18/02/2026
🚛 Meet Andy & Jahrel — Our Future Drivers 🚛
Andy and Jahrel are two of our young team members who have put in the work from the ground up — starting in the yard and steadily working towards their licences, bigger trucks, and long-term careers in transport. Their dedication, attitude, and willingness to learn show exactly what the future of the industry looks like.
Jahrel’s Story.....
Jahrel started on the wash as a casual at around 14 and became full time in January 2024. With his dad driving for Midlands, he spent plenty of time in the truck growing up — and now his dream is to become a livestock truck driver for Midlands.
What’s something important you learned while working in the yard?
“Being on time and having respect for others.”
How did working in the yard help prepare you for your license?
“I had heaps of time maneuvering trucks and trailers and backing.”
What did you enjoy most about learning different parts of the job?
“The variety — learning how everything works and learning from the drivers and getting to know them.”
What kept you motivated while working towards your Class 2?
“Knowing that I will get to drive trucks one day.”
What’s one skill you’ve gained that you’re really proud of?“Backing the trailer.”
What advice would you give someone starting out in the yard?
“There’s not always jobs you’ll like, but do the work and listen to the experienced people.”
Something you’ve learned since starting at Central Transport?
“I now know where all the farms we go to are, and I’ve learned how a lot of things work by getting to work with the different divisions.”
Next goal?
“Get my Class 4!”
“I would like to thank my dad for being my mentor and all of the CTL & Midlands staff who have guided and helped me along the way.”
Andy’s Story
What made you want to get into truck driving?
“I started washing trucks on weekends when I was 15 and moving them around the yard, then decided I wanted to take the heavy diesel mechanic path. After a while I realised that I actually preferred driving them to fixing them.”
What licenses do you currently hold and which ones are you working toward?
“I’ve currently got my Class 2 and my Wheels, Tracks & Rollers, and I’m working towards my Class 5.”
Who trained you, and what’s the most important thing they’ve taught you?
“There’s been a lot of people who have been part of teaching me different aspects of driving. The most important thing I got taught was to be a sponge and absorb everything you’re taught. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — and there’s only so much you can learn from the passenger seat. You’ve just got to get out there and do it.”
How did working in the yard help prepare you for your licence?
“I’d have to say the ability to drive different equipment with confidence is a really good skill to have. Being around so many aspects of the transport industry while in the yard helped a lot, and driving the trucks around the yard gets you familiar with how they work and backing trailers.”
What’s something you’ve learned since starting here?
“To keep going through the rough days — in this industry you get rough days, but they make the good days better.”
What’s the next goal?
“Keep learning new things and skills and get better every day.”
"Thanks to the team at CTL and Midlands Rural Transport Ltd and everyone that's taken time out of there day to teach me some thing"
We’re proud to support young drivers like Andy and Jahrel as they grow their skills, take on new challenges, and step into bigger trucks every day. The future of transport is in good hands.
If you are interested in a career in rural transport, click the link below to apply today, no experience needed, just the right attitude, and you will be one step closer to a lifetime career that will take you places.
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=5790053844&ed=true&referrer=jobsmart&action=relistcreated
