ACC197 Vocational independence assessment recommendations

Initial Occupational Assessment Report **1. Date completed** This report was completed on: 28/05/2026 **2. Client details** Client name: Mark Thompson Claim number: 10027845 **3. Provider details** Vendor name: Pathways Vocational Services Ltd Provider name: Tania Reid Provider phone number: 03 379 4421 Provider email address: tania.reid@pathwaysvs.co.nz **4. ACC details** ACC recovery team member: Sandra Williamson ACC site: Christchurch Contact phone number: 03 363 1212 Email address: sandra.williamson@acc.co.nz **5. Work experience** | Job | Duration | Employer name | Related training | |---|---|---|---| | Diesel mechanic and workshop foreman | 06/2017 to 09/2024 | Southern Heavy Transport, Christchurch | In-house diagnostics training; Cummins engine refresher 2021 | | Heavy vehicle diesel mechanic | 03/2010 to 05/2017 | TR Trucks Ltd, Timaru | Volvo certified service training 2013 | | Diesel mechanic | 02/2005 to 02/2010 | Riverlands Diesel Services, Ashburton | On-the-job training | | Apprentice diesel mechanic | 01/2001 to 12/2004 | Riverlands Diesel Services, Ashburton | Apprenticeship through MITO | Time in the workforce: 24 years How many jobs has the client had: 4 Work experience comments: Mark has had a stable employment history of 24 years, all within the heavy diesel mechanical sector in the South Island. He progressed from an apprentice in 2001 through to a workshop foreman role at Southern Heavy Transport, where he supervised a team of three mechanics alongside undertaking hands-on mechanical duties. His career has been entirely within the same industry, allowing him to build deep specialist knowledge of heavy vehicle diagnostics, hydraulics, brake systems, and Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions systems. He left his most recent role in September 2024 following the lumbar spine injury that is the subject of this claim. **6. Education and training** List all the client's formal qualifications below. Secondary qualifications | Qualification | Subject | Institution | Level reached and date achieved | |---|---|---|---| | NCEA | General secondary | Ashburton College | Level 2, 2000 | Tertiary qualifications | Qualification | Subject | Institution | Level reached and date achieved | |---|---|---|---| | National Certificate in Motor Industry (Heavy Automotive Engineering) | Heavy Automotive Engineering | MITO and Riverlands Diesel Services (workplace component) | Level 4, 2004 | Other formal courses and training | Qualification | Subject | Institution | Level reached and date achieved | |---|---|---|---| | Volvo certified service training | Heavy vehicle service procedures | Volvo Trucks New Zealand | Completed, 2013 | | Cummins engine refresher training | Cummins diesel engine diagnostics | Cummins New Zealand | Completed, 2021 | | Site safety supervisor short course | Workplace health and safety | Site Safe New Zealand | Completed, 2019 | Post-graduate studies | Qualification | Subject | Institution | Level reached and date achieved | |---|---|---|---| | None reported | | | | Incomplete formal qualifications Nil reported. Assessor comments: Mark's formal qualifications are highly aligned to the heavy diesel industry. His Level 4 National Certificate remains relevant for diagnostic and service roles, although significant portions of his hands-on practical skills depend on physical capacity that is no longer compatible with his pre-injury role. His Volvo and Cummins training, while brand-specific, demonstrate ongoing engagement with continuing professional development and would be transferable to advisory, inspection, or training-based roles in the heavy vehicle sector. Is the client currently participating in any education or training? No **7. Memberships and licences** Professional or trade association memberships Nil reported. Driving and other licences Class 1 driver licence, full Class 2 driver licence, full Class 4 driver licence, full Class 5 driver licence, full Dangerous goods endorsement, current to 2027 Forklift operator certificate (F endorsement), current to 2026 Wheels, Tracks and Rollers (W endorsement), current to 2026 Mark holds a comprehensive set of heavy vehicle and machinery licences. The Class 1 to 5 licences are particularly valuable for any work type involving heavy vehicle inspection, road testing, or transport-adjacent work. No transport assessment is required and his licences are current. **8. On-the-job or informal training** Twenty-four years of heavy diesel mechanical work has provided extensive informal training in workshop coordination, parts identification, supplier liaison, junior staff mentoring, and customer-facing service write-ups. In his foreman role, Mark coordinated workshop scheduling, allocated jobs across his team, conducted toolbox talks, and acted as the first point of contact for fleet customers regarding service progress and quotes. Assessor comments: The on-the-job experience Mark has gained, particularly in workshop supervision, customer liaison, and parts and inventory management, remains highly relevant to a number of alternative work types within and adjacent to the heavy vehicle sector. The technical hands-on skills associated with mechanical repair are at risk of becoming dated if not used, but the supervisory and customer-facing components remain transferable. **9. Transferable skills** Transferable skills and how these are demonstrated: Technical and diagnostic skills: deep knowledge of heavy diesel engine systems, hydraulics, braking systems, and emissions control, demonstrated through 24 years of hands-on diagnostic and repair work across multiple South Island heavy transport employers. Supervisory and people management skills: allocating work across a team of three mechanics, conducting toolbox talks, and mentoring two apprentices over his seven years at Southern Heavy Transport. Customer service and communication skills: liaising with fleet customers regarding service progress, providing technical advice on repair options, and managing customer expectations on timing and cost. Compliance and safety awareness: dangerous goods handling, site safe supervision, and adherence to NZ Transport Agency Certificate of Fitness requirements throughout his foreman role. Administration and reporting skills: workshop job-card management, time and parts recording, and supplier and parts ordering. Attributes and competencies that will advantage employability: Mark presents as conscientious, methodical, and reliable. He has demonstrated long-term loyalty to employers, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to engage in continuing professional development. He communicates clearly and is comfortable in both customer-facing and team supervisory situations. Comment on the client's transferable skills into alternative work types: Mark's skills transfer particularly well into roles where his technical knowledge of heavy vehicles is leveraged without requiring sustained physical labour. Inspection, advisory, parts, and supervisory roles within or adjacent to the heavy vehicle industry represent the strongest fit. His licences and supervisory experience also create opportunities in driving instruction and assessor roles. Types of work the client is particularly interested in, including client comments: Mark expressed strong interest in roles where his diesel knowledge is utilised in an advisory or inspection capacity rather than direct hands-on repair. He commented, "I'd like to stay close to the trucks, but I just can't be under them all day anymore." He is open to retraining where required and is particularly interested in heavy vehicle inspection and parts interpretation roles. **10. Work type options** Identify the types of work that are available in New Zealand and are suited to the client based on their skills gained through education, training, or experience. Among other things, ensure the client's earnings before their incapacity have been taken into account. The client must participate in the selection of these work type options and all the options listed must be fully discussed with the client. First list work types that most closely align with the client's pre-injury occupation, then list all other identified work types beginning with those that closest match the client's skills. Attach work type detail sheets for each of the identified work types. 1. Work type: Motor Vehicle Parts Interpreter (639211) Why do you consider this work type suitable for the client? Mark's 24 years in the heavy vehicle industry has given him intimate knowledge of heavy vehicle parts catalogues, suppliers, and the technical specifications required to correctly identify replacement components. The role is sedentary to light, predominantly customer-facing and computer-based, and well within the physical restrictions arising from his lumbar injury. Comment on the client's pre-incapacity earnings and how these have been considered: Mark's pre-incapacity earnings at Southern Heavy Transport were $84,500 per annum. The typical New Zealand earnings range for a Motor Vehicle Parts Interpreter is $58,000 to $78,000 per annum, with senior heavy vehicle parts roles at the upper end. Mark's specialist heavy vehicle background would position him at the upper end of the range, with potential to exceed it in senior positions. Detail the key entry requirements for entering this type of work: No formal qualification required. Strong technical knowledge of motor vehicle parts and systems is essential. Computer literacy and customer service skills are required. Does the client currently meet these entry requirements? Yes How the client meets or partially meets these requirements: Mark's heavy vehicle industry experience and existing customer service work at Southern Heavy Transport fully meet the entry requirements for this role. Detail any required vocational upskilling, training, licensing or other needs: None required. Familiarisation with specific employer parts management software would be beneficial. Other beneficial assistance (where appropriate): A short course in parts management software (for example Pinnacle, Orion) would strengthen Mark's transition. Client comments: Mark indicated this was one of his preferred work type options. He commented, "I know the catalogues inside out from the supplier side, so this one feels really natural." 2. Work type: Motor Vehicle Inspector (Certificate of Fitness) (312911) Why do you consider this work type suitable for the client? The role draws directly on Mark's heavy vehicle technical expertise and his familiarity with NZ Transport Agency CoF requirements, while being predominantly bench-height inspection and documentation rather than under-vehicle repair. Comment on the client's pre-incapacity earnings and how these have been considered: The typical New Zealand earnings range for a Motor Vehicle Inspector is $62,000 to $82,000 per annum. Mark's heavy vehicle background and Class 1 to 5 licences position him toward the upper end of the range. Detail the key entry requirements for entering this type of work: National Certificate in Motor Industry or equivalent. Approval as a Vehicle Inspector by NZ Transport Agency, including completion of the Vehicle Inspector training course. Does the client currently meet these entry requirements? Partially How the client meets or partially meets these requirements: Mark's National Certificate Level 4 meets the qualification component. He has not yet completed the NZTA Vehicle Inspector course. Detail any required vocational upskilling, training, licensing or other needs: Completion of the NZTA Vehicle Inspector training and approval process. Estimated four to six weeks. Other beneficial assistance (where appropriate): ACC support for course fees and a brief refresher in current CoF check procedures. Client comments: Mark stated this is his top preferred option. He commented, "This is the one I'd jump at. I know the gear and I'd be on my feet but not crawling around." 3. Work type: Workshop Manager, Heavy Vehicle (133512) Why do you consider this work type suitable for the client? Mark's seven years of supervisory experience as workshop foreman, including scheduling, staff allocation, customer liaison, and apprentice mentoring, aligns closely with the duties of a workshop manager. The role is largely office and floor-based supervision with reduced direct mechanical labour. Comment on the client's pre-incapacity earnings and how these have been considered: Typical New Zealand earnings range from $78,000 to $105,000 per annum. Mark's prior earnings of $84,500 sit comfortably within this range. Detail the key entry requirements for entering this type of work: Substantial trade and supervisory experience in the heavy vehicle industry. Formal qualification preferred but not always required. Does the client currently meet these entry requirements? Yes How the client meets or partially meets these requirements: Mark's foreman experience and Level 4 National Certificate meet the typical entry requirements. Detail any required vocational upskilling, training, licensing or other needs: None required. A short course in workshop management software or business operations would be beneficial. Other beneficial assistance (where appropriate): A short business administration course would support transition into a more office-based supervisory environment. Client comments: Mark indicated he was open to this option but expressed concern about the additional administrative responsibilities. He commented, "I've done bits of it as foreman, but a full manager role is a step up I'd need to think about." 4. Work type: Heavy Vehicle Service Adviser (621615) Why do you consider this work type suitable for the client? Mark's combination of technical knowledge and customer-facing experience aligns well with a service writer or service adviser role. The work is largely counter and computer-based, with no requirement for sustained physical activity. Comment on the client's pre-incapacity earnings and how these have been considered: [Assessor to insert typical New Zealand earnings range from Tahatū Career Navigator] Detail the key entry requirements for entering this type of work: Industry knowledge and customer service skills. No formal qualification required. Does the client currently meet these entry requirements? Yes How the client meets or partially meets these requirements: Mark's industry knowledge and existing customer liaison experience fully meet the entry requirements. Detail any required vocational upskilling, training, licensing or other needs: None required. Other beneficial assistance (where appropriate): Client comments: Mark was supportive of this option as a viable alternative. He commented, "I've already been doing half the job at Southern, just without the title." 5. Work type: Driving Instructor, Heavy Vehicle (899211) Why do you consider this work type suitable for the client? Mark's Class 1 to 5 licences, dangerous goods endorsement, and years of practical heavy vehicle experience are directly transferable to a heavy vehicle driving instructor role. The role involves intermittent driving and instruction, with regular breaks between students. Comment on the client's pre-incapacity earnings and how these have been considered: Typical New Zealand earnings range from $55,000 to $75,000 per annum. This falls below Mark's pre-incapacity earnings, which would need to be considered in the work type selection process. Detail the key entry requirements for entering this type of work: Heavy vehicle licence appropriate to the class being instructed. NZ Transport Agency Approved Driving Instructor (I) endorsement. Full driver licence held for at least two years. Does the client currently meet these entry requirements? Partially How the client meets or partially meets these requirements: Mark's licences meet the licensing requirement. He has not yet obtained the I endorsement. Detail any required vocational upskilling, training, licensing or other needs: NZTA approved driving instructor course and I endorsement application. Other beneficial assistance (where appropriate): ACC support for endorsement training fees. Client comments: Mark stated this was a moderate interest option. He commented, "I'd consider it, but I think inspection or parts is more my speed." 6. Work type: Vocational Education Teacher, Trades (242211) Why do you consider this work type suitable for the client? Mark's depth of industry knowledge and his prior apprentice mentoring experience translate well into a polytechnic or industry training organisation tutor role. The work is classroom and workshop-based, with manageable physical demands. Comment on the client's pre-incapacity earnings and how these have been considered: Typical New Zealand earnings range from $68,000 to $92,000 per annum. Detail the key entry requirements for entering this type of work: Industry experience and a relevant trade qualification. National Certificate in Adult Education and Training (Level 4) or equivalent typically required within the first two years of employment. Does the client currently meet these entry requirements? Partially How the client meets or partially meets these requirements: Mark's trade qualification and industry experience meet the industry component. The Adult Education qualification has not been completed. Detail any required vocational upskilling, training, licensing or other needs: National Certificate in Adult Education and Training, typically completed alongside employment. Other beneficial assistance (where appropriate): ACC support for course fees if Mark elects to pursue this option ahead of employment. Client comments: Mark was open but reserved. He commented, "I've trained apprentices on the job, but standing in front of a classroom would be new." 7. Work type: Quality Assurance Inspector, Heavy Vehicle Industry (312916) Why do you consider this work type suitable for the client? Mark's technical knowledge and attention to detail are directly applicable to QA inspection roles in heavy vehicle manufacturing, fleet maintenance audit, or component testing. The role is predominantly observation, documentation, and process verification. Comment on the client's pre-incapacity earnings and how these have been considered: [Assessor to insert typical New Zealand earnings range from Tahatū Career Navigator] Detail the key entry requirements for entering this type of work: Trade qualification or substantial industry experience. Knowledge of relevant standards (for example AS/NZS, NZTA requirements). Does the client currently meet these entry requirements? Yes How the client meets or partially meets these requirements: Mark's qualifications and experience meet the entry requirements. Detail any required vocational upskilling, training, licensing or other needs: Familiarisation with employer-specific QA systems. Other beneficial assistance (where appropriate): Client comments: Mark indicated this option had not been on his radar but he was interested. He commented, "Hadn't thought of QA. Sounds like something I could do." 8. Work type: Sales Representative, Motor Vehicle Parts and Equipment (225311) Why do you consider this work type suitable for the client? Mark's industry knowledge, supplier relationships, and customer service experience align with a parts and equipment sales representative role. The work involves a mix of client visits, presentations, and order management, with the option of more sedentary inside sales positions. Comment on the client's pre-incapacity earnings and how these have been considered: Typical New Zealand earnings range from $62,000 to $95,000 per annum, with strong commission components. Detail the key entry requirements for entering this type of work: No formal qualification required. Industry knowledge, communication skills, and a current driver licence are essential. Does the client currently meet these entry requirements? Yes How the client meets or partially meets these requirements: Mark fully meets the entry requirements. Detail any required vocational upskilling, training, licensing or other needs: None required. A short sales training course would be beneficial for transition into a representative role. Other beneficial assistance (where appropriate): A short course in B2B sales and CRM software. Client comments: Mark was hesitant about a sales-driven role. He commented, "I'm not really a salesman, more of a fixer. I'd want to think about that one carefully." **11. Summary of identified work types** Eight work type options were identified during this assessment. In order of preference and closest alignment to Mark's pre-injury occupation: Motor Vehicle Inspector (CoF), Motor Vehicle Parts Interpreter, Workshop Manager (Heavy Vehicle), Heavy Vehicle Service Adviser, Quality Assurance Inspector (Heavy Vehicle Industry), Driving Instructor (Heavy Vehicle), Vocational Education Teacher (Trades), and Sales Representative (Motor Vehicle Parts and Equipment). All eight options were discussed with Mark and reflect his combination of heavy vehicle technical expertise, supervisory experience, and licensing. **12. Other general recommendations** Mark would benefit from CV and cover letter coaching tailored to his transition from a hands-on mechanical role into advisory or inspection work. He has not undertaken a formal job search for over 14 years and is unfamiliar with current online application platforms such as Seek and Trade Me Jobs. A short job search skills course is recommended. Interview preparation, particularly for roles outside his current employer, would also support his transition. No identified barriers in terms of language, literacy, or numeracy. **13. Client comments** Mark engaged openly throughout the assessment. He acknowledged the loss of his hands-on mechanical role and expressed a clear preference to remain within the heavy vehicle sector in an advisory, inspection, or parts capacity. His top three preferred options are Motor Vehicle Inspector (CoF), Motor Vehicle Parts Interpreter, and Heavy Vehicle Service Adviser. He is open to short retraining where required and would consider relocating within the Canterbury region if a suitable role required it. He expressed gratitude for the structured discussion and indicated he felt more optimistic about his vocational prospects following the assessment. **14. Other relevant information or comments** Mark's wife works full-time and is the family's secondary income earner. Mark has indicated some flexibility regarding hours but a strong preference for full-time work to maintain family income. Travel within the wider Canterbury region is achievable. **15. Declarations and signature** I have explained and discussed the initial occupational assessment process and the role of the occupational assessor with this client. I used the following sources to get information for the work type options section, select all that apply: [x] The Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations [x] The Careers New Zealand website [x] Provider knowledge and research of the local job market [ ] Other relevant resources: Name: Tania Reid Signature: Date: 28/05/2026 In the collection, use, disclosure, and storage of information, ACC will at all times comply with the obligations of the Privacy Act 2020, the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 and the Official Information Act 1982. **Information gaps, assessor review required** 1. Section 10, Work type 4 (Heavy Vehicle Service Adviser): typical New Zealand earnings range was not available during the assessment; insert from Tahatū Career Navigator before submission. 2. Section 10, Work type 7 (Quality Assurance Inspector, Heavy Vehicle Industry): typical New Zealand earnings range was not available during the assessment; insert from Tahatū Career Navigator before submission. 3. Section 10, Work type 7 (Quality Assurance Inspector): other beneficial assistance field left blank; review whether any non-essential recommendations should be added. 4. Section 10, Work type 8 (Sales Representative): other beneficial assistance field shows a CRM and B2B sales course recommendation; confirm specific provider and whether ACC funding is being sought. 5. Section 7: confirm forklift operator certificate expiry date; recorded as "current to 2026" without specific month. 6. Section 9: attributes and competencies were partially inferred from work history; confirm with Mark before final submission whether he wishes any additional attributes added. 7. Section 14: confirm Mark's geographic range for work (Canterbury region only, or wider South Island). 8. Verify all eight ANZSCO codes against the uploaded Work Type Detail Sheets before submission. Codes used in this report: 639211, 312911, 133512, 621615, 899211, 242211, 312916, 225311.