Truck Drivers Cadetship Programme

Tranzqual, the ITO for the road transport industry, recognised that there was a shortage of newcomers to truck driving in parts of New Zealand.

They responded to a shortage in Taranaki by establishing a cadetship programme for aspiring truck drivers that introduced them to the industry, provided the training needed to start their careers, and supported them into full employment.

The 12-week programme was developed in partnership with the Road Transport Association (RTA) and supported by industry leaders and training providers. It focuses on essential skills and knowledge for entry into the road transport industry at the Class 2 or 4 heavy vehicle licence level.

Cadets are placed with participating transport operators where they learn basic practical skills and gain valuable work experience and confidence. In tandem they attend training classes where learning is tailored to the needs of the transport industry.

New Plymouth man Peter Tohu is one of the graduates of the initial cadet course. Peter enjoyed the classroom work but it was the practical skills learnt on the job that were most important for him. He gained a range of valuable experience about how the workplace operated and learnt at his own pace. His transport operator was so pleased with his progress that they offered him employment shortly after he began his course work placement.

Peter is very enthusiastic about the programme and recommends the road transport cadetship to any aspiring truckies. He says the cadetship is the perfect stepping stone to learn about driving and then get a job in the industry.

“Driving a truck might look easy to some people but there is a lot to take on board, our safety, the public’s safety and customer’s goods,” Peter says. “You can’t just get in and drive as there is lots to learn. You have to learn to walk before you can run. On the course you will get all the do’s and don’ts - it has really opened up my eyes.”

The initial cadet programme in Taranaki has been very successful with the majority of participants now employed by the industry. Further phases of the cadetship programme have subsequently been introduced there. Tranzqual has continued to work with the RTA elsewhere and has rolled out the scheme in other regions with similar success.

The cadetship programme for truck drivers is now considered fundamental for the future of the industry and it is envisioned that in the long term, margins and productivity of the road transport sector will be lifted by the scheme.

Website - www.tranzqual.org.nz