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Concern for GTAis
Page 44
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CONCERN about the future of group training associations has been expressed by Mr R. E. Dobson, chairman of the North Cheshire GTA and md of Dobson's Bulk Hauliers Ltd in Northwich.
There must be greater incentives for hauliers to train new recruits such as drivers for, if the preservation grant established last year by the RTITB was to be withdrawn in February, the future of many associations will be uncertain, he told CM this week.
There were large numbers of drivers now unemployed and and employers were able to recruit experienced men by application to the employment exchange or by advertising. Often it was not even necessary to advertise as unemployed drivers would call at hauliers' premises on the offchance of getting a job.
This meant that hauliers were reluctant to train new drivers. The cost of this was now over £200 and this fee was payable even if the candidate failed to pass the test. The increase in test fees had exacerbated the situation.
Moreover, even if the new driver passed the test, there was no guarantee that he would stay with the employer who had paid for his training.
In the circumstances, it was understandable that hauliers were taking the easy course of recruiting experienced men and tended to reduce the amount of training.
The RTITB explained to CM that though the preservation grant was due to be reviewed in February next, it was unlikely to be withdrawn if therE was still a need for it.
The preservation grant was. introduced because the Board recognised the need foi additional support for thE groups. It amounts to £350 a quarter for each hgv drive' training place. As well, thE running cost grant was. increased last year to £15 pei training day for Class 1 and Class 2 vehicles and £12.50 foi Class 3 vehicles.
For companies' own training centres, the running cosi grant was now £14 per training day.