Cesare Del Fante from Italy

The lone Truck Driver, Perth WA. Dic 2011

Competition for truck drivers in Italy has become fierce during the second part of the first decade of the third millennium. The European Union has now almost 30 member states, with a free circulation of the workforce. Competition from people coming from countries previously part of the Soviet Union is non-existent in some type of work. It is however, very strong for the truck drivers.

Cesare decided that he would look for another country were to make a living, doing the job that he has done most of his life: be a lone (no partner) truck driver for long distance routes. Australia became the chosen country based on strong demand for people with such skill, and also, a competitive paycheck. In a couple of months Cesare settled all his businesses he had in Italy, and in November 2011 he was in Perth W.A.

The sequence of steps to be taken in order to be hired by any company, and finally sit behind a huge truck steering wheel, is well documented by the Australian authority, but nevertheless not an easy road to travel. For Cesare the biggest handicap was the lack of practice of the spoken English language. 

In any case, with the help of some friends he was able to: register with an English language school, get a local driver license for cars, pass the written tests for the truck driver license, pass the truck driving test with an excellent score, and finally start looking for a sponsor (which is also the employer) to take him on board. At that point it seemed that he was out of the tunnel. Unfortunately it was not the case. His ability to carry an English conversation (in some cases under stress) was considered insufficient to deal with any critical situation that may have occured in driving across the country.

As a rule truck drivers are tough, persistent, and stubborn individuals. Cesare decided to return to Italy go to an English school as long as needed, and then returned to Australia to pursue is career goal. I haven't heard from Cesare lately, but I am sure that he will not give up until he gets the job he is looking for.

Good luck Cesare.