Apprentice female professional drivers report on their exciting daily routine at L.I.T.
The Corona crisis and the Ukraine conflict have shown the importance of supply chains. Female professional drivers bear a particularly great responsibility, as they ensure that shelves are stocked and warehouses are full. Our apprentices Sharlyn Dibke (3rd year of apprenticeship) and Tajana Hinrichs (2nd year of apprenticeship) are passionate about their work. What makes this profession so special for them? The variety of opportunities!
As a female professional driver at L.I.T., no two days are alike. Today, a short route with containers full of coffee, and tomorrow, car parts across Germany – the variety is immense. But it is not just about making the roads (un)safe. Female professional drivers represent the company externally and juggle tasks such as load securing, dispatch, and trailer management. "One is, so to speak, the office clerk, planner, and driver all in one," explains Carsten Harms, administrative head and trainer at L.I.T. Cargo GmbH. And L.I.T. offers exactly this variety from day one of the apprenticeship.
Every August, the "BKF apprentices" start with an introductory and onboarding phase, as well as driver's license training for class C/CE. After passing the driving test, they receive their first instruction on the truck and can take the wheel themselves. During their apprenticeship, they go through various departments and learn not only the actual driving but also the technical and planning aspects of the profession. And as a bonus, there are additional qualifications such as the forklift license or the ADR certificate.
"Women in the Fast Lane"
The world of professional drivers is still a male-dominated field. However, Sharlyn and Tajana prove that women can also be successful in this profession. Sharlyn is convinced: "Silly comments always come, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman." She has experienced that as a woman, she receives help very quickly, for example, if a lashing strap gets stuck or the 75 kg heavy support leg of the swap body comes loose. And if there are comments, the apprentices receive
direct support from their trainers. They are aware of the challenge and advocate a zero-tolerance approach in this matter, regardless of whether it is a driver or a customer.
The apprenticeship as a female professional driver offers an insight into the diverse world of the logistics industry and guarantees a qualification with future potential. At L.I.T., apprentices hit the ground running from the start and get to know all facets. And thanks to the trusting relationship with the trainers, problems can be solved directly, and individual wishes can be taken into account. "I fell in love with the profession and do not want to give it up for anything," says Tajana. She advises future female professional drivers: "If you are interested, just do it!"