An opportunity not a challenge

It is completely understandable that transport managers see Driver CPC (DCPC) as an obstacle to overcome. As a mandatory, ongoing training requirement, it can be a drain on time, money and already scarce driver resource, if approached in the wrong way. Then there is the added complication of knowing what courses can be undertaken this time that haven’t already been covered. With these issues to overcome, turning DCPC into a benefit rather than a cost can seem all too taxing.

So how can we change the format and change people’s perception? RTITB’s consultancy team works with companies and transport managers to identify the best approach to DCPC for their business. The service looks at how to roll DCPC programmes out effectively through a business with the aim of ensuring business-wide buy-in, real behaviour change, as well as how the DCPC programme can reduce costs and improve efficiency. It also looks at systems of measurement to clearly demonstrate if reduction and improvement targets have been achieved. A professional and confidential report is produced at the conclusion of the consultancy work.

The purpose of this professional and confidential report is not to sell RTITB’s various DCPC solutions; it is to ensure the business is left with clear guidance on the best way to carry out DCPC training for their employees - training that is in synergy with their company values and provides bottom line business benefit.

The RTITB consultancy team pushes businesses and transport managers to really think about what their business needs to achieve, what their strategy and objectives are and how DCPC can support this. An estimated £205.2 million was spent during the last five year cycle of Driver CPC training, (based on a £60 spend for each of the 3.42 million attendees). RTITB aims to ensure that in this next cycle this huge investment helps build strong logistics businesses for the UK economy.

RTITB was at the centre of Driver CPC Periodic Training for the first cycle. 1.8 million hours of RTITB DCPC training was delivered to 250,000 attendees, making it the biggest contributor to the nation’s overall target. We want to share the experience gained with employers for the benefit of the wider industry. (www.rtitb.co.uk/cpcinfo; 01952 520207)

Workplace ready drivers

The Driver Training Standard from RTITB shows how the transport sector is taking the initiative to help solve the shortage of properly trained lorry drivers and aims to deliver ‘work ready’ drivers.

"All driver training organisations will benefit from benchmarking what they do against the standard and using the materials supplied by RTITB to update and improve what they do” says Laura Nelson, Managing Director, RTITB.

Employers will benefit because properly trained LGV drivers are more productive. They use less fuel, have fewer accidents and minimise the environmental impact of transport.

 

 

"People want to be valued in their work,” adds Laura Nelson. "Drivers are no different; they want to work for a company with a demonstrable commitment to the professional training of drivers – whether this is fulfilled in-house or through a driver training company.  The Driver Training Standard shows that the sector values its drivers, thus aiding retention and recruitment.”

The shortcoming of a lot of current driver training is an aim to complete the minimal amount of training required to achieve a pass in the LGV driving test. The LGV Driver Training Standard ensures the adoption of best practice training, over and above the regulatory minimum required to pass the DVSA test. Therefore, training is more rigorous and properly prepares a driver for the responsibilities and duties they will face from day one, working in the sector.

What is the Driver Training Standard (DTS)?

•It sets out the standard that LGV Driver training must reach to make drivers ‘work ready’.

•It sets a standard for vehicles and other facilities .

•It is about consistently delivering high quality training for the LGV Category C (C1, C and C+E)  and Initial CPC tests and the additional skills a driver needs in order to be considered ‘work ready’.

•It brings RTITB’s recognised expertise as an accreditation body to the field of LGV driver training.

The Standard is for both commercial training providers and in-house training teams. It enables individuals and companies to choose training providers who offer the highest quality training, and benchmarks in-house training, as well as identifying where to make updates and improvements if necessary.

Who set the Driver Training Standard?

RTITB worked with employers and driver training experts to identify the accreditation criteria and develop the materials used in the DTS. The industry experts identified the knowledge and skills that drivers need to be safe and productive employees. From this, RTITB has developed a series of training modules which prepare drivers for the LGV driving test and the Initial Driver CPC tests, as well as the responsibilities and duties they will face at work.

What does the Driver Training Standard provide?

•Accreditation. RTITB auditors ensure vehicles, facilities and premises meet the Standard and that all LGV trainers consistently train to the Standard.

•Training Guides for each of the four modules of the LGV Driving Test and Initial Driver CPC. DTS members are given comprehensive materials and guidance needed to run training programmes to the Standard.

•Additional material. Extra training resources to help equip a driver with all the other knowledge and skills needed to be a professional driver.

•DTS Register of Training. A record of each driver who successfully completes a course will be held by RTITB and each driver will receive a certificate of training and a driver development folder. (www.rtitb.co.uk/lgvdts; 01952 520210)