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Agency drivers need structured training

2nd March 2006, Page 26
2nd March 2006
Page 26
Page 26, 2nd March 2006 — Agency drivers need structured training
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TWO RECENT items on drivers in C. orruncrcial Motor caught my eye.The problems highlighted in Comment are all too real and David Scott-Smith's letter also struck a chord (CM 16 February).

After nearly 20 years of intermittent bus and coach work,1 qualified for LGV C in 2001, then went straight to C+E (LGV Class 1).

After approaching an agency I was given a brief interview and a few jobs followed.None of my training had included load restraint, so naturally my first job was with a curtainsider and a mixed load of metal sheet and coil!

Luckily, the yard foreman was both discreet and helpful, so 1 got by.The next three jobs were also firsts: a fridge unit, then a tail-lift, then a self-loading job with a pump truck -all requiring on-the-spot self-training.

The next agency was better, in that I had a longer interview and I ended up working for a major supermarket chain. Other than some brief unit familiarisation, the only official training I received was in the safe operation of a Don-Bur doubledeck trailer.Almost everything else was self-taught. There did not appear to be any structured method of recording an individual's progress and conduct other than by word of mouth.

During my CM interview (CM 24 November 2005)1 mentioned that drivers should have a CV, but I have yet to encounter an agency or other employer who will assist this process without considerable pressure.The time and inclination don't seem to be there, so maybe this is where the most useful change can come about.

And finally, as a former agency driver I take exception to some of the generalisations that are made.! was at least as conscientious as company drivers and certainly more so in some cases. My experience suggested there were good and bad on both sidesa comment !overheard more than once in our traffic office.

Indeed, some of the best professional advice! received came from experienced agency colleagues. Maybe there's a moral there too.

Trevor Whelan CILT(UK) London

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Locations: London

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