Tutor Verdun Rodgers and the logging truck used to give students first-hand experience as they study towards a New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport.
Many EIT Commercial Road Transport graduates have gained jobs in the local trucking industry since the institute acquired its own logging truck last year.
“The truck and trailer enables students to get real-time experience in the forests and on difficult forestry roads, whereas in the past, they learned with trucks EIT could only hire, which were limited in their ability. Having the EIT-owned truck means students can learn best practices and a host of other skills relevant to the forestry industry”, says tutor Verdun Rodgers.
“Students have the opportunity to gain their Class 2, 4 and 5 road transport licences as well as forklift, wheels, tracks, rollers and transporting dangerous or hazardous goods endorsements. The rig enables students to get hands-on experience of correct loading, the use of weighing scales, to managing tyre pressure to suit terrain and two-way radio communication”, says Mr Rodgers. “The truck enables them to do real work and get real life experience resulting in students going straight into jobs as soon as they get their Class4/5 licence,” he said
“Before they have even finished I have employers contacting me seeking good drivers which is a great outcome for students and the industry.”
A recent labour market report interviewed two firms in Tairāwhiti. Those companies could employ 10 additional drivers a year for the next four years, meaning at least 20 new drivers a year are needed for just these two companies.
The Class 5 licence is required throughout the transport industry, including in forestry, pack houses, couriers and bus companies.
The Level 3 course runs for 20 weeks and was designed and developed in conjunction with the forestry industry. The next intake for the programme is in early August and due to popular demand, students are enrolled on a first come, first served basis.
Mr Rodgers has had over 25 years of experience in the industry, operating line haul trucks and bulk combinations, bulk tippers, side loaders, block trucks, forklifts, loaders, excavators and a variety of other mobile plant. He has been in the training industry for over 10 years.