This feature provides information on where to go for the training you need.

Every professional mover recognises the benefit of training. In fact some training, such as Driver CPC, is a legal requirement.  This feature provides information on where to go for the training you need for packers, sales people and administrators.  It also offers suggestions for training you might not have thought about before – time management and presentation skills.  Although this feature goes into some depth, training will be a recurring theme in The Mover so, if your company provides training services, please let us know and we’ll include your details in future issues. 

BAR Training Services were asked to contribute to this feature but did not wish to do so.

 

In support of training by Frank Rose 

When trading conditions are difficult, as is now, it is easy to overlook an important aspect of our businesses - training.  As the industry becomes more complex by means of specialised and different methods of operation, health and safety issues and ever changing legislation, it is essential that staff at all levels be correctly trained and qualified to effect their values and responsibilities within their companies.

Training within the industry has a distinct and respected history since its induction in 1937, when the Institute of the Furniture and Warehousing Removals Industry (IFWRI) was founded under the guidance of Mr G H Good, to its current training providers, the British Association of Removers Training Services (BARTS), the Guild of Movers and other private enterprises that offer bespoke one to one training, such companies as Bridge Training Services, Kidds Training Services and Lanes of Somerset.

As a trainee manager in the mid sixties, I was told by my employers that training was to be a major factor in my career, something for which I will be forever grateful.

The structure of my training involved correspondence courses, and residential courses known as 'February Schools' both headed up by John Gower who was based at the National Association of Furniture Warehouseman and Removers (NAFWR) in Grays Inn Road, North London.

These courses led you in to examinations and if successful, usually to attending conferences for the presentation of your certificates by the then IFWRI National Chairman.

I recall attending various courses that were held at the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) centre at High Ercoll in Shropshire and also being a delegate on three Study Tours: UK, Europe, USA & Canada.  I know that with my involvement in all these training activities it was immensely beneficial to my career not only by gaining knowledge and qualifications but also it raised my confidence and networking skills that I found to be a great asset, both to myself and the companies that I worked for.

 

Training in the North East - Kidds Services

Hornsea is a place were most self-respecting Yorkshiremen go for their summer holidays.  But movers have come to know the seaside town as a centre for industry training with Kidds Services.

For 12 years Kidds operated as a Regional Training Centre for the BAR and, although it is no longer associated with BAR training, it still provides independent training for the whole moving industry.  “We feel it would be dangerous to teach only theory to our students; it is imperative to have a ‘hands on’ approach to learning and it is this principle that has helped our training centre thrive.”

The facility at Kidds includes a purpose-built apartment that has been kitted out with all the furniture and personal effects anyone is likely to encounter in the average home: china, glassware, books, furniture, etc.  It also has some more tricky items on which students can practise including a grand piano, a grandfather clock and a mercury barometer.

Kidds offers a wide range of courses, the most popular are as follows:

Foundation skills programme

• Health and safety
• Manual handling techniques
• Furniture handling techniques
• Customer relations
• Communications and documentation
• Warehousing and storage
• Materials
• Principles of packing and unpacking
• Principles of loading and unloading

Inland skills programme

• Preparations and methods of packing
• Long case clock
• Chandeliers
• Pianos
• Gilt and wood-framed pictures
• Barometers
• Fabrics
• Silverware
• Object D’art

Export skills programme

• Introduction to the export operation
  • Materials
  • Conservation
• Principles of packing cartons
  • Breakables
  • Electrical systems
  • Prohibitions
• Documentation
  • Inventories and labelling
• Preparation and protection
  • Furniture and effects
  • Special items
  • Use of crates
• Loading and unloading
  • Pre-inspections
  • Methods and positioning
  • Security

Forklift Training

• Novice course
• Refresher course

Commercial skills programme

• Types of commercial moves
• Health and safety
• Surveying and planning
• Floor plans and labelling
• Working in a commercial environment
• Preparation of premises
• Equipment and materials
• Specialised packing
• Handling and manoeuvring

Driver CPC

Kidds offers Driver CPC training as two main packages: the full 35-hour course as five x seven-hour days; and, a single day’s training as part of a 5-year programme.  Driver CPC training is a legal requirement for all new and existing drivers who wish to drive professionally and who require an LGV or PCV licence.

Practical Estimating

This course is delivered by Frank Rose who has been involved in the removals industry for over 50 years.  Frank was, for many years, a lecturer with The Movers Institute (TMI) and a judge for the Packer of the Year competition.  He is also an Honorary Life Member of BAR.  The course includes:

• Industry structures
• The requirements of an estimator
• Assessment of quantities
• Communication and selling skills
• Inspection reports
• Health and safety, risk management and legislation
• Contractual conditions

This course also includes a house visit.

   One of the training classrooms at Kidds Services.    

 

Public Speaking Training - www.speakeasy.gb.com

Being able to speak confidently in public is something most business people would love to be able to do, but for many, the prospect of standing in front of an audience fills them with trepidation and fear. Overcoming the fear of public speaking is not easy, but it’s not a black art either, and with the right help and a few tricks of the trade you can banish your gremlins and start to actually enjoy being in the limelight. Just think what that could do for your business career!

The Speakeasy one-day workshop will introduce you to the techniques professional speakers use to overcome their fears, engage with their audiences and deliver presentations with confidence and style. By the end of the day you will have the tools you need to develop your public speaking confidence and build on the strengths you probably never knew you had.

The workshop is suitable for anyone looking to improve their presentation skills, especially if they have an important speaking engagement looming on the horizon.

Don’t have nightmares, give Speakeasy a call – it could change your life forever!

 

Training in Somerset - Britannia Lanes of Devon

Britannia Lanes Training Centre was started in 2003 when the company identified a need for an in-house training centre.  Having invested £35,000 in equipment and facilities at the site in Bridgwater, Somerset, the company decided to offer training to the rest of the moving industry.

To be able to offer a service to the whole industry Peter Wright, the company’s trainer, went on the BAR’s ‘Train the Trainer’ course so that it could offer BAR accredited training to the industry. Then Peter left the company in 2007, the new trainer Ashton Philips and Angus Russell took up the role.

“The reasoning behind this was to have Ashton focus on delivering operational and Driver CPC training and so that I could focus on delivering Sales and Management Training to Britannia and the industry,” explained Angus. “With BAR taking their training in house in 2008 through BARTS we took the opportunity to rewrite all our courses in a more customer-focused manner to encourage the industry to train their operatives.”

Two of the courses offered at the Britannia Lanes Training Centre - Customer care in the removals industry and Packing and Preparation of Loads in the removals industry -  are ‘cross-over courses’ that allow drivers porters and administration staff to be trained at the same time but ensure that drivers achieve their seven hours Driver CPC training per course.

“We have found that by mixing all three types of employee on the courses we get the most out of these courses and help to break down the barriers between the office staff and the operatives on the vehicles,” said Angus.

Angus delivers the Sales and Administration courses, predominantly on behalf of Britannia Movers International. However Angus has also developed an intensive nine-hour Sales and Knowledge course covering all aspects of removals from domestic, commercial, shipping storage and European moves. “The course is designed as a sales and knowledge tool to ensure that standards in the industry are kept up to date and to ensure that people are aware of the cost implications of a new market they are looking to enter or new products that may be of use in their business,” said Angus.

The following is a list of courses available from Britannia Lanes taking place from September onwards on operative training are listed.  Driver CPC training is also available.

Manual Handling & Hazard Awareness (1 day)

Packing Fragile & Non Fragile Course (1 day)

• Packing materials                                                      
• Packing of figurines and ornaments
• Packing of china and glass
• Packing of books
• Packing of general items, e.g. saucepans, etc.               
• Packing of silverware
• Fabrics and tapestries                                      
• Inventories                                                    

(It is recommend that students follow this course with the manual handling & hazard awareness course)

Loading & Unloading Lorries/Containers (1 day)

• Basic principles of loading vehicles                                
• Loading of containers
• Loading of vehicles                                          
• Wrapping techniques for furniture, chairs, etc.

Specialist Items – Clocks, Pianos, Barometers, Chandelier (1 day)                    

• Barometers - Types and how to prepare for transportation
• Long case clocks – How to prepare for transportation and re-assembly
• Mantel Clocks - How to prepare for packing
• Upright Pianos – Types and handling techniques
• Grand Pianos – Types and how to prepare for transportation and re-assembly
• Chandeliers - How to prepare for transportation

Export Packing Skills (2 day)

• Materials used in export packing                                            
• Principles of loading containers
• Export wrapping of chairs                                                     
• Inventories
• Export wrapping of square and easy furniture                                    
• Import procedure
• Export wrapping of awkward items, e.g. pianos, office chairs, etc.
• Principles of loading cars and motorbikes into containers

                   

Training on-site - Bridge Removals Training

David Hookins was BAR’s field trainer from 2007 until 2010 when he started his own training company, Bridge Removals Training.  His company provides industry-specific training courses and health & safety advice. David specialises in providing his training on-site which means that employees spend less time away from the workplace travelling, helps reduce costs, helps David tailor training to meet each company’s needs.  But David also pointed out some areas where moving companies are falling short in the training department.

David explained that the removal process is built on confidence. “The customer has to be confident that the removal company will complete the removal to their satisfaction. The removal company has to be confident that their staff have the skills to carry out the removal. The staff have to be confident that they have received sufficient training to become competent in removal skills.” He said that a structured training programme will ensure that staff receive the training they require which will improve their confidence and performance.

However many companies don’t have a training programme at all.  Training is often delivered randomly without thinking the whole thing through. “Many companies that I have trained with appear to have no structured training programme in place and training appears to be booked randomly with no thought given to ensuring that basic skills are in place before learning advanced skills,” he said. “Training should benefit both the company and the trainee for it to be entirely successful.”

“Sales training is given to estimators, surveyors and salesman but no thought is given to offering sales training to other members of staff such as office personnel or operatives,” he explained. “All employees should be viewed as part of the sales team. Sales opportunities can easily be missed if staff have not been trained to look for them or recognise them.”

David also said that communication is often week and a better understanding of the various roles within a removal company and the importance of teamwork would be beneficial. “A successful removal relies on teamwork by all those involved, not just the removal crews. Improved communication will lead to improved performance and improved customer satisfaction.”

He said that the standard, and level, of statutory training carried out within the removal industry is poor compared to other industries. Health and Safety Law states that ‘all employees should receive sufficient and suitable training to allow them to carry out their roles safely’ and that the training should be delivered by a ‘suitably qualified and competent person’. “Many companies are leaving themselves open to fines and compensation claims because either their training is not up to standard or their training records are incomplete or out of date.”

  On-site training means that employees spend less time away from the workplace travelling.

 

Working smarter - Julie Blunt Associates

Do you ever get to the stage where you have so much to do that you end up doing nothing much at all?  If you do, Julie Blunt could well help. 

Julie is an executive coach and development consultant with over 20 years’ commercial experience, specialising in personal effectiveness and leadership development.  What matters, of course, is what that experience can do for you. 

Julie will help you to work smarter rather than just harder.  She will explain some proven techniques to help you pack more into and get more out of every day by delegating better, understanding your own strengths and those of your colleagues, dealing with distractions, and managing your time better too.  Simple things like emptying your e-mail inbox can make a huge difference.

 

RHA Training Roadshows 2011 

Autumn 2011 will see the Road Haulage Association running a series of high profile national roadshows focusing on compliance issues affecting the road haulage industry.

The RHA roadshows - supported by Iveco - will take place at various locations across the UK and represent a unique opportunity for RHA members and non-members to find out more about key national and regional issues, including:

• Fuel efficiency and Euro 6
• The NEST Pension Scheme
• Update from the Traffic Commissioner
• Access to the profession/changes to CPC regs
• Changes to NI regulations
• The Olympic Games
• London Low Emission Zone
• Winter tyres (Scotland)
• Regional information (all)

RHA members: £80 + VAT
Non-members: £90 + VAT

Venues and dates:

South East	22 September
Greater London	28 September
North East	6 October
Scotland	12 October
Northern Ireland	19 October
North West	26 October
Midlands	2 November
South West	17 November

Visit www.rhaonline.co.uk/courses for more information or to make a booking.

  

FTA training courses 

The FTA provides regular training for its members on a variety of transport-related subjects. For details of available courses visit www.fta.co.uk/services/training/.

For further information or to book a place, call the FTA Member Service Centre on 08717 11 22 22 or e-mail memberservices@fta.co.uk.

 

DAF launches new EcoDrive driver training programme

DAF has introduced its EcoDrive driver training programme in the UK to help operators get the maximum out of their drivers and vehicles.

Fuel is one of the highest direct costs in running a transport operation with a potentially huge effect on the profits of a business. The need to operate vehicles as efficiently and as safely as possible is therefore of paramount importance to all road transport operators.

The DAF EcoDrive driver training programme will help UK operators realise the benefits of reduced fuel consumption, improved health and safety for drivers and better driver productivity through tailor-made training courses. Furthermore, most EcoDrive training courses satisfy the requirements for the Driver CPC.

Tony Pain, Marketing Director DAF Trucks, said, “The cost of running a road transport operation is climbing almost on a weekly basis and it’s very important to ensure costs are kept to a minimum. Having well trained drivers can have a significant bearing on the bottom line and DAF’s EcoDrive driver training programme can really help with those savings, especially as most courses can be designed specifically to suit each operator. This ensures the drivers improve their skill set and operators can reduce fuel consumption and, indirectly, service and maintenance costs as the vehicles are being driven efficiently.”

For example, the annual fuel bill for a 44-tonne truck is in the region of £60,000. An improvement of just 3% in fuel consumption translates into a saving of £1,800, which can be multiplied further for every driver trained.

Pain added, “DAF has consulted its customers to develop and deliver a range of training courses around their needs. EcoDrive not only stands for ‘economy’ and the cost benefits that are associated with highly trained driver, but it also stands for ‘ecological’; meaning that while drivers are reducing their fuel consumption they are also helping to drive down emissions.”

DAF’s EcoDrive driver training team have an in-depth understanding of how to get the best out of both driver and vehicle, and provide professional drivers with Driver CPC approved and qualified training to support every individual operation. Courses range from ‘in-class’ covering subjects ranging from fuel economy and the environment, safety and the law, customer care to tachographs and drivers hours. Additionally ‘in-cab’ training covers subjects such as driving style and how to get the best performance and economy from the DAF range of vehicles and can be provided with minimum disruption to work schedules.