Wingfield, South Australia (Kaurna Country)
Paid Training. HR Licence. Long-Term Career.
Location: Wingfield, SA (Kaurna Country)
Program Commencement: September 2026
Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time
Ready for a Career Change? We'll Help You Get Behind the Wheel.
Have you ever considered becoming a truck driver but weren't sure how to get started?
Cleanaway's Driver Academy is a paid training and employment pathway designed to support women, female-identifying and non-binary people to build a career in Australia's essential waste and resource recovery industry.
No heavy vehicle driving experience is required.
Whether you're returning to work, changing careers or looking for a new challenge, we'll provide the training, support and mentoring to help you become a professional Heavy Rigid (HR) driver.
About Cleanaway
Cleanaway is Australia's largest waste management and resource recovery company, employing more than 10,000 people across hundreds of locations nationwide.
For more than 50 years, we've been helping Australian communities create a more sustainable future by collecting, recovering and recycling resources that would otherwise go to landfill.
Our drivers and operators provide essential services that keep communities clean, safe and sustainable every day.
About the Women's Driver Academy
The Driver Academy is a structured pathway into professional driving roles with Cleanaway.
Through a combination of classroom learning, practical training and on-the-job experience, you'll gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to build a long-term career in transport and resource recovery.
The Paid 5-Week Program Includes:
- Heavy Rigid (HR) licence training and assessment
- Industry-leading driver training
- Practical workplace learning
- Mentoring and coaching from experienced operators
- Safety and compliance training
- Uniforms and PPE provided
- Exposure to specialised waste collection vehicles
- Ongoing employment opportunities with Cleanaway
No previous truck driving experience is required.
Current Opportunities
We are currently recruiting for four Driver Academy positions at our Wingfield operation:
Commercial & Industrial (C&I)
Municipal Services
About the Role
Following successful completion of the Driver Academy, you'll join our Wingfield operations team as a Driver / Multi-Systems Operator servicing customers across the Adelaide metropolitan region.
Vehicle Types
You may operate a range of collection vehicles including:
- Rear Lift vehicles
- Front Lift vehicles
- Side Lift vehicles
You'll work with a safe, modern and reliable fleet supported by experienced operational leaders and trainers.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate collection vehicles and associated equipment
- Collect waste and recyclable materials from commercial and municipal customers
- Load and unload materials safely and efficiently
- Transport materials to nominated disposal and resource recovery facilities
- Conduct pre-start and post-shift vehicle inspections
- Complete operational records and paperwork accurately
- Deliver excellent customer service
- Maintain vehicle presentation and cleanliness
- Work safely both independently and as part of a team
- Perform manual handling tasks where required
Hours and Roster
Commercial & Industrial Services
- Monday to Friday
- Start times may commence from midnight onwards
- Typical shifts range from 10 to 12 hours
Municipal Services
- Monday to Friday
- Shifts typically operate between 6:00am and 7:00pm
- Varying shift lengths depending on operational requirements
Additional overtime may be available based on business needs.
Pay and Benefits
Base Rate
- Level 4 Classification
- $34.28 per hour
Additional Benefits
- Meal allowance payable after 10 hours worked
- Time and a half payable after 7.6 ordinary hours for the first 2 hours
- Double time thereafter
- Employee Share Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Novated leasing options
- Discounts on private health insurance
- Learning and development opportunities
- Long-term career pathways with an industry leader
What We're Looking For
We're seeking people who demonstrate:
- A strong safety focus
- Reliability and commitment
- Positive attitude
- Strong work ethic
- Excellent communication skills
- Customer service focus
- Willingness to learn
- Resilience and adaptability
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to attendance and punctuality
We're more interested in your attitude and potential than previous truck driving experience.
To Be Eligible You Will Need To
- Hold a current unrestricted Australian driver's licence
- Have held your licence for a minimum of 24 months
- Have at least 8 demerit points remaining
- Have a safe driving record
- Be legally entitled to work in Australia
- Be available to attend the full 5-week Driver Academy program
- Be willing to work early starts and varying shift patterns
- Be comfortable undertaking physically active work and manual handling
- Successfully complete a pre-employment medical assessment
- Successfully complete drug and alcohol testing
- Successfully complete licence, reference and background checks
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which our Wingfield operations are located and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Cleanaway recognises the enduring connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country, culture and community.
The principles of caring for Country closely align with the important work we do through waste management, resource recovery and environmental sustainability.
We are committed to creating culturally safe workplaces and meaningful employment pathways that support long-term careers and positive community outcomes.
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women are strongly encouraged.
Women Into Waste & Transport Initiative
Women remain significantly underrepresented in operational driving and transport roles across Australia.
This Driver Academy is an identified employment initiative designed to increase participation and create greater access to careers in truck driving, waste management and transport operations.
We particularly encourage applications from:
- Women returning to work
- Women changing careers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
- Women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Female-identifying and non-binary people
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At Cleanaway, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to succeed.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds, experiences and communities.
If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us to discuss how we can support you.
Our Recruitment Process
Our recruitment process may include:
- Application review
- Information session
- Interview
- Driving history check
- Reference checks
- Criminal history checks
- Functional assessment
- Pre-employment medical assessment
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Right to work verification
- Licence and qualification verification
Further Information
For more information about the Driver Academy or the recruitment process, please contact:
Eddie Solien
Employment Pathways Specialist
EmploymentPathways@cleanaway.com.au
Please note that applications cannot be accepted via email. All applications must be submitted through the online application portal.
Apply Today
If you're ready to gain your HR licence, learn from experienced operators and start a rewarding new career with Australia's leading waste and resource recovery company, we'd love to hear from you.
Applications close: 20 August 2026
Program commencement: September 2026
Places in the Driver Academy are limited, and demand is expected to be high.
Special Measures Statement
This Driver Academy is an identified employment initiative for women. This program is a special measure designed to promote substantive equality and increase the participation of women in operational driving and transport roles where they have historically been underrepresented. Applications from women, female-identifying and non-binary candidates are strongly encouraged.