THE IRISH EXPERIENCI
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• In the Republic of Ireland FAS, the state-run training agency, offers a number of driver training options, both through its own resources and in conjunction with the Irish Road Haulage Association.
State grants are available to the unemployed and to youngsters for training and for the test itself; other trainees are sponsored by their employers.
Rigid courses (Class C) are available at FAS centres throughout Ireland; artic training (Class EC) is offered at FAS's centre in Tallaght, Dublin.
FAS and the IRHA have teamed up to launch the Driver Traineeship Programme which offers formal Class EC training by FAS, combined with periods of practical workplace training with an I RHA member company. The 2G-week course covers advanced driving; ADR; vehicle awareness; and the DOE (Department of the Environment) test. FAS supplies 70% of the funding: the rest coming from the industry.
Training awards can be used in a flexible fashion. For example, FAS driver training consultant Tony McAvinney says trainee drivers could "go to the Irish School of Motoring and we might pay /200 towards the lessons".
Like the UK, Ireland is experiencing a driver shortage which means that few trainees have a problem getting jobs. Paul White, who runs HGV training at FAS, says the agency will even approach operators on its pupils' behalf: "We have our own contacts and we can recognise which trainee will suit which type of work," he explains.
Contact: FAS Tallaght Training Centre on 00353 oi 451 6411.