McCarthy Transport has taken significant strides in upskilling its drivers through an in-house training system for MITO credentials.

Since 2011, the company has successfully completed 90 national certificates. And, in April last year, it introduced a structured learning programme for a group of drivers from the Napier area, equipping them with laptops to complete their MITO training.

Compliance manager Shannon Crombie, now in her sixth year with the company, says last year marked a major step forward in their training efforts.

“Last year was kind of the real big start for us in terms of in-house MITO training,” she says.

“And while it is self-driven learning, between myself, the transport managers and our driver facilitators, we’ve helped get at least two completions.

“And from the end of last year, we have just four or five drivers waiting to do their last theory segment and then practicals, which should hopefully be completed by April by our internal accessors.”

A key focus for the future of the programme has been ensuring that training is distributed across different business areas to minimise time off the road.

While the time commitment for learning can be significant, Shannon emphasises that the benefits outweigh the challenges.

“We use technology every day, and the MITO programme is just another system our drivers need to learn.

“They all learn at different paces, so getting them through the first initial one or two modules to get the hang of it is where that time needs to be spent,” she says.

Despite the adjustment period, the staff have embraced the programme.

“The staff have all made efforts to learn the programme and are supportive of achieving something that also benefits the company.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone. It’s quite an achievement for them once they’re finished.”

Shannon says the importance of formal training in the transport sector cannot be understated, particularly in an industry with inherent risks.

“Transport is a high-risk industry. These guys are skilled in their craft, and giving them a formal qualification reinforces the skills they already have,” she says.

Shannon also believes the training plays a role in changing perceptions of truck drivers.

“I think truck drivers often get unfairly stereotyped. While some may leave school early because the traditional system didn’t suit them, being a professional truck driver requires a high level of skill, responsibility, and expertise that not everyone possesses.”

With the continued success of its in-house MITO training, McCarthy Transport is not only investing in the professional development of its drivers but also reinforcing the expertise and dedication within the transport industry.