Now well and truly immersed in the world of transport, having been back at JATEC Transport for more than three years, Caitlin Barlow is a passionate advocate for equality and opportunity in the industry.
She got involved with the Volvo Iron Women program at the end of 2023, with JATEC being a long-time Volvo customer. The program provides vocational training and heavy vehicle licencing to women of all ages.
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What attracted Caitlin to the program was the relevance to her advocacy work within the transport industry. She earned the 2023 Emerging Leader Award with Road Freight NSW after being nominated by Transport Women Australia Limited, as well as the 2023 Driving Diversity Champion from the Australian Trucking Association.
“The Volvo Iron Women was definitely a really nice program to start the year off with,” Caitlin says.
“I was able to get my HC licence through that. That’s definitely been the highlight of my year so far, and I’m excited to get back with the team up in the Brisbane Truck Show.
“Getting my heavy combination license is just a real eye opener into what my drivers do every day, and just adds more experience and knowledge about their role
“I just love getting out and doing all the conferences. This year there’s Trucking Australia for the ATA, Road Freight NSW will be later on this year, the Brisbane Truck Show of course.
“I love getting out and seeing my transport community and everybody throughout all the different kind of areas that I’m involved in.”
Caitlin has also spoken at those industry events, notably at Trucking Australia in 2024, discussing diversity and inclusion within transport workplaces.
“I do get nervous beforehand, as everybody does when they’re speaking, but I feel like when I get up on stage, especially when it’s things like diversity that I’m super passionate about, the passion just takes over,” she says.
“Then I just find myself blabbering on about how important it is and talking about the ATA’s InRoads program.
“I just did a talk at Macquarie University, which is where I went to university, talking about diversity and highlighting the InRoads program.
“I’m mostly talking to the fact that you can join any industry that you like if you’re passionate about something.
“I think that’s really important to know for uni leavers as well.
“It doesn’t have to be a specific industry if you’re passionate about something.
“Whatever you end up doing career wise, you can still follow what you’re passionate about and implement that.”
Becoming general manager means that Caitlin’s role and focus has shifted, not only in scope, but also in responsibilities.
She says that while this comes with its challenges, it has given her the chance to widen her perspective within JATEC and continue to not only grow the business, but her own skills too.
“My role has definitely developed, going from business development manager, where I was just focusing on building the business and the foundations and introducing technology and policies and procedures,” Caitlin says.
“Now being promoted to general manager, my focus has shifted onto growing the business and getting it interstate. And my focus will always be our employees. They’re number one for me.
“As a family business in particular, I do genuinely feel like all of our drivers and all our staff are family to me. I always want to be making sure that they’re all supported.”
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