Truck driving is proving to be just the ticket for 19-year-old Harrison Wells.
Wells, with the help of careers teacher Graeme Edwards, approached National Road Carriers chief executive David Aitken.
He handed in his CV and things took off from there.
Wells had just finished his Year 12 exams at Auckland Grammar School when he set to work for Halls Transport.
“It’s a great industry to be in … I like the practical aspect of it. Much better than academic stuff,” he says.
Wells is one of the success stories as the industry tackles a shortage of drivers. Leaders in the sector are on a mission to show truck driving can be a great career option.
While at school, he got involved in courses that offered alternative careers and gained a forklift license and barista skills.
“There was also information about the trucking and logistics industry which looked interesting.
“I kept telling my parents I wanted to leave school, but they said I had to get a job.”
After his CV was sent to several big companies he found himself at Halls’ Takanini depot one Friday after school to be interviewed by executive director Grant Madill.
“I started work the Monday after I finished my exams … I’ve loved it from day one.
“I wouldn’t be here without Graeme Edwards. David Aitken and Grant Madill have both been awesome too.”
In the last 18 months he has progressed to a Class 4 license.
He is currently driving a 400 horsepower, 8-wheeler Isuzu making deliveries all around the greater Auckland area.
Harrison spent the first three months at Halls picking and packing in the warehouse and loading trucks, learning about the logistics of the industry.
In March last year he started making van deliveries in Auckland, having progressed through his standard driver’s license as quickly as possible.
He got his learner’s licence on his 16th birthday and quickly progressed to his full. He gained his Class 2 licence in June last year and was soon driving nine tonners around Auckland.
All his training has been done by Halls’ certified trainers on site.
“I get to check in with them and get tips and advice whenever I need to,” Wells says.
The training has also included block courses of unit standards.
Wells already has his sights set on a Class 5 license, which he believes might be possible by the end of the year.
A usual day can see him starting work about 6am, with a normal working day varying between 10 to 12 hours delivering chilled and frozen goods to supermarkets, restaurants and cafes.
The most drops he has done in a single day is 67.
“It’s pretty intensive and keeps you on your toes,” Wells says.
