Driving lesson promise praised
Getting more students behind the wheel could give them a boost toward work, principals say.
The comments came as reaction to the Labour Party’s election promises to offer secondary schools funding for driving lessons and driver licensing tests.
Labour leader Jacinda Ardern also said it would like to fund personal budgeting and civics lessons at secondary school, to grow responsible, involved adults.
Waiopehu College principal Mark Robinson said the skills highlighted were exactly what Levin industry and employers were looking for in young employees, and he would be ‘‘very supportive’’.
‘‘Driver licensing in particular is often a pre-requisite to successful employment, so we have been actively looking at local solutions to overcoming this.
‘‘Affordability of the [driving licence] tests is one aspect which is often a hurdle for families to overcome.’’
Taihape Area School principal Richard Mcmillan also said there was a strong local need for young employees who were mobile.
‘‘It’s a challenge. A lot of services in Taihape depend on our students – Mcdonald’s, the petrol station, Subway, cafes. There’s quite a few different types of jobs for students in our area, but one barrier is getting there.’’
The cost of getting a licence and driving lessons were a challenge ‘‘for many people’’.
Mcmillan said personal budgeting was also a valuable skill he would like to see funded, as it could benefit students throughout life if introduced at school age.
‘‘There’s a wee bit of support for students now, through numeracy and maths programmes, but that’s a real area of need for many people, not just kids.‘‘
In May, a Work Ready Passport scheme was launched, designed by Manawatu industry representatives. It provides a list of skills and qualities employers want job seekers to have achieved.
The passport is designed to be completed by students at high school, and includes ticking off a driving licence, work experience, being drug free and managing your money.
Massey University education lecturer Dr Peter Rawlins said new research showed driver education in New Zealand schools could make a ‘‘big difference’’ to help young people get jobs.
Driver training in school meant they would benefit from a professional trainer and teaching good skills at a critical age could help reduce crashes.
There had been a decline in young people getting their licence in the past 15 to 20 years. Labour has promised $50 million a year to fund their education ‘‘toolkit’’.