Future drivers driving the future

One of the most crucial parts to the heavy transport industry’s future and prosperity is recruiting more drivers. HWR’s joint venture company with Dynes Group is playing its part, with the Dynes Academy seeing many drivers qualify through its ranks.

Dynes Academy is made up of two programmes – the fast-tracked Cadet Accelerator course for those operators over 25 who may be looking to switch careers, and the Cadet Development course for those under 25.

Dynes believe that the best drivers come from being out there, doing it. The learning it delivers is industry-based rather than sitting in a classroom.

The driving force behind Dynes Academy is Cadet Manager Des Morris. He works with cadets to identify and grow skills needed in the heavy transport industry, helping them through the hard yards to send them on a path to success. With him, learners gain practical experience in the various divisions drivers are involved in – bulk milk, powder, log cartage, chip, wine/juice and storage.

Recently the cadetship programmes have had an upgrade in the wheels department, with the arrival of a new DAF truck. The DAF, with the ability to change bodies, will be instrumental in teaching cadets the ins and outs of working with these large and technical units.

“We needed something better than our old Nissan 6-speed manual tip truck that we use for our class 2 licence training as it’s only a tip truck – but it has been a good old truck,” Des says.

The new DAF class 2 truck has the same specs as the Nissan (18000 GVM) but has an automatic transmission. Different truck bodies can be swapped with the DAF – it can be a tip truck, a flat deck or a curtain sider body, and there is even a milk tanker body for it as well.

Having the new truck meant there would be a wider range of skills cadets would be able to train in, Des says.

“We now have more opportunities for our cadets to train in different parts of the business with the new DAF.”

Through these Dynes programmes, it is hoped the shortage of truck drivers and other associated personnel in the transport industry will be addressed, with the Academy producing high quality and fully qualified drivers.

Practical experience and learnings cover:

• Licences and qualifications appropriate to the cadet’s ambitions - first aid courses, OSH forklift, F endorsement, wheels, tracks and roller endorsements, licencing up to Class 5
• Ability to assess and identify risks and hazards, as required by the industry and apply safe work practices
• Skills to handle, load and unload goods appropriately and safely
• Knowledge and ability to safely drive and operate a forklift and safely operate a rigid or B-train unit
• Life skills and personal growth from regular workshops and mentoring

Dynes Academy delivers drivers with the right attitude and culture behind them, with a solid background in health and safety, road courtesy, lawful requirements, respect for the fleet and respect for the company, staff, and community.