Welch’s Transport Ltd has long recognised the need for increased professionalism in the haulage industry; since 2001 we have employed our own driver trainer to ensure that all drivers who wear a Welch’s uniform meet or exceed the expectations of our customers and the marketplace as a whole. With the introduction of new legislation which demands that all HGV drivers attend 35 hours of CPC training before the end of 2014, it was decided to take our involvement in driver training one step further by offering accredited CPC training to drivers outside of Welch’s Transport. During 2009 a CPC training curriculum was created and submitted for approval by the JAUPT (Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training) on behalf of the DSA with accreditation achieved in September 2009.
Meanwhile, it was time for a clearout in order to provide a suitable learning environment and after much heaving and ho-ing, painting and refurbishment, Welch’s Driver Training Centre was born. So far in excess of 150 drivers have attended the training and the evaluation forms completed by each driver at the end of the course give a feedback rating of good to excellent. In addition, a pilot scheme is being conducted at our Henlow depot with five drivers attending NVQ Level 2 which is normally achieved within a six month period. Following this, those drivers which achieve the required standard will follow on to NVQ level 3 training which is recognised as being the equivalent to an A-level qualification. The long-term goal is to encourage all Welch’s drivers to attain this standard. NVQ training follows and assesses a typical working day and includes such elements as: EU legislation; load security and correct weight distribution; awareness of and adherence to The Highway Code; safe and efficient driving techniques and customer communication skills.
Both these initiatives underpin Welch’s Transport’s philosophy of providing the best possible service for the markets it operates in and acts as an important differentiator of its brand values.