86 | Cadetship opens up career pathways Sandfords latest advertised cadetship opportunity had 24 applications in the first 24 hours, and 43 within the week. Kelly Deeks With nearly 100 years in business and 100 trucks in 10 depots across the central and lower North Island, Sandfords Rural Carriers is a critical part of its communities, as its communities are a critical part of it. Since 1928, Sandfords has focused on providing a quality transport service to the rural sector and meeting the needs of its clients when they need it, with five different divisions including bulk, silos, livestock, concrete, and spreading. Jessie Freer of Sandfords says the company’s long history of success is due to its people. “Whether it’s our drivers or our farmers, they are the reason Sandfords is still going strong,” she says. “We’d like to get to the 100 year mark with a bit more growth, and still be looking after our drivers and our farmers. They are the most important part of our business.” As the transport sector struggles with labour constraints across the country, Sandfords’ proactive approach to driver attraction and retention sees Jessie facing 43 applications for her latest advertised cadetship position. In 2018, Sandfords owner Phil Sandford bought a small class one truck, had some customised gear made for it including a three-ton bulk bin and a small livestock crate, and started offering a cadetship programme through the two high schools local to Sandfords home depot at Auroa. “We can take a driver from their Class 1 licence all the way through to their Class 5,” Jessie says. “We take cadets on as full time permanent employees and put them through all of their licences. Once they get their Class 2 they can drive our smaller livestock or spreading trucks, once they get to Class 3 they can tow a small trailer. “At Class 4 they can drive our concrete trucks or bigger livestock trucks and when they get their Class 5, the options are endless. “They can drive all of our fleet including our bulk trucks, livestock units with trailers, and silo trucks. We take them from start to finish without it costing them a cent.” Jessie says for a lot of new transport talent, the idea of having to pay $1000 per licence can put them off right from the start, so the opportunity to be sponsored by their employer as they earn while they learn gives them an accessible pathway towards their transport career goals. During Covid, and while the local schools weren’t open, Sandfords expanded the cadetship offer to the general public where it was met by huge demand. “We can take a driver from their Class 1 licence all the way through to their Class 5. We take them from start to finish without it costing them a cent.” RURAL SERVICES » Sandfords Rural Carriers The latest advertised cadetship opportunity had 24 applications in the first 24 hours, and 43 within the week. “The one prequalification we need is our candidates to have a Class 1 licence, then if our cadet has the right attitude, we can teach them everything else.” As well as gaining their qualifications, this of course includes looking after Sandfords many loyal clients, some of whom are third and fourth generation. While it is unusual to find a business which is still under control of its founder’s direct descendants after nearly 100 years, many other families in Auroa and South Taranaki have also been faithful to the same firm from generation to generation. “Our excellent staff, who have been prepared to step up as Sandfords has grown, and our great customers who have given us their business and also their loyalty, are all critical parts of this family business and a big part of our family. These people are Sandfords.” • Prompt backup service • Drawbeams • Roll bars • Bumpers • Chassis alteration • Repairs and Maintenance • Structure steel Fabrication For Buildings and Houses Peter Harrison 06 278 3054 or 027 448 0802 Regent Street, Hawera BULK SPREADERS AND TRAILERS Made in NZ with NZ components for NZ conditions Proudly supporting Sandfords Rural Carriers Custom built bins and trailers & all associated truck and trailer work PARTS / SERVICE / SALES / REPAIRS / FABRICATION 72 Connett Road, Bell Block, New Plymouth 06 7696506 - info@mccurdy.co.nz www.mccurdy.co.nz
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