Amelina Catinean: “I love the feeling of freedom that travelling gives you”

Amelina Catinean was 23 years old when she started working as a truck driver for GES Recycling, the English subsidiary of GESCRAP. But the first time she got into a truck was long before that. Her father is an HGV driver, and he used to take her with him sometimes in the truck. Catinean has always admired her father’s driving skills and was motivated to be able to do the same one day. That, plus the idea of being able to travel, pushed her a little over a year ago to start her professional career in the world of transport behind the wheel of a Volvo FM.

 

Was it difficult for you to get this job?

With little experience it is difficult to find a job since any company requires a minimum of one or two years of experience. I had never worked as a truck driver before and that made it very difficult for me to get a job. The truth is that I was lucky to have the opportunity to be accepted to this position without any experience.

How has your experience been in a traditionally male-dominated industry? Have you faced any obstacles as a woman in this field?

Yes, it is true that it feels like a male-dominated sector, but it is also true that when they see that you are a woman, most people are very open and try to help you if you need it. Most of them are very kind.

As for the obstacles, maybe the physique can be a small obstacle, but it’s manageable and it’s not impossible. There are always ways to get through it.

What do you like most about your job?

Definitely driving and testing my skills. I also love the feeling of freedom that travelling gives you.

And what do you like least?

The traffic, of course.

Why do you think there are so few women behind the wheel of a truck? What message would you give to women who want to enter a traditionally male profession such as transport?

At the beginning, not having much experience, it can be a challenge. But like any other job when you start with little to no experience. Although it is true that, in a male-dominated sector, it can be intimidating at first. But I don’t think that’s an excuse because, at the end of the day, you are there for yourself and to be able to prove to yourself that you are capable of these things. There are ups and downs, of course, but in the end it’s very comforting.

Do you think the profession of truck driving can contribute to gender equality?

I think it can. It’s true that nowadays the mentality is more open and that has opened doors to professions like this, where women who have ambition and want to can enter. That’s very good, we are no longer so limited to meet the standards of more feminine careers in which, perhaps, we don’t feel comfortable or don’t want to pursue.

 

Although there are still barriers in the sector, everyday more and more women like Amelina Catinean are making their way into the transport industry –or any other male-dominated industry– proving that talent, passion, and dedication are not gendered.