The introduction of NCEA credits from next year for students to obtain a driver licence will help address the skills shortage one business group has indicated.
The government announced this week students will be able to gain two credits towards NCEA Level one by passing the learner licence theory test, four credits towards NCEA Level two by earning a restricted licence and a further two credits towards NCEA Level two by gaining a full licence. The administrative systems to support this change will be in place from April 1 next year.
Many students are currently missing out on job opportunities from not having a driving licence, according to Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett.
“There are looming skill shortages in industries where drivers licences are a core competency of roles (trades, transport) and the only barrier to entry for young people is their lack of a full drivers licences,” Barnett notes. “Opportunities are missed for young people to start their careers in these critical industries.
“Our experience suggests that young people with a full drivers licence are able to apply for seven times more jobs than those without.”
“We have worked closely with the Ministry of Education and it is great to get a result as quickly as this,” says Barnett.
“From the start Ministry officials listened and responded in a positive way. It is an example demonstrating that a well-constructed conversation and process between business and government can get a result that benefits all parties, and especially in this case students who would otherwise miss out on a job and likely end up in the court system through driving without a licence.”
