Commercial driver and distribution training may be introduced in Kawerau to help people into employment.

Industrial Symbiosis Kawerau plans to offer training courses, in partnership with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, following a recent visit to the latter’s Tokoroa campus where similar programmes are already in place. These courses include a certificate in commercial road transport and a national certificate in distribution.

Kawerau District Council economic and community development manager Glenn Sutton says many businesses are struggling to find skilled drivers as the existing workforce in that field is ageing.

"There is a clear need for young people to develop these skills so they can meet the employment needs of such businesses. The introduction of this initiative will be a strategic move for the Kawerau district and one that will also benefit the wider Bay of Plenty, particularly with the container terminal project nearing completion and potentially growing industry in the region.”

The level of interest from local industry and possible training locations are currently being assessed.