Driving up standards

"An enriching experience, and one that has helped improve upon the skills of all those who were involved in it".

That was how Robert Scott, Managing Director of Greater London Hire (GLH) described the BTEC Road Passenger Vehicle Driver course, when he addressed a gathering of GLH drivers who had successfully completed it, at the official certificate presentation. Already a keen advocate of driver training, through delivering NVQ level 2 Road Passenger Driver Training to all of its fleet, GLH went a step further this summer and offered drivers the opportunity to add the BTEC qualification to their professional CV.

Forty accepted the invitation and, under the supervision of PDM Training, embarked upon the 30 hour course and multiple assessments, covering key areas like; customer care, disability awareness and health and safety.

Speaking after the presentations, GLH driver Rajon Miah, told PHC: ‘The course was excellent and the trainer was very helpful. The disability awareness section was especially useful in ‘filling in’ the gaps in my knowledge of the different types of disability that I wasn’t previously aware of’.

As well as giving drivers the opportunity to gain a recognisable qualification in their chosen field, GLH hopes the BTEC course will also improve the overall quality of its fleet, increase driver retention and ensure that the business continues to implement best practice. This was outlined by Robert Scott, who said: “My father, and indeed myself, as ex-drivers always found it important to look after drivers to the best of our ability and treat them well,” “We like to think at GLH that if we treat drivers with respect this will rub off onto their attitude with customers.

“Our drivers are very hard working and diligent and we wanted to give them something back which would help them and those in the office equally. It has been a very positive experience for all concerned and I believe the drivers who have put in the time to do the course have taken away valuable insight which will help them with their work.

“It has also been remarked by participants that the course was not only informative, but fun and interactive and for this a special thanks must go out to Paul Harrison, who commandeered the training so well.

“I hope that the good relationship between the office and the guys on the road continues and develops as this is fundamental for everyone’s success at GLH.”