Coca-Cola FEMSA on Monday presented the “Juntas en la Ruta” program , an initiative designed to train and empower women as professional heavy-duty drivers, but also as an effort to address the shortage of operators in Mexico and promote gender equality in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

The project, developed in collaboration with the Coca-Cola FEMSA Transportation Directorate , the Association of Women Operators (AMO) and the Training Center for Industrial Work (CECATI) 37 , arises in response to the deficit of more than 54 thousand vacancies in the auto transport sector in Mexico and the low female representation, which in 2021 was 2.4%, according to the International Road Transport Union ‘s Global Driver Shortage Report .

With this initiative, Coca-Cola FEMSA becomes the first private cargo transportation company in Mexico to train women to work as professional heavy-load drivers, paving the way for the industry.

“Creating social and economic value in the communities where we operate begins with the development of talent, which is why I am excited to welcome this group of colleagues who have decided to take the first step to become professional primary transportation operators for Coca-Cola FEMSA,” said Marco Ávila, Director of Transportation for Coca-Cola FEMSA Mexico, quoted in a press release. “We are on the right path by supporting this program, ‘Juntas en la Ruta.’ I am sure that we will tell successful stories of personal transformation and social mobility,” added Ávila.

In its first generation, “Juntas en la Ruta” attracted more than a thousand women interested in being part of the program, of which 10 were selected after a rigorous process based on their skills and development potential.

The project’s key objectives are to train, develop and diversify talent in the transport sector , reduce the shortage of drivers, promote a positive work culture, adapt to market demands and increase female participation in the economy.

Through a comprehensive support model, which includes tuition payments, a financial scholarship, daily meals, medical examinations and the management of driving licenses , the company ensures that each participant has the necessary conditions for success in the sector.

“We are proud of our graduates, who symbolize a solid step forward in the logistics and transportation industry. This is the first generation of women to graduate from CECATI 37, an achievement that marks an important step forward in the history of the training center. In addition, this generation has had the full support of a private transportation company, which has been fundamental for their training and success,” said Paola Moncada, president of AMO.

With initiatives like this, Coca-Cola FEMSA reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as fundamental pillars of its sustainability framework, aligned with its goal of improving the representation of women at all levels of the organization. This program not only responds to a strategic need of the industry, but also reflects the company’s commitment to the economic and social development of Mexico , building equitable work spaces where female talent can flourish and actively contribute to the country’s growth.

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El cargo “Juntas en la Ruta,” Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Commitment to Transportation apareció primero en T21.