With less than six weeks to go until the new Driver CPC legislation goes live on 10 September 2009, now is the time to be planning your training and getting your first seven hours behind you. In July, we launched the Big Train - a major training initiative aimed at providing you and your drivers low-cost, high-quality training, which we are offering in partnership with contract hire and rental specialist Fraikin.
Fraikin has developed a series of five Driver CPC modules for commercial
vehicle drivers, all of which are on offer at the Big Train - a unique industry event where you can get your first day of training under your belt for just £99.
Keri Ashton, HR manager - resourcing & development, and the person responsible for Driver CPC training at Fraikin, explains: "Eighteen months ago, we started planning how we were going to help our customers with their training, and our initial research showed there was a lot of scepticism from drivers around this new legislation. You can't really blame them. For many, it's been decades since they were last in a classroom, and they might not have particularly fond memories of the experience.
"That's where we believe our approach to the Driver CPC really comes into its own. Fraikin is not solely a dedicated training provider like many of the other accredited organisations. Our expertise lies in managing over 14,000 commercial vehicles spread across the UK, so we know what it takes to work at the sharp-end
of the transport industry. Our trainers, myself included, have many years experience in this industry and are used to working alongside and helping to develop drivers," she points out.
In addition to Ashton, the Big Train courses will be led by Tim Williams and Phil Knight, Fraikin's two in-house driver trainers and Ian Jamieson, whose regular role includes managing Fraikin's prestigious 300-vehicle contract with Dumfries & Galloway Council. The team also includes John Penny, Field Operations Manager and Andy Pryjmachuk, Health, Safety and Environment Manager at Fraikin.
"The real beauty of the Big Train is that it's going to be very different to any past experiences drivers may have of being in a classroom," adds Ashton. "We're using modern facilities at the University of Warwick, with comfortable chairs and a relaxing environment.
"It should be a great social event too - with 100 drivers coming together to be amongst the first in the country to kick-off their training. What's more, with five different course topics available we've got something for everyone."
Delegates booking a seat on the inaugural Big Train will be asked to nominate their first and second choice from Fraikin's five different courses, each of which has been certified by the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training. These include:
A module focused on four key issues, including operator licensing and company image - what they are, why they are important and how the driver can affect them. It also highlights why customer service is so essential and how drivers can handle potentially difficult issues when they arise. Other topics covered include the massive problem of illegal passengers, from the legislation through to the implications and penalties for drivers, as well as what simple preventative steps can be taken.
Driving any commercial vehicle carries significant responsibility and this module aims to make you more aware of the risks of the road, incidents and their contributing factors. It also looks at the issue of alcohol and drugs in our industry, as well as driver fatigue, stress, ergonomics, road rage and what things to consider before spending a night away in the cab.
This course aims to ensure you are familiar with and understand the necessary controls to operate your truck in a safe and fuel efficient manner. It will look at defect reporting, remedial action and what your duties are to ensure your vehicle is safe for operation, as well as focussing on what factors contribute to safe driving, such as forward planning and weather conditions. It will also include a look at the importance of fuel-efficient driving, with a host of useful tips provided.
A review of the principal regulations concerning the carriage of goods, from basic driver rules, legislation, contracts and permits, through to load security, gross vehicle weights and payloads. This module will also deal with how to load a commercial vehicle in the correct manner, providing practical advice on how to calculate load volumes and weights, plan routes and maximise vehicle stability.
A complete 'what you need to know' guide to the rules and regulations which govern professional driving, explaining what is covered by the Working Time Directive and Road Transport Directive and who is subject to the regulations. This course also looks at record keeping and the critical importance of tachographs, as well as the latest EU Rules covering issues such as driving time, breaks, rest periods and multi-manning.
Online registration has now closed. Please email angela.jones@rbi.co.uk to find out if there are spare places or call Warwick University on the day on 02476 474711. There may be places for delegates turning up on the day, but we can’t guarantee it. The event takes place at Radcliffe Conference & Training Centre, The University of Warwick,
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