Changes to trucking skills shortage rules an opportunity

1 August, 2013

Changes to trucking skills shortage rules an opportunity to train locals

The removal of truck driving from an immigration skills shortage list provides must prompt a dedicated training plan to help New Zealanders to get behind the wheel of trucks, FIRST Union said today.

Immigration New Zealand is to remove truck driving from its Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) at the end of the year.

“Trucking is a good industry for workers to be involved in. It needs a proper training plan to train a new generation of drivers,” said Robert Reid, General Secretary of FIRST Union, which represents truck drivers.

“In removing truck driving from the skills shortage list, government also needs to be more proactive in providing funding and opportunities to allow young workers to get behind the wheel. Heavy vehicle driving needs to be promoted much more as an career option in schools and elsewhere.”

FIRST Union is currently working with the National Road Carriers Association on a programme to encourage more Kiwis to take on the profession of truck driving, Robert Reid said.

“With the right training plan in place, we see this as an opportunity for more young New Zealanders to get behind the wheel of trucks.”

ENDS

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