and succeed in trade careers.
Star’s success highlights the importance of increasing the representation of women in trades, particularly in an industry where women remain significantly underrepresented. Organisations like Tradeswomen Australia continue to advocate for better pathways, safer and more inclusive workplaces, and broader participation for women, reinforcing that all women deserve equal opportunities to build rewarding careers in trades. At CMV Truck & Bus, we share this commitment. We are dedicated to creating an environment where gender is not a barrier to opportunity, and where women joining our apprenticeship programs and organisation as a whole, are supported to thrive from day one.
We offer a wide range of career pathways – such as Heavy Vehicle Technician and Parts Interpreter apprenticeships – that provide hands-on experience, structured learning and nationally recognised qualifications. Through our Training Institute, apprentices receive personalised mentorship, technical skill development, and ongoing support to progress confidently through their training and into long-term careers with us. We believe that meaningful representation comes from ensuring women can see clear, sustainable futures in our industry, supported by development opportunities, safe and inclusive workplaces, and leadership committed to building diversity at every level.
Star Bux is currently a third-year apprentice and commenced her apprenticeship in 2023 with us. Prior to joining, she worked in the hospitality and restaurant industry, but her strong interest in all things mechanical inspired her to pursue a new career path. Star began her apprenticeship with confidence, knowing this was the industry she wanted to build her future in. She consistently goes above and beyond, shows initiative and gives 110% effort every day. She completed all formal training at the CMV Truck & Bus Training Institute at Derrimut and is now working at our Clayton dealership. Star demonstrates excellent team spirit and is a valued member of the team.
Star Bux’s achievement is more than an individual milestone – it represents the collective progress being made to reshape the automotive trades into a more inclusive, vibrant and diverse sector. It also reminds us why continued investment in training, mentoring and equitable access matters. At CMV Truck & Bus, we’re proud to support initiatives that open doors for women in trades and to contribute to a culture where every person has the opportunity to succeed.
We congratulate Star on her outstanding achievement and celebrate all women breaking new ground in the truck and bus industry.
If you or someone you know is considering a future in heavy vehicle trades, we invite you to explore the opportunities available at CMV Truck & Bus and become part of an industry – and a community – driving meaningful change.
Learn more about our apprenticeship program and careers by visiting our website.