Well-run haulage firms are taking control of Driver CPC and making it part-and-parcel of their operation, says the Road Haulage Association.

Quality firms of any significant size will be doing annual training as a matter of policy, and it recommends that approach to the whole industry. 

“RHA members are talking more and more about the value of DCPC training to their businesses and planning the courses that will best suit them,” said RHA Director of Policy, Jack Semple. “It is very clear to us that well-presented courses go down very well with drivers and their employers. Driver feedback demonstrates that time and again, whether the training is done in-house or by third parties.”

Mr. Semple said that like many things in life, some trainers are better than others. But those drivers and employers who take DCPC seriously soon identify who delivers good courses and who doesn’t.  The reality is that there are many excellent trainers, delivering courses that are both enjoyable and informative. ““The RHA’s Driver CPC quality training competition, which is open to all trainers, seeks to promote good practice and we will continue with that theme,’ he said.

According to Mr. Semple, Driver CPC, which is a form of continuing professional development (CPD), is here to stay. “That does not mean that it is perfect and we will be working with the government and members to make it work better for the industry,” he said.  “I am concerned that, while there are many high-quality open courses, smaller firms have less opportunity than larger fleets to tailor the training to their needs.  We will be looking to see what more can be done to improve the options available to smaller firms.”

Photo:  Jack Semple