The Macksville local successfully gained his Medium Rigid (MR) Licence, after participating in The Community Transport Company’s (TCTC) Driving the Valley Forward Program.

The program has provided support for Normie to successfully undertake the knowledge-based and competency test, upgrading his licence so he can now drive a bus or truck, increasing his opportunity for full time employment.

TCTC Coordinator Jeff Blair said Transport for NSW (TfNSW) provided funding for the program through its Transport Access Regional Partnership.

“Driving the Valley Forward Program will see up to 25 participants be funded to upgrade their licence category, and Normie is the first to graduate,” Mr. Blair said.

“It means participants have a wider prospect of gaining employment, setting them up with skills for life.”

One of the positive outcomes of the program is that participants give back to the local community, by volunteering their services to TCTC as drivers, helping those who are transport-disadvantaged access everyday services and social outings.

Normie had to sit an online knowledge-based test and take part in a competency component with independent driving instructor company, KSB Heavy Vehicle Driver Training.

“I am very grateful to The Community Transport Company for taking me into the program, and providing me with the support to further my job prospects. It’s a stepping stone and a positive way forward to full time employment,” Mr. Widders said.

There are still places in the program for more people to take part in the program, each participant must meet specific criteria. For more information, contact Jeff Blair on (02) 6651-1136.