Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Holman (Nov 07/05) - Holman now has six new residents with their class-3 drivers licences.

A course offered by Aurora College in late September gave the six people an opportunity for employment.

The course outlined air brake operation, driving theory and included a practical session where the drivers drove the rigs. According to Mayor Peter Malgokak, there is a demand for certified drivers in the community.

"We were short on drivers for the hamlet, and thought this would be a great idea," said Malgokak.

The hamlet offers water and sewage services to the community with pump trucks.

The trucks are large and need qualified drivers.

According to Malgokak, the old situation wasn't working out.

"If our sewage driver went on the land, there would be no one to take his place," said Malgokak. "Now there are replacement drivers for all of our trucks."

College instructor Mel Pretty praised the students' attendance and conduct.

"The attendance and interest from all the students was perfect," said Pretty.

"There was a strong will to succeed, and that is a winning combination."

Some of the new drivers are already on the road, said Malgokak.

"We've already hired two of the drivers, and we expect that the others will soon have employment as well."