Living a driving dream.

The former council worker had always aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a truckie.

After completing a Road Transport Association (RTA) Cadetship earlier this year and graduating top of his class, Jamie is now achieving his goals delivering freight all over the Manawatu for AF Logistics.  

The 12-week RTA Cadetship programme, created in partnership with Tranzqual ITO, focuses on critical skills and knowledge for entry into the road transport industry.

Students usually complete the training necessary to be able to safely operate heavy vehicles that require a Class 2 licence.

However, Jamie already held his Class 4 licence so completed a Class 5 licence during his training, as well as a forklift licence and Dangerous Goods endorsement.

Jamie travelled to Wellington once a week for a day of study followed by on the job training with AF Logistics.
He was enthusiastic about the cadet programme especially the practical aspect of the learning that saw him gaining experience in the workplace.

“We got to get out in the trucks and drive them and get some hands on learning, tying down loads, unloading and learning about things like fatigue.”

He was supported throughout the training by Work and Income, and he would like to thank his Case Manager, Diane Brown, for making his dreams a reality.

“It’s a real change to be employed. I’ve been flat out six days a week since and on a good hourly rate so I’m really happy.

“I’m really glad I did the course it’s why I got this job. I can put my knowledge into practice.”

Jamie delivers freight to Ashurst, Woodville, Dannevirke and Pahiatua and starts work at 4am and is out on the road by 5am.

“Just by coming to work and being employed I am enjoying it. I like everything about the job; driving, meeting the guys and building relationships with clients.”

Jamie’s boss, AF Logistics Transport Manager, Lee Campbell, says Jamie has been doing all the right things.
“He’s been a breath of fresh air around here, we are rapt with him. The hours seem to suit him and his family and he is reliable and giving it 150 percent, we’ve got no issue with him.”

Lee says the work experience he completed also worked out well as Jamie was able to learn how the company operated and how things like paperwork were done.

AF Logistics Regional Manager, Graham Poulson, says he is also very happy with Jamie’s work.
“He’s only going to get better and we will have him working fulltime soon. He’s come here as the full package, he asks valid questions and he will be a real asset to us in the future.”

The RTA Cadetship programme is currently available only in the Central Region through Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT), Weltec in Wellington and the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in Hawkes Bay. If you wish to learn more call 0800 4QUALS (478257) for further programme details.