In addition to the Cross-Sector Action Plan, which identifies the common pain points and actions identified across the nine sectors, there are a number of significant challenges to attracting and retaining talent in the commercial transport sector. These include:

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1. Declining number of women in the sector: The number of women in commercial transport roles is declining, highlighting the need to intentionally promote the sector as a viable career pathway for women
2. Need for leadership development: Leadership development is essential for maintaining a skilled and motivated workforce. However, the sector lacks clear pathways for leadership development, leading to a shortage of effective leaders

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What action is Hanga-Aro-Rau taking?

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In addition to the actions outlined in our Cross-Sector Action Plan, specific actions aligned with the commercial transport sector to support a strong workforce pipeline are:

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Support for Pacific workforce: Scoping tangible actions in Lumana’i o Tangata Moana plan, there is a focus on supporting Pacific learners and workers through talent attraction, retention and engagement with a particular target to increase community engagement across regional Pacific communities. This action plan is a guiding tool for industry to identify and develop education and training solutions to prepare Pacific peoples for emerging opportunities. It also presents confident approaches to building Pacific cultural capabilities to support the Pacific workforce.

In addition to the Cross-Sector Action Plan which identifies the common pain points and actions identified across the nine sectors, there are a number of significant challenges to qualifications and recognition in the commercial transport sector, these include:

1. Fragmented Sector: The commercial transport sector is fragmented, especially among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This fragmentation makes it challenging to establish standardised training programs and qualifications across the sector, leading to inconsistencies in skill levels and qualifications among workers.

2. Lack of Qualified On-site Trainers: There is a shortage of qualified on-site trainers within the Commercial Transport sector, particularly in SMEs.  

3. Maintaining Relevance and Efficiency: The rapidly evolving nature of the Commercial Transport sector requires workers to continuously update their skills and knowledge to remain relevant and efficient. However, the lack of accessible and up-to-date training opportunities can result in skills gaps and a workforce that struggles to keep pace with industry advancements.

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What action is Hanga-Aro-Rau taking?

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In addition to the Cross-Sector Action Plan which identifies the common pain points and actions identified across the nine sectors, there are a number of significant challenges to qualifications and recognition in the commercial transport sector, these include:

Balancing theory and practical learning: Collaborating with training providers, Hanga-Aro-Rau is working to maintain a balance between theory and practical learning in commercial transport education programs. By ensuring that qualifications emphasise hands-on experience and real-world applications, we aim to produce graduates who are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.

Ensuring qualifications are up-to-date and industry-relevant: Hanga-Aro-Rau is partnering with providers to ensure that qualifications remain up-to-date and relevant to the evolving needs of the commercial transport sector. This involves regular review and updating of training materials and curricula to incorporate changes in technology, regulations, and industry best practices.

Tailoring delivery models for SMEs: Recognising that many businesses in the sector are SMEs with unique constraints, Hanga-Aro-Rau is developing additional solutions to delivery models that best suit their needs. This may include flexible training options, customised programs tailored to SME requirements, and support for on-the-job training initiatives within SMEs.

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From working directly with Industry and understanding their needs, Hanga-Aro-Rau is currently working on the following qualifications:‍

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• Introduction to dispatch operations for commercial road transport (Level 3)
• Workplace communication skills for commercial road transport or logistics (Level 3)
• Workplace communication strategies for commercial road transport or logistics (Level 4)
• Data collection and analysis for commercial road transport (Level 4)
• Workplace driver trainer skills for commercial road transport (Level 4)
• Health and safety, and regulatory compliance for commercial road transport (Level 4)

Hanga-Aro-Rau is undertaking a number of qualification reviews for the commercial transport sector – you can find more information around these and how to get involved here. And follow the links to find out more about interim rulings, or quals reviews coming up from Hanga-Aro-Rau.