The ability to be behind the wheel can create so much freedom.
And for the aspiring workforce in Hurunui District, the lack of access to driving lessons is a huge barrier lying between them and the ability to land a job.
The Driver Mentor Programme is a nationwide framework, adopted in the Hurunui District as a solution for getting more job seekers behind the wheel and reducing social isolation facing many rural people who do not have access to transport.
The Programme has successfully piloted in Culverden, where learner drivers received lessons from mentors, providing them the opportunity to sit their Restricted Licence.
It’s an initiative originally initiated by Mayors Taskforce For Jobs, and now involves a steering group involving schools, the police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, migrant support, Welcoming Communities, Hurunui Youth Programme, Road Safety, Ministry of Education, and Pro-active Drive. There is also additional support from Amuri Vehicle Trust and Salvation Army.
Jo Carter is Youth Development Officer at Hurunui District Council and is thrilled with the recent announcement that the Programme has secured $40,000 in funding from Ministry of Social Development which will kickstart it into the first year.
These funds will be used to assist in the employment of a Driver Mentor Coordinator to oversee the mentors who will deliver driving instruction to learner drivers throughout the District.
“With no public transport in Hurunui, one of the biggest barriers for getting a job is learning to drive,” said Carter, adding that this includes mainly young drivers and migrants. “Not everyone has a legal car at home to learn in, or someone to take them for lessons.”
The goal is to expand the Programme across the District, where learner drivers will have access to a vehicle and a volunteer instructor, committing to a 12 week session which also enables them to drive to bigger hubs like Rangiora where they learn to navigate roundabouts and traffic lights.
“It’s about upskilling, eliminating bad habits, and providing whānau training as well so good habits and confidence that can be passed through a household.”
Someone who has a vested interest in the Programme is Culverden Fire Chief Craig Ritchie, who has seen first hand far too many vehicle accidents which some he said were the result of bad driving decisions.
Also a driver mentor, Ritchie enjoys seeing the confidence and determination of learner drivers grow. He said it’s more than driving lessons, it’s giving an opportunity to move forward and progress.
“It’s a lot easier to give driving lessons that cut people out of cars,” he said.
Carter is interested in hearing from anyone who would like to be involved in the Programme, including candidates for the coordinator role, mentors, and of course mentees.
Applications for the Driver Mentor Coordinator role close on December 6, and more information can be found in the Careers tab on the home page of the Council’s website.
Resources:
Job description:
https://hdcjobs.co.nz/Vacancies/6166373/title/Driver-Programme-Coordinator
Mentor application form:
www.hurunui.govt.nz/drivermentor
