The Road to success programme and MITO qualifications provide invaluable experience to those new to the transport sector.

Mark Closel is a Road to success learner working for NZ Express Transport.

The Christchurch-based business focuses on containers, predominately to and from the Lyttelton Port, container devanning, general freight deliveries and container tipping for delivery of bulk commodities.

Mark came into the industry from a social work background and says the transport industry has been a welcome change of pace.

He says the Road to Success programme and Mito qualifications have been valuable programmes for someone new to the transport industry with little to no prior experience.

“Learning and working simultaneously reinforced the experience on the job and support from training facilitators coupled with work colleagues was just so helpful,” he says.

Mark says that while the training can be challenging, it is matched by the support he gets along the way.

“There is a lot of information to take in and action in the job. As long as the participant is proactive and willing and doesn’t mind asking lots of questions to reinforce learning efficiently and effectively, it balances out,” he says.

Murray Young, General Manager at NZ Express, says the company recognised the immense value of the Road to success programme early on.

“When Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand picked up and administered the programme, it was an easy decision to pursue it and take on trainees, as well as offering the training to a cross-section of our existing staff,” he says.

NZ Express currently has in excess of 12 trainees going through various courses offered through Road to Success and MITO.

The courses range from Introduction to Commercial Road Transport Level 3 to National Certificate in Commercial Transport Level 4 Commercial Road Transport – Driver Safety (Micro-credential), Commercial Road Transport – Heavy Combination Vehicle Loading Fundamentals Micro-credential, Commercial Road Transport – Mass and Dimensions Micro- credential, and the New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4).

Murray says vocational training offers the opportunity to attract people into the transport industry.

“It enhances a trainee’s skillset, which positively increases the effectiveness and safety within the overall transport industry. Additionally, training is an enabler to improve employment opportunities at all levels within our sector,” he says.

“Transport and logistics play an imperative role in the New Zealand economy, and vocational training provides our industry with a pipeline of new talent to ensure the future sustainability for our industry.”

Murray says NZ Express’ truck drivers play a vital role in the success of the company, so it is important to both recognise and retain them.

“By offering a formal training qualification we can demonstrate our commitment to our staff and their personal development,” he says.

“We feel privileged to offer a formal qualification, representative of their skills and professionalism, and in turn, successful training provides us with certainty in the quality and safety of our service.