Two drivers have not only become the first to complete Knowles’ Train the Trainer programme but are amongst the first in the UK.
The Level 2 award in driving assessment enables them to complete an assessment on drivers to become more fuel efficient and safer. Dene Hill, Driver Trainer and Paul Boon, Driver Training Manager have also given feedback on the 3-day course so it can be tweaked for future applicants.
The Train the Trainer programme is just a small part of Knowles’ training strategy which also features the Warehouse to Wheels programme which encourages young drivers and warehouse operatives to enter into a 13-month training course that will see them become fully fledged truck drivers, providing Knowles with a stream of fully qualified drivers able to take on loads across the country.
The training was undertaken through Wisbech based Coopers Transport Services (CTS) which has become an industry leader in driver training and offer a wide range of transport training courses including OLAC, Driver CPC, transport management and consultancy plus ADR and DGSA. Coopers Transport is a family run business which has diversified from offering transport and logistics services to becoming a ‘one stop shop’ for all training needs with their own dedicated training centre minutes from the majority of Knowles sites.
“The importance of maintaining a high standard of driver skill has always been a priority for Knowles Transport,” said Alex Knowles, Managing Director Knowles Transport. “We are consistently updating and developing our training programmes to ensure our drivers are fully qualified as per the latest legislation. The Train a Trainer programme further develops Knowles capabilities and allows us to dispatch our team to external companies in order to train their teams bringing in further revenue for the company.
“Partnering with CTS for our training programmes was an obvious choice, their dedication and knowledge of our needs is fantastic. As a transport company themselves, they are fully aware of the latest legislation required for our drivers and are our first port of call when we are looking to implement new training measures.”
Knowles is now looking to expand their training schemes with a transport manager apprenticeship programme where they will be working with office staff with the aim of them achieving a transport management certificate. The transport management course is a 12-month apprenticeship and covers everything from drivers’ hours, finances, national and international road movement and how to be compliant. It consists of a two-week physical course along with an on-the-job assessment with coaching throughout the year.
CTS is currently working with Knowles to develop further courses focusing on leadership training, management and warehouse supervisors. The training will include transparency, teaching people how to be compassionate, inspirational, improving communication and presentation skills, with the aim to set a new standard for training in the transport and logistics industry setting Knowles out as leaders in providing the safest, most comprehensive and highest quality service in the country.
“We are delighted that (names to insert) are amongst the first in the country to complete the driver assessment qualification, they will be the first of many helping to improve the driving standards in the industry,” commented Craig Cooper, Transport & Training Manager CTS. “This is only the beginning of a fruitful partnership between CTS and Knowles and we are looking forward to continuing to work together on further skill development programmes for the benefit of Knowles’ employees.”
Other initiatives in the pipeline include health and safety, banksman training, manual handling and fire marshal training.
