Formal training and qualifications help transport workers validate the knowledge gained from learning on the job, according to Blake Noble, managing director at Transcon.
Blake says formal training is “absolutely critical” for the transport sector.
“So many of our workforce have arrived in their role without any formal training and have simply learnt on the job,” he says. “This is great from a peer-learning perspective, but the opportunities available with training allow those drivers (and other team members) to validate their knowledge and earn deserved recognition for the skills they’ve developed and gain certified credentials.”
Transcon has been working with industry training provider MITO for three years. MITO facilitates apprenticeships and industry training for New Zealand’s automotive, transport, logistics, gas and extractive industries.
“We had one senior driver go through a programme initially and then have had others sign on once we’d gained a better understanding of what’s on offer and how it works,” Blake says.
Transcon’s first MITO learner, Brendan White, served as a kind of test pilot.
“He did a great job working his way through the level 3 programme and helping us navigate how it all worked. Via a combination of online and in-person assessments, he successfully completed the programme and was awarded his certificate accordingly,” Blake says.
Blake says he has been impressed with the willingness and availability of the MITO team to support his team remotely and in person and to ensure the success of the programmes as they work through them.
“MITO creates a simple pathway for candidates to follow and provides external support to help them navigate the courses as they progress,” he says.
“For a lot of our learners, they’ve never done any practical online learning before – having someone neutral there to assist is hugely valuable.”
Transcon has recently applied for three MITO Heavy Vehicle Operator scholarships.
“We’ve nominated three of our younger team members to get on board with the programmes after we saw the scholarships offered – we view this as a great way of continuing the learning and development of three drivers who’ve already come a very long way with us – including one who started as a class 2 driver and has proudly progressed through to operating a class 5 unit,” Blake says.
“Again, while the bulk of these drivers’ learning to date has been peer-based, we see that enrolling them in the MITO-led programme is a way of formalising their learning and acknowledging what they’ve learnt on their journey thus far.”
Blake says working with MITO has been excellent.
“They’re very communicative and supportive of assisting every candidate to succeed,” he says.
“For most team members, the knowledge is already there – MITO helps connect the dots on creating a structured learning environment and helping the team learn to learn in a manner that may differ from how they’ve learnt to date.
“I also like that MITO is a recognised organisation and gives immediate credibility to what the team is achieving.”
