Driving a 44 tonne log truck around challenging New Zealand roads takes a lot of skill – and those at operator McCarthy Transport are now being recognised for it.
The company is taking part in the Motor Industry Training Organisation’s Log Transport Operator programme, the drivers’ skills and experience are now being recognised with a formal qualification.McCarthy Transport News1
MITO offers the National Certificate in Transportation of Logs by Road (Level 3), which provides drivers with the knowledge and skills for the safe, lawful and efficient transportation of logs by road. The qualification also allows drivers to choose elective unit standards that are specific to their role, such as loading a log truck or trailer, transporting logs off-highway, and operating vehicles in forestry operations.
McCarthy Transport, which has been operating in New Zealand for over 60 years and employs more than 100 transport operators, currently has 25 drivers completing the national certificate—and they have found the qualification so valuable that they are now making it compulsory for all new drivers.
McCarthy Transport’s training manager, Craig Gibbins, thinks the programme is an important step forward for the transportation industry.
“The drivers love the training. They are learning all sorts of new skills, and gaining a nationally recognised qualification, something they have never had the opportunity to do before.”
The qualification is also helping McCarthy Transport continue their long term goal.
“We want to keep maintaining a high level of professionalism for our drivers, and the National Certificate in Transportation of Logs by Road is going to help us to achieve this,” says Gibbins.
McCarthy Transport is also supporting the Log Transport Safety Council’s educational and accreditation programme, the Pathway to Success. The Pathway recognises log transport operators’ skills and experience within the industry and is made up of four levels of accreditation: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Overall Gibbins is pleased with how his transport operators have performed, and excited that they are being recognised for their hard work.
“The level of professionalism has really lifted. The drivers are all awesome drivers to start with, but now the expertise that they learnt during the qualification is flowing through into their work.”
