National driver trainer, Johnston’s Coachlines

David Kinnaird gets satisfaction from his job when those he has trained qualify.

Name: David Kinnaird
Age: 35
Role: National driver trainer, Johnston's Coachlines
Working hours: 70 hours a week
Average pay: $40,000 - $50,000
Qualifications: National Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (long distance), National Certificate in Adult Education, National Certificate in Driving and Assessment (heavy vehicle), National Certificate in Driving and Assessment (light vehicle), National Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (local and route service), National Certificate in Employment Skills, National Certificate in Tourism (tour leadership).

Describe how you got this job?

I have been driving coaches and taking tourists all over the country for 10 years. I volunteered for a training position and was among seven people picked. Now three of us work for Johnston's Coachlines nationwide.

Describe what you do?

I train coach drivers in all aspects of professional coach driving for the tours they take all over New Zealand. Some of the aspects are hazards on the road, safe and fuel-efficient driving, driving techniques, dealing with passengers and their requests.

Drivers progress along the way - we assess how they initially go and then we bring them on board and start training - how to load the coach, how to drive generally before their first coach tour. There are around 100 employees, full-time, contract and casual. We have new people starting all the time, but generally at the end of winter and start of summer. I travel around the country for training and I design all our training programmes.

What have you had to do to succeed at this job?

To have a good knowledge and understanding of all facets of the coach driving and tourism industry. I have had to secure peer support along the way.

What sort of training or experience do you need?

I had to be trained on how to train adult learners and understand how the NZQA assessment and training process works. This is underpinned by several years of on-road knowledge and experience, so I am able to take new drivers under my wing and share my experience and knowledge. Q. What skills and qualities do you need?

A lot of patience, some understanding of how we learn things and the ability to learn from people that you are training. Sometimes they can tell you something too.

To be coach driver, you need the ability to be flexible, to get along with people from all walks of life and be able to drive in a safe, professional manner.

Best part of the job?

Satisfaction by way of other drivers or peers saying they have enjoyed what we have taught or trained. You need to make it enjoyable. Q. Most challenging part?

A. Being able to successfully answer questions and train the driver to the company's requirements. Some have different learning abilities and you have to adapt. It is not straightforward.

How do you define success in this job?

When the drivers obtain their National Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (long distance) and have qualified. Good pasenger feedback.

If I wanted a job like yours how would I go about it, and what qualifications would I need?

People need to hold a full class four driver's licence and a P or passenger endorsement. Approach coach companies and start driving with them and work towards the National Certificate in Road Transport (long distance). For the training side, you need to get the adult teaching qualification and acquire experience along the way.

What are your career hopes for future?

To continue to build on existing training and personal qualifications and build a future towards operational management.

What advice would you have for someone contemplating a career like yours?

People need to enjoy travelling and meeting people and driving, obviously. Have an open mind and a willingness to learn and gain experience on the way. A reasonable level of fitness is needed for handling the luggage and things like that.

For the training side, listen to others in the industry and senior drivers - they can give you a lot of information. You need to pick up the challenge of wanting to teach others how to become a professional coach driver, because anyone can be a driver, but it takes certain people to be a professional.