DRIVER TRAINING Since David Watson Transport is a firm carrying
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out specialist work with complex high-capital-value kit, David Watson sees training as being of paramount importance, not as a cost, but as a way to make money.
It may meet the needs of clients, establish a clear due diligence audit trail for health and safety, facilitate ideal use of costly equipment, add service value, and attract better rates.
All new employees get a minimum of two weeks' training both theory and practice. Even if a driver already has a crane licence and relevant experience, they still go through the company's in-house programme. This both ensures continuity and high standards, and provides a useful means of evaluating new recruits' suitability.
The chief training officer is a qualified RTITB and ALLMI instructor, and David Watson Transport courses lead to nationally recognised ALLMI lorry loader certification.
Some drivers have ADR certification (for example, those moving diesel-fuelled generator sets), while for railway work rail-side PTS (Personal Track Safety) certificates are essential. David Watson Transport also works in partnership with clients to provide specific product training.
Managers also complete training courses, and David Watson Transport is working with West Suffolk College to set up accredited staff training modules; these may also attract government funding. Workers are often promoted within the firm, offering career development while retaining experience and continuity. There is, says Watson, little staff turnover. This is one firm for whom the Driver CPC requirement holds no terrors...