A group of Nova Scotia women are breaking down barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

As CTV News Atlantic reports:

The women are training to enter the trucking industry as part of ‘Women Unlimited’, a Nova Scotia Community College program that introduces women to opportunities in trades.

Tammy Tortola says it’s the “freedom” of driving on the open road that has attracted her to the industry.

A group of women are training to enter the trucking industry as part of ‘Women Unlimited’, a Nova Scotia Community College program that introduces women to opportunities in trades.

“You don’t have to worry, you don’t have a care in the world,” Tortola told CTV Atlantic.

She said the idea that only men could drive long haul trucks is simply a stereotype that needs to be put to rest.

“There’s no stopping us,” Tortola said. “Once we got into the program, we got our confidence up. We know we can do just as good as anybody else.”

Trucking school recruiter Emily Stokes said only three per cent of truck drivers currently on the road are female.

“It’s amazing to see 20 women here,” she said. “To be here today with them and see how excited they are to get out into the workforce, it’s incredible.”

Some of the women admit that they were worried their gender might be a barrier to entering the industry.

“You barely ever hear of any women drivers and I just hope I can be part of the team and break that,” student Dawn MacLeod said. “I always wanted to truck drive, for as long as I can remember.”

See the TV news broadcast here.