Certificate
Delivered by Mainland Driving School in partnership with Ara and industry, this programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge the industry needs, ensuring a solid start to your career.
It covers: practical driving skills and experience; loading and unloading skills; route planning and selection; heavy vehicle systems, components, dynamics and handling; customer service skills; driving compliance; health and safety skills; communication and personal skills for employment.
The programme is divided into four blocks; two are classroom-based and two are based in a range of workplaces to enable you to learn and apply practical skills. In the first block you'll learn the key components of safety and driving compliance, and you'll gain your Class 2 and forklift endorsements so you can be hands-on during the work placements. Where possible under NZTA requirements you'll also gain up to Class 4 licence.
If you live in Ashburton or Oamaru and wish to study this programme in Timaru, you can catch our free daily bus to and from the Timaru campus. Find out more here
Please note: this programme is FEES-FREE for domestic students until 31 December 2022. Find out more >
There are a huge number of excellent employment opportunities for truck, tractor, forklift and industrial machine operators in Canterbury and beyond. As a graduate of this course you will be qualified to apply for these roles. As this programme has been put together by industry to address a shortage of drivers and operators, you'll work within those businesses. This will allow you to make industry connections and create employment opportunities while you study.