NatRoad is pleased to sponsor the Steering the Future program, an initiative aiming to educate and inspire young people about careers in the road transport industry, while also teaching them how to stay safe around heavy vehicles.
Created by the team behind Truckin’ Life Magazine and Big Rig Radio, the Steering the Future truck travels across Australia visiting schools, driver education events and career days to educate children about road safety and careers in the road transport industry.
“With an ageing workforce and a driver shortage problem that could escalate to over 78,000 unfilled positions by 2029, it’s clear more needs to be done to attract young people to the industry. Steering the Future as a unique way to get the message across to the next generation,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said.
“NatRoad is proud to support Steering the Future to raise awareness of safety around trucks and to encourage more young people into the heavy vehicle industry.”
In recognition of its work in education and safety awareness, Steering the Future recently received the Heavy Vehicle Safety Award at the Australian Road Safety Foundation’s 2025 Road Safety Awards.
Launching in August 2024, Steering the Future has been attending careers days, conferences, schools and truck shows up and down the East Coast of Australia, including Tasmania.
The last few months have been particularly busy. They were recently in town for the Casino Truck Show, where in one week more than 900 children engaged in the hands-on road safety program and explored possible career opportunities within the industry.
Owner and co-founder of Steering the Future, Collette Forsyth, said that as word has spread, more and more people are now reaching out to see if they are available to attend their events.
“We’re in our element: doing what we love and feeling grateful for the continued support from schools, communities, and industry partners,” Collette said.
“Every interaction brings us closer to a safer and more informed future on our roads.”
The Steering the Future truck presentations are regularly updated and currently include two driving simulators (with two more planned to be added later this year) and 360-degree videos to give young people the chance to experience what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of a truck.
