Let’s change our view of training and our drivers
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AS AN APPROVeD Driver CPC training provider, I feel I have to say a few things. True, take up of periodic training is low and there are sub-standard providers out there. But two years after its introduction, there are still a number of operators and drivers who have no idea of what the Driver CPC really is.
It’s important that we remember that most UK hauliers run small leets on tight budgets, and rather than sitting down and putting together a training plan that ensures this mandatory training is used as an opportunity to improve the bottom line, they are thinking of ways to avoid it.
On a positive note, once it is pointed out that attending training does not put a driver’s vocational licence in jeopardy the whole perception changes. Many are simply worried that they will be told they are not good enough anymore.
Something I get asked a lot is whether the mandatory training is still likely to be fully implemented by September 2014, a mindset I believe is fuelled by the usual gripes that take up is low and that demand will outstrip supply. They may well believe that their scare tactics will jumpstart operators into action, but in the real world of haulage, where most irms are small, all they can see from these words is a chance that another mandatory requirement may go away.
I know that many believe JAUPT isn’t it for purpose and that sub-standard training is widespread. Could it be that these gripes are because certain sectors are not reaping the rewards they calculated in September 2009 – or is that just me being cynical? Last December my business had its irst JAUPT audit, which was very comprehensive, and it made me aware of just how committed JAUPT is.
If as an industry we are to improve our position in the eyes of the government, the public and professional drivers, we have to stop squabbling and moaning about what we don’t like and how hard done by we are yet again.
We need to remind everyone that the Driver CPC could be an opportunity to reduce overall costs, by investing time and effort in regular continuous professional development of probably the most important workforce in the world: the truck driver. Steve Williams MD, Truck (UK)