As part of this work, The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has confirmed that the road freight transport (RFT) sector has been included in the Sector Workforce Engagement Programme or SWEP. This is a new government initiative that supports businesses‘ growth through improved access to reliable and appropriately skilled staff and ensures New Zealanders are given job opportunities.

The RFT Group, made up of industry and SWEP representatives, is to appoint a coordinator on a 12-month contract. The role will be to develop the strategies, supported by government and the industry, with the ultimate goal of working towards resolving the driver shortage issues identified. This person will have the full support of the SWEP team to assist with government engagement.

The Driver Shortage Strategy is a long-term plan that will take time for all the changes to take effect, and the key to its success will be industry support. The industry will need to be prepared to make changes, and this means taking on new drivers, training, and in some cases even changes to fleets to be able to employ Class 2 and 4 drivers.

If you know of any suitable candidates who could potentially fill this role, please advise your association or advise them to respond to the job advertisement.

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