Truck driver cadetship

The truck driver cadetship is a 12-week training programme that will give you all the skills and knowledge you need to start a career in truck driving. It is available to all age groups and prior employment in the industry is not necessary.

During your cadetship:

  • if you already hold a Class 1 licence, you can expect to gain your Class 2 licence
  • if you already hold a Class 2 licence, you can expect to gain your Class 4 licence.

What does it involve?

The Truck Driver Cadetship programme is split into two parts. For each of the first eight weeks, you will spend:

  • one day at a Polytechnic
  • one day doing your own study
  • three days working for a road transport operator.

For the last four weeks, you will be placed full-time with a road transport operator, working and being assessed. You will have to successfully complete the first eight weeks before you can move into a fulltime placement.

What will you learn?

The Truck Driver Cadetship programme covers:

  • Class 2 or Class 4 drivers licence tests
  • OSH forklift certificate
  • fatigue and logbook assessment
  • heavy motor vehicle start-up/shut-down
  • customer service skills
  • loading and unloading a goods service vehicle
  • documentation for the transport of goods by road
  • personal presentation
  • ACC DriverSafe
  • applied knowledge of manual handling of goods
  • the “D” (dangerous goods) test and endorsement, but only in some programmes.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you are a school leaver, if you're considering a career change, or if you're already in the industry and want to further develop your skills.

Before you can be accepted, you must:

  • have held a full driver licence for at least six months
  • complete and pass a medical
  • complete and pass a drugs test
  • pass a police check (which is also required for you to be eligible for full-time employment)
  • complete a risk and safety profile
  • own approved safety boots.

How much does it cost?

The programme fee is $1000 + GST. This includes study guides, assessments and licence endorsements. You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the course costs. You may also receive a wage, but this is a separate and optional arrangement with the operating company and not part of the cadetship programme.

Where is the cadetship course offered?

The cadetship course is currently offered in Hawkes Bay at EIT, Taranaki at WITT, and Wellington at WelTec. It is likely to be offered in other areas in 2010.

How do I find out more and sign up?

To learn more about the Truck Driver Cadetship, including how to apply, call Tranzqual on 0800 4QUALS (0800 478257). You can also download our brochure.

Want to be a truck driver? [PDF: 344Kb, 2 pages]