Joshua: licenced to drive! (and one step closer to employment)

One year ago Spotswood College student Joshua Hart started his journey to get his restricted licence. Today, he has got it – and can now access all the benefits that come with it. A known prerequisite for many employers is a licence, which is why Taranaki Futures (a charity with a purpose to enable prosperous youth education to employment pathways) is involved in this programme.

Taranaki Futures General Manager Belinda Mooney says “Joshua is our first mentor student to get his restricted licence, it is a milestone day and we are celebrating!”. Joshua learned to drive in the Taranaki Futures car with volunteer mentor Lisa Macnee (also a board member of the organisation). Each Sunday since term four last year the two could be found driving the streets of New Plymouth practicing the skills needed for driving success. “I wanted to help our youth in a hands-on way, and the experience has been incredibly rewarding” says mentor Lisa.

The Taranaki Futures Driver Licence programme is funded by NPDC to help 50 students to gain their restricted drivers licence. It commenced in the July school holidays last year with an intensive road code training week to support students to pass the learner licence test. Today, students are approaching the final stages of the programme with the restricted test. So far 10% of students have achieved the goal of a restricted licence the rest are on track for completion by the end of October.