Starting a heavy vehicle apprenticeship in Australia can be a life-changing opportunity – especially for women entering a traditionally male-dominated industry. At CMV Truck & Bus in Victoria, we’re proud to support talented apprentices like Shayne, who are helping shape the future of the transport and automotive sectors. Shayne is one of the inspiring recipients of a 2026 Tradeswomen Australia Apprentice Scholarship, proudly supported by the Heavy Vehicle Industry of Australia (HVIA).
Shayne is one of the inspiring recipients of a 2026 Tradeswomen Australia Apprentice Scholarship, proudly supported by the Heavy Vehicle Industry of Australia (HVIA). Her journey reflects both the challenges and the opportunities available within the heavy vehicle industry today.
As a mum of two young children, Shayne understands the realities many apprentices face. Balancing family responsibilities while undertaking a truck mechanic apprenticeship in Australia requires determination, resilience and support. Like many people starting out in the trades, financial pressure can be a significant barrier – especially when it comes to purchasing essential tools and equipment.
Through the HVIA-supported scholarship, Shayne now has the support she needs to succeed, including financial assistance and access to industry mentoring. “The mentorship for the 12 months is going to be amazing!” Shayne says. Programs like this play a vital role in helping more women enter and stay in the heavy vehicle industry.
The transport industry is the backbone of the Australian economy, and skilled technicians are essential to keeping trucks and buses safely on the road. As demand for qualified professionals continues to grow, heavy vehicle apprenticeships in Australia are becoming more important than ever. At CMV Truck & Bus, we see firsthand the value apprentices bring to our workshops across Victoria. Our technicians support leading global brands and customers across the transport sector, delivering high-quality service and maintenance.
Investing in apprenticeships helps to:
• Address industry skill shortages
• Build long-term career pathways
• Strengthen workforce capability
• Support diversity and inclusion
As part of the CMV Group, CMV Truck & Bus is committed to developing the next generation of skilled professionals. We provide career pathways for apprentices across our eight Victorian dealerships, supporting them with training, tools and real-world experience in the heavy vehicle industry. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed – regardless of background or gender.
By supporting initiatives like Tradeswomen Australia and HVIA scholarships, we’re helping create more opportunities for apprentices like Shayne to build rewarding, long-term careers. Scholarships like Shayne’s go beyond financial support – they help remove barriers, build confidence and create a more diverse and resilient workforce. The 2026 Tradeswomen Australia scholarship program is supported by a wide range of organisations committed to strengthening Australia’s trades industry, including HVIA and other industry partners.
Encouraging more women to pursue heavy vehicle apprenticeships is essential to the future of the industry – and businesses across Australia have a role to play in making that happen.
To learn more about careers and apprenticeships available at CMV Truck & Bus, visit our website.