Car manufacturer launches R7-m driver training scheme

ALAN PEAT WITH
A drastic shortage of skilled commercial vehicle drivers looming – thanks to HIV/Aids and a lack of training facilities – the major vehicle manufacturer, DaimlerChrysler, has launched a teaching programme which will select candidates from the unemployed ranks and train them to Professional Driver Learnership Certificate standards. The R7-million scheme is a collaboration between the motor manufacturer and the manufacturing, engineering and related services sector education and training authority (Merseta) and the transport education and training authority (Teta) – with Daimler Chrysler having an approved allocation of 100 learner drivers a year. It is not simply a matter of equipping them with basic driving skills, according to Stephnie Claasen at DaimlerChrysler’s head office in Pretoria. “The candidates must have a matriculation and a Code 8 licence before we will take them on,” she told FTW. “From this foundation we will turn them into Code 14 licence holders, with a professional driver’s permit.”