Thirty-four women took the first step towards a rewarding career in public transport at Ventura’s latest Women at the Wheel Employment Open Day, held at our Dandenong depot.
The event gave participants the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a bus, meet Ventura drivers and trainers, hear first-hand career stories and explore the wide range of opportunities available with Victoria’s largest private bus and coach operator.
The momentum has already continued beyond the event, with participants taking the next step in the recruitment process and practical road tests already completed.
Ventura Chief Executive Officer Carol-Anne Nelson said Women at the Wheel is helping more women discover a career they may never have considered.
“There are so many talented women out there who simply haven’t considered a career in transport, and that’s exactly why Women at the Wheel is so important. Once they get behind the wheel, meet our team and experience the role for themselves, you can almost see that lightbulb moment.”
“It’s incredibly exciting to see participants already completing road tests and taking the first steps towards joining Ventura. We know diverse teams make us stronger, and I’m passionate about creating more opportunities for women to build rewarding careers while helping keep our communities moving.”
Since launching Women at the Wheel Emplyment Open Day in 2018, more than 300 women have attended the program, with 75 women joining the Ventura team in 2025 alone. Today, Ventura has more women in its workforce than ever before, with employees representing 59 different countries – a reflection of the diverse communities we proudly serve across Melbourne.
Executive General Manager – People & Culture Kim Caldow said the program has become an important part of Ventura’s commitment to creating a more inclusive transport industry.
“When we launched Women at the Wheel in 2018, our goal was simple – create a welcoming pathway for women to experience a career they may never have considered.”
“Today, we’re proud to have the highest number of women in Ventura’s history, but we’re just getting started. Every event creates new opportunities, builds confidence and brings us closer to a workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve.”
As Victoria’s largest private bus and charter operator, Ventura continues to invest in innovative recruitment programs that create meaningful career opportunities while building a more diverse workforce. Women at the Wheel is just one of the ways we’re helping shape the future of public transport by encouraging more women to consider a career behind the wheel.
Interested in becoming a bus driver? Contact our recruitment team on 03 9771 4300 or keep an eye on our Careers page and social media channels for future Women at the Wheel Employment Open Days and current opportunities to join the Ventura team. Your next career could start with a single drive.
