Driver Academy 2026 - Darwin

Cleanaway Women's Driver Academy - Darwin (Garramilla)

Start a Career You Never Thought Was Possible

Have you ever looked at a truck and thought:

"I've never seen someone like me driving one of those."

The Cleanaway Women's Driver Academy has been designed to change that.

We're creating opportunities for women to build rewarding, long-term careers in the waste, transport and resource recovery industry through paid employment, structured training, mentoring and hands-on operational experience.

Whether you're looking for a career change, returning to the workforce, or searching for a stable career with genuine growth opportunities, this program has been designed with you in mind.

Located on the lands of the Larrakia Nation, known traditionally as Garramilla, this initiative aims to support more women into an industry where they have historically been underrepresented.

Available Opportunities

We're currently recruiting for:

• Side Lift Driver Pathway (2 Positions)

  • Learn to operate side lift collection vehicles while delivering an essential community service across Darwin and surrounding areas.

• Liquid Waste Driver Pathway (2 Positions)

  • Work across septic, grease trap and liquid waste services.
  • Please note: Liquid Waste Driver roles are physically demanding and involve:
    • Connecting and disconnecting hoses
    • Manual handling tasks
    • Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
    • Operating across commercial and industrial sites
    • Regular physical activity throughout the day
    • Applicants must be comfortable undertaking physically demanding work

• Yellow Gear Academy (1 Position)

  • Learn to operate yellow gear and mobile plant equipment in a busy resource recovery and operational environment.
  • Gain hands-on experience operating equipment such as loaders, compactors and other mobile plant.
  • Please note: Yellow Gear Academy roles involve:
    • Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
    • Operating within active industrial and resource recovery sites
    • Following strict safety procedures and operational requirements
    • Manual handling and general operational tasks
    • Climbing in and out of heavy equipment throughout the day
    • Regular physical activity and working on your feet
    • Applicants must be comfortable undertaking hands-on operational work in a safety-focused environment

What You'll Receive

• Permanent, full-time employment
• Paid training and development
• Mentoring and support throughout the program
• Opportunities to learn from experienced operators
• Career progression pathways across Cleanaway
• A supportive and inclusive team environment
• The chance to build a long-term career in a stable industry

What the Role Involves

• Early morning starts (from 5:00am)
• Monday to Friday plus Saturday work
• Approximately 45-55 hours per week
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Learning to safely operate heavy vehicles and specialised equipment
• Providing front-line service to customers and the community
• Maintaining a strong focus on safety, teamwork and professionalism

About You

• You don't need previous truck driving experience.
• We're looking for people who are:
• Interested in building a long-term career
• Reliable and committed
• Safety focused
• Willing to learn
• Comfortable working outdoors
• Physically capable of the role requirements
• Looking for their next opportunity or career change
• Ready to challenge themselves and try something different
• Attitude, commitment and willingness to learn are more important than industry experience.

A Program Designed for Women

• The Cleanaway Women's Driver Academy has been specifically developed to support greater participation of women in operational and driving careers.
• We know that talented women are often overlooked in traditionally male-dominated industries. Through targeted recruitment, training and support, we're helping to create pathways for more women to succeed in transport and operations.
• We particularly encourage applications from:
  • Women
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
  • Non-binary people who feel comfortable participating in a women-centred development program
  • Women returning to the workforce
  • Women seeking a career change

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and acknowledge the Larrakia People as the Traditional Custodians of Garramilla.

Cleanaway is committed to creating culturally safe, inclusive workplaces where people can build meaningful careers and thrive.

Equal Opportunity Statement

This recruitment activity may constitute a special measure under applicable anti-discrimination and equal opportunity legislation. The purpose of this initiative is to promote substantive equality and increase the representation of women in operational driving roles where women are currently underrepresented.

All applicants will be assessed on merit and their ability to perform the inherent requirements of the role.

Ready to Get Behind the Wheel?

If you're looking for a career that offers stability, purpose, growth and opportunities to learn new skills, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the first step towards a career with Cleanaway.

For more information please contact: 
Eddie Solien
Employment Pathways Specialist
eddie.solien@cleanaway.com.au 

Applications Close: 7 September 2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Due to the anticipated level of interest, applications may close early if suitable candidates are identified.

Please note: Applications must be submitted online. We do not accept email applications. If you are a Job Services, DES, Workforce Australia or Community Provider supporting a candidate, please submit their application online and then email the Recruitment Team to advise of your referral.