New Zealand in Desperate Need of Licensed HGV Drivers

So, you received your HGV training in Merseyside. How would you feel about working in Auckland, New Zealand? We ask because New Zealand is currently undergoing a crisis in the haulage industry. The country is in desperate need of licensed HGV drivers thanks to a change in national regulations last year.

The regulations in question were changed to remove class 5 drivers from New Zealand’s list of skills in short supply among immigrants. The change was made to discourage the haulage industry from hiring already licensed foreign drivers favour of hiring and training indigenous homeless people. They never stopped to consider that the training process in New Zealand takes about three years.

The result of the change means that some 112 haulage companies are unable to operate at full capacity. Estimates suggest the industry has an immediate need for almost 400 drivers just to get things back on track. Companies are hiring from wherever they can, including Europe, India, and Asia.

Hiring foreign drivers has caused an additional problem for the politicians because it defeats the purpose of changing the rules. They have responded by making it more difficult for foreign drivers to remain in the country after a one-year work permit expires. Drivers are able to stay long-term by applying for permanent resident status.

At the current time there seems to be no workable solution other than foreign hiring. If you are interested in working overseas, you might look into seeking employment with a Kiwi company for at least a year. If you decide you like it, you can always apply for permanent status.

HGV Training in the UK

We are experiencing a driver shortage of our own here in the UK. Fortunately, it is not nearly as serious as the situation in New Zealand. One of the things we have going for us is the fact that HGV training can be completed in weeks or months, not years. At the HGV Training Centre, we pride ourselves on getting our students prepared for their tests within weeks of starting their classes.

To undergo HGV training you must first have a full car licence. You then need to pass a routine medical exam and apply for a provisional entitlement allowing you to undergo practical skills training behind the wheel of an HGV. You also need to pass a 100-question, multiple-choice theory test.

The HGV Training Centre can help you with all of the preliminary steps leading up to your practical skills training. Moreover, you’ll be happy to know that our students have a 92% first-time pass rate for the theory test.

We offer HGV training in Merseyside and all over the UK at more than 45 facilities. Our training courses can prepare you to drive any commercial vehicle including HGVs, LGVs, PCVs, vans, heavy construction equipment, coaches, and buses. We even offer training for individuals who just need to brush up on their trailer or caravan skills. Just contact us for more information.

Sources:

1. Emigrate.co.uk – https://www.emigrate.co.uk/news/20140422-8988_new-zealand-haulage-companies-need-class-5-drivers