Company Takes A Proactive Stance To Up-Skill Drivers

Fijian-owned award-winning tourism transport services operator, Tewaka has taken a proactive approach to address the challenge of losing experienced Public Service Vehicle (PSV) driv­ers to overseas contracts.

Since the reopening of Fiji’s in­ternational borders the company had lost 10 experienced Group Five PSV drivers who resigned to take up contracts in New Zealand.

Managing director, James Sowane said “we are proud of our drivers who have settled well into their new roles with their families, and we are thankful for their loyal services over the years and wish them all the success they deserve.”

The company in the short to medi­um term will upskill its Group Four drivers to Group Five which will en­able them to operate their mid-size and large coaches, plus the train­ing of newly recruited PSV drivers who have joined from non-tourism industries.

Mr Sowane is grateful to the Land Transport Authority acting chief executive Irimaia Rokosawa and his team for approving their request for LTA to conduct an in-house De­fensive Driving Course (DDC).

“That enabled the progression of our driver licensing qualification as we work towards filling the vac­uum of lost experience and skills created by the recent migration of our former team members,” he said.

The reality of losing PSV drivers abroad will be ongoing and he en­couraged the transport sector to en­gage in partnership initiatives with stakeholder partners, in particular with the LTA.

“We must focus on the positives by investing in training, looking after your staff well, and provide opportunities for a new generation of up-and-coming PSV professional drivers,” he said

Mr Sowane also acknowledges the support of Classic Buses with the provision of buses for driving tests.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj