Internship opens doors to transportation careers for women

July 28, 2010
Earlier this week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the expansion of an internship program designed to encourage women to pursue transportation careers. The program is well-intended, and as evidenced by the expansion of it, ...

Earlier this week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the expansion of an internship program designed to encourage women to pursue transportation careers.

The program is well-intended, and as evidenced by the expansion of it, well-received. A pilot program was started at Spelman College in 2009. This expansion will add nine more programs around the country that will provide resources, technical assistance and outreach in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

The programs will be administered through the DOT’s Small Business Transportation Resource Centers.

“Women are an essential part of today’s labor force, yet women are underrepresented in the transportation industry,” said LaHood. “We’re saying to all the college women out there – no matter where you’re enrolled, there’s a DOT Small Business Transportation Resource Center close by to help you plug into your dream job, whether it’s an airport, an engineering or aerospace firm, a railroad, a transit agency or perhaps one of our DOT offices.”

The centers will help place qualified students in internship programs in their region of the country.

“We are excited about expanding a great program that will introduce young women to transportation careers nationwide,” said Office of Small and Disadvantage Business Utilization Director Brandon Neal. “It is our goal to assist as many women as possible and continue to be the training ground for future small business owners.”

This announcement follows LaHood’s signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Women’s Transportation Seminar International, which tries to encourage women to consider careers in transportation. The organization’s website includes a job board where job seekers can search for transportation-related careers – everything from CEO to marketing. There are currently more than 550 jobs listed, both in the private and public sector.

The job board also includes an employer section that allows each employer to search through eligible applicants.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Boost truck leasing profits with telematics insights! Reduce maintenance costs, improve uptime, and strengthen customer relationships. Learn how data drives success.
This free guide outlines simple steps for hiring and onboarding commercial drivers while ensuring that you meet Regulation Part 391 and maintain fully compliant driver qualification...
Ready to boost fleet efficiency by up to 50%? Learn how AI-powered dispatch and next-gen tech are transforming TMS workflows, improving driver planning, and streamlining operations...
Gain a strategic edge in today’s evolving fleet landscape. Join us to explore how fuel cards are helping fleet managers cut costs, enhance control, and prepare for an electrified...