Peyton Michie on the job. Photo: Supplied.
Peyton Michie never imagined herself driving a 10-wheeler Kenworth concrete truck driver until she gave it a try.
But the 22-year-old has proven so adept at her job that she now barely attracts a sideways glance.
Her achievements were recognised in November 2024 when she was named ACT Tradeswoman of the Year by the National Association of Women in Construction, a not-for-profit organisation which encourages women in the construction industry.
Ms Michie is actually a third-generation concrete truck driver who follows in the footsteps of her father and grandfather.
Region caught up with her to find out why she chose this career path, what it’s like being the only female driver in her organisation, her advice for Year 12 students and how to reverse park a massive concrete truck.
Why did you decide to become a concrete truck driver?
It’s not something I ever thought I would do.
When I graduated from year 12 at Gungahlin College, I didn’t know what to do next.
I don’t like being at a desk, so I never went to university or TAFE. I like being outside and getting my hands dirty, I grew up on a farm in Hall riding horses and being with animals.
My dad owns a truck business so he suggested I drive trucks for him for a year while I decided what I wanted to do.
But I loved it so much that I wanted to keep doing it. I ended up getting a job for Elvin Group (Canberra concreters). I’ve now been driving concrete trucks for three-and-a-half years.
Some people struggle when reverse parking a sedan. What’s it like backing a massive concrete truck into tight spaces on construction sites?
The more practice I had, the better I got at it. I always look carefully at the space on both sides and make enough room and plan it in my head before I do it.
Any tips for those who struggle reversing?
Don’t let anyone rush you. I always think you should take your time.
Peyton Michie receives her award. Photo: Photox Canberra Photography Services.
Have you had any dramas while driving?
Nothing major. Onsite you might accidentally run over a cone. At a traffic light, a car that wasn’t paying attention ran into the back of me, but that wasn’t my fault.
How do people react when you tell them your job?
Most people say ‘wow, you’re a concrete truck driver’ and think that’s awesome.
Every now and then people say something like ‘why are you doing that, you could be doing anything else you want?’ but those views are in the minority.
How many drivers do Elvin Group have and how many are female?
They’ve got about 30 drivers; I’m the only girl. But they do have women in lots of other roles.
Peyton with her father and role model Ken at her year 12 formal. Photo: Supplied.
Have you ever encountered any discrimination or negative attitudes in the workplace?
Not from Elvin; they’ve always been very supportive.
But there were times, early on, when I would arrive on a worksite and I’d get funny looks from workers who expected to see someone else. They looked at me and wondered if I knew what I was doing. That doesn’t happen as much now.
The job was nerve-wracking at the start, but I’ve become close with everyone and I know the people for whom I’m delivering. I’ve been able to bond with them.
Who are your role models?
My dad has been great. He helped me get my truck licence and has always been encouraging. My mum too, she does the books for the business and teaches fitness classes at the gym. Both my parents are really hardworking, they’ve inspired me to be the same.
What would you say to a girl finishing year 12 this year considering doing a trade?
I’d say just go for it. I never saw myself doing this. But just give it a try, you never know what it’s like.
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