BTEC award in 'Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire'
Overview:
The private hire and taxi industries are an essential part of the UK transport infrastructure and is a key service provider to businesses, the general public and the tourism sector. Recent reviews by the Sector Skills Council (GoSkills) and representation from the private hire and taxi industry have identified a professional qualification that is being offered to improve the skills and demonstrate competency of drivers who work within the industry. Some Licensing Authorities are responding to advice from GoSkills by making the BTEC award a mandatory component of licensing so that a professional benchmark is established for all of their drivers.
Funded training:
How does training and assessment take place?
PDM’s team of private hire and taxi industry professionals will carry out an induction process which fully explains the importance of the training, addresses any Health & Safety issues, reviews Equality and Diversity and outlines the programme of learning and assessment that will be undertaken. Drivers will then complete a mixture of classroom learning and practical assessment to gain the relevant qualifications.
The training and assessment is not onerous and drivers consistently comment on the fact that they have learned new skills by the end of the programme despite being doubtful of doing so at the start. Classroom sessions are delivered by staff who are/have been trainers and licensed private hire and taxi drivers. Discussion is a key element of the sessions to ensure that maximum benefit is gained for all those attending.
Guided learning will then allow drivers to pass the BTEC qualification. In-cab assessments will be carried out at the same time so that each driver can demonstrate their practical skills as they go about their daily work. These activities will lead to the award of the NVQ.
- 3 hour induction with a qualified assessor at GLH head office
- 24 hours training to be completed in three 8-hour sessions
- 1 docket awarded for each 1 hour of training
- £50 bonus paid upon completion of the course
- A formal qualification in ‘Transporting Passengers by Taxi and
- Private Hire’, which can be carried with you throughout your career
