NTA is rolling out a dynamic workforce strategy to attract new talent, showcasing the industry’s innovation, camaraderie, and opportunities
The road transport sector is a critical part of New Zealand’s economy, but like many industries, it is grappling with workforce shortages. In response, the New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA) is rolling out a dynamic workforce strategy to attract new talent, showcasing the industry’s innovation, camaraderie, and opportunities. The centrepiece of this effort is the Careers Transport 2025 initiative, set to make waves at the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show in Christchurch this March.
A platform to showcase the industry
Scheduled for Saturday, 8 March, Careers Transport 2025 is designed to shine a spotlight on the trucking and transport sector, providing businesses a direct way to connect with communities. By inviting people into the world of transport, the NTA hopes to ignite interest and dispel misconceptions about careers in the industry.
The event will feature a new exhibition floor where transport businesses can park their trucks or equipment alongside gazebos displaying their brand and career opportunities. This interactive setup is a golden chance to engage with potential recruits and their families, showcasing not only the machinery but also the passion and dedication that drives the industry forward.
For visitors, navigating the showcase will be easy thanks to strategically placed signage and a detailed show map highlighting companies eager to discuss career options.
A multifaceted workforce strategy
The NTA acknowledges there’s no single solution to the workforce shortage. Instead, the association is tackling the issue from multiple angles, with the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show serving as a launchpad for various initiatives.
One of the most exciting events is the Trucking Relay, organised in collaboration with TR Group. This high-energy competition will put drivers and loaders to the test, showcasing their skills in a fun and engaging way.
With Mark Harvey as the MC, the relay promises to be as entertaining as it is inspiring, drawing the crowd into the action. Every transport company is encouraged to enter a team, turning the spotlight on their talent and fostering a sense of industry pride.
Registration is open.
The Show and Shine competition adds another layer to the strategy. Known for its dazzling display of polished trucks, this event is a visual feast and a powerful branding opportunity. Companies entering their trucks can showcase not just their vehicles but also their commitment to excellence, innovation, and the people behind the wheel.
The power of participation
The NTA’s workforce strategy hinges on industry participation. Events like the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show aren’t just about trucks and logistics – they’re about people. By involving themselves in initiatives like Careers Transport 2025, the Trucking Relay, and the Show and Shine, transport companies can demonstrate their commitment to the future of the industry.
The show’s organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure the event reaches as many people as possible. Through promotions on social media, newsletters, and local newspapers, the NTA is spreading the word far and wide, encouraging everyone with an interest in transport to attend.
Building the industry’s future
Workforce shortages won’t be solved overnight, but events like these represent a significant step forward. They’re an opportunity to reframe how people see the transport sector—not just as trucks on the road but as a dynamic, skilled, and rewarding industry.
For those in the industry, the message is clear: this is your chance to make a difference. Whether it’s through showcasing your company at Careers Transport 2025, cheering on your team in the Trucking Relay, or entering your best trucks into the Show and Shine, your involvement matters.
This March, let’s come together to celebrate the industry and inspire the next generation of drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and innovators. The TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show isn’t just an event – it’s a movement toward a stronger, more vibrant future for transport in New Zealand.
So, don’t sit back. It’s time to step up, get involved, and be part of the solution.