Tag Archives: driver cpc training

Joining a Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre

How to Decide: Joining a Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre

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How to Decide: Joining a Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre is an important question for anyone looking to deliver Driver CPC training. This choice can shape your business’s operations, costs, and growth potential. Each option has its benefits and challenges, depending on your circumstances, resources, and goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to help you make the best decision for your situation.

What Is a Driver CPC Consortium?

A Driver CPC consortium is a group of trainers operating under a shared approval body. Instead of applying to become an independent training centre, you join the consortium, which manages compliance, course approvals, and auditing on your behalf. Joining a Driver CPC consortium can be a cost-effective and less resource-intensive way to deliver Driver CPC training.

Benefits of Joining a Driver CPC Consortium

  1. Reduced Administrative Burden
    The consortium handles the heavy lifting of gaining and maintaining DVSA Accreditations’ approval, submitting course materials, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Joining a Driver CPC consortium allows you to focus more on delivering training.
  2. Lower Start-Up Costs
    You don’t need to invest in the full application process or write/purchase your own courses, which can be costly and time-consuming. Consortia usually charge an annual membership fee and per-driver fee, making it easier to manage initial expenses when joining a Driver CPC consortium.
  3. Support and Guidance
    Consortia provide training materials, best practices, and ongoing support to ensure trainers deliver high-quality courses. Joining a Driver CPC consortium ensures you have access to expert resources, support and guidance.
  4. Faster Route to Market
    By leveraging the consortium’s existing approval, you can start delivering Driver CPC training more quickly than if you applied independently.

Challenges of Joining a Driver CPC Consortium

  1. Less Independence
    You must adhere to the consortium’s rules, course materials, and procedures, rather then your own.
  2. Ongoing Fees
    Consortia charge fees per driver, per upload, and an annual membership. These costs can add up over time when joining a Driver CPC consortium.
  3. Branding Flexibility
    While you can operate under your own brand within a consortium, certain aspects of branding and marketing may still need to align with consortium guidelines.

Benefits of Setting Up Your Own Driver CPC Training Centre

  1. Complete Control
    As an independent training centre, you’ll have full control over Driver CPC course content, scheduling, and delivery style, allowing you to align your training with your vision and audience needs.
  2. Higher Profit Margins
    Without consortium fees, you retain all income from your Driver CPC courses. While initial costs may be higher, the potential for profit increases as you grow.
  3. Flexibility in Designing CPC Training Courses
    Although consortium members can request to deliver bespoke Driver CPC courses, they will however, usually need to provide the course content. If the course does not align with the wider consortium requirements, additional approval costs may apply. Independent centres, on the other hand, have full flexibility to design and deliver courses tailored to their clients’ needs without such restrictions.

Challenges of Setting Up Your Own Driver CPC Training Centre

  1. Higher Initial Costs
    There are the centre and course application fees for DVSA Accreditations’ and you’ll need to invest in developing Driver CPC course materials, auditing processes and systems infrastructure.
  2. Administrative Responsibilities
    Managing compliance, Driver CPC course approvals, and audits requires time and attention to detail. Without prior experience, could be quite daunting.
  3. Longer Start-Up Timeline
    The approval process for becoming an independent Driver CPC training centre can take a while, delaying your ability to start delivering training quickly.
  4. Ongoing Maintenance
    Maintaining DVSA Accreditations’ approval requires consistent effort, including, managing compliance/systems, updating and submitting Driver CPC course materials, carrying out course audits, navigating centre audits and maintaining centre renewals.

Key Considerations When Choosing Between Joining a Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre

  1. Budget
    If you’re starting with limited funds, joining a Driver CPC consortium may be the better choice. However, if you have the resources to invest, setting up your own training centre can yield greater returns in the long term.
  2. Growth Ambitions
    If you aim to build a large-scale Driver CPC training operation, owning your centre gives you the freedom and scalability to achieve this. Conversely, if you’re looking for a side business or part-time venture, a consortium may be more practical.
  3. Time Availability
    Running your own Driver CPC training centre demands significant time for administration and compliance. If your schedule is already busy, a consortium might offer a more manageable workload.

Hybrid Approach

Some trainers and training centres start by joining a Driver CPC consortium to build experience and client relationships. Once they’ve established a steady income and understand the industry’s demands, they transition to setting up their own Driver CPC training centre. This phased approach can balance risk and reward.

Research Advice for Choosing Between a Consortium and Setting Up Your Own Centre

Before deciding, conduct thorough research:

  • Compare Costs: Calculate the initial and ongoing costs for both joining a consortium and setting up independently. Include application fees, course material expenses, and consortium membership charges.
  • Compare Level of Support: Assess the type and extent of support provided by consortia, such as access to course materials, compliance guidance, and marketing resources. Determine if this aligns with your needs or if you prefer full control and responsibility as an independent operator.
  • Speak to Industry Professionals: Consult trainers who have experience with both consortium membership and independent operations. Their insights can help you understand the practical benefits and challenges of each approach.
  • Evaluate Your Business Goals: Consider whether your long-term goals align better with the flexibility of independence or the support provided by a consortium.

How TMconsultant Can Help

At TMconsultant, we offer flexible solutions tailored to your needs:

  • Consortium Opportunities: Join our Driver CPC consortium and gain access to ready-made course materials, compliance support, and a fast route to delivering Driver CPC training. Our consortium simplifies the process so you can focus on teaching.
  • Driver CPC Training Centre Help Service: Want to set up your own Driver CPC training centre? Our Driver CPC Help service provides templates and support to help you get your centre and courses approved with DVSA. From compliance to application guidance, we make the process as straightforward as possible.

Whether you’re looking for a supportive entry into Driver CPC training or aiming to establish your own training centre, we’re here to help.

Conclusion

The decision to join a Driver CPC consortium or establish your own training centre ultimately depends on your goals, resources, and preferences. A consortium provides a low-risk entry point with less administrative burden, while owning a training centre offers greater independence and profit potential. Evaluate your priorities, budget, and long-term vision to choose the path that best aligns with your aspirations.

Next Steps

I hope you found this ‘Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre’ post useful and has made your decision making a little easier. If you like to explore your options further or just need some advice, feel free to get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!

Publish Driver CPC Courses

Publish Driver CPC Training Courses: New Feature for Consortium Members

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We’re excited to introduce a new feature designed to enhance the experience for our valued consortium members. You can now, schedule your Driver CPC training Courses and we will publish them on our website!

What is Driver CPC?

Driver CPC is a set of standards established to ensure that professional drivers are both competent and proficient in their roles. It is a mandatory certification for bus, coach, and lorry drivers across the EU and the UK, aimed at improving road safety and ensuring that drivers maintain high levels of skill and knowledge.

What is a Driver CPC Consortium?

A Driver CPC consortium is an association of like-minded individuals who deliver Driver CPC training under the management of one umbrella company.

By becoming a member of our consortium, you can teach Periodic Driver CPC training with all the benefits of being a fully registered training centre, operating under the management of TMconsultant.

Introducing Our New Feature – Publish your Driver CPC training courses

We are thrilled to announce that consortium members can opt in to publish their Driver CPC training courses directly on our platform. The new offering is tailored to assist consortium members in boosting their course marketing efforts. Members can effectively promote their Driver CPC training courses to reach a wider audience of potential trainees, driving enrollment.

With just a simple “yes” or “no” response on the scheduled courses form, members can choose to publish their courses and instantly increase their visibility within the Driver CPC training community.

Feel free to have a look at courses already published by consortium members here!

How do I join the TMconsultant Driver CPC Training Consortium?

At TMconsultant, we are committed to providing our consortium members with the tools they need to succeed. For more information on how to join the TMconultant consortium, just go here.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, or you would just like to discuss your options, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re a friendly bunch, just Call 01273 457748 or alternatively send us a message. Here to share the knowledge!

Driver CPC Training Courses

Driver CPC Training Courses

Driver CPC training courses across the UK

Looking for classroom or remote Driver CPC training courses? Our Driver CPC training consortium members deliver Driver CPC training courses around the UK. Just choose the course for you and book directly with the trainer!

 

Driver Welfare, Customer Care and Security

Remote
2 x 3.5 hrs
17 March 2025, 18:00:00-21:30
HGV/PCV

This extensive course provides the professional driver with an overall understanding of their roles and responsibilities to help minimise errors in compliance. Together with Daily Walk Round Checks, Defect Reporting, Eco Driving, and a driver hours refresher session completes an informative day of training

Training provided by: Nationwide Transport & Training Group Ltddanielle@nitransport.com02828 103102Course Ref: ICRS28293/1885

Driver Welfare, Customer Care and Security

Remote
2 x 3.5 hrs
18 March 2025, 18:00:00-21:30
HGV/PCV

This extensive course provides the professional driver with an overall understanding of their roles and responsibilities to help minimise errors in compliance. Together with Daily Walk Round Checks, Defect Reporting, Eco Driving, and a driver hours refresher session completes an informative day of training

Training provided by: Nationwide Transport & Training Group Ltddanielle@nitransport.com02828 103102Course Ref: ICRS28293/1885

Traffic Law, Incidents and Vulnerable Road Users

Bridgwater
7 hrs
21 March 2025, 08:15-16:00
HGV/PCV

This course is packed full of exciting content, providing both PCV and HGV drivers with useful facts and figures. This comprehensive course is full of insightful hints and tips on staying safer on our roads

Training provided by: NE Transport Trainingneil.edden@googlemail.com07787226322Course Ref: ICRS28760/1885

Driver Essentials

Peasemor
7 hrs
22 March 2025, 07:00:00-14:00
HGV/PCV

This comprehensive course, will ensure both HGV and PCV drivers acquire a full understanding of EU and Domestic Drivers’ Hours, Working Time, and Tachograph record-keeping covering both analogue and digital use.

Training provided by: PDM Transport Consultancymitch66pd@gmail.com07369264556Course Ref: ICRS28215/1885

Traffic Law, Incidents and Vulnerable Road Users

Sittingbourne
7 hrs
01 April 2025, 08:45-17:00
HGV/PCV

This course is packed full of exciting content, providing both PCV and HGV drivers with useful facts and figures. This comprehensive course is full of insightful hints and tips on staying safer on our roads

Training provided by: JBS Haulage Contractors john@jbshaulage.com01795470793Course Ref: CRS13409/1885

FAQs

What is tachograph analysis

What is tachograph analysis? All you need to know

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What is tachograph analysis?

Tachograph analysis is the way to measure and monitor how your drivers are performing in their day-to-day driving and work duties. Tachograph analysis provides the transport manager with detailed reports, highlighting areas for attention. By recording speed and distance, the tachograph provides an accurate picture of what a driver has been doing, even whether or not they have broken the law. Since 2006, all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes sold in the UK are required by law to be fitted with a digital tachograph.

Every fleet operator must ensure they have the means to analyse driver data from both the tachograph vehicle unit (VU) and the Driver Card and to manage said data correctly. For information relating to tachographs rules for drivers and operators go here, including exemptions.

There are some old analogue tachographs out there, however, in the post, we’ll be looking at digital tachographs.

How do we collect this data, where do we put it and what do we do with it?

Data is collected via a tachograph Vehicle Unit (VU) and a driver card which is inserted into the VU every time the driver uses the vehicle. The data is then uploaded to tachograph analysis software using a download tool and then, in turn, provided to you via software applications, in written and graph formats. Let’s have a look at all the elements needed to be compliant.

The Tachograph Vehicle Unit (VU)

A tachograph unit (VU) is a radio-sized device fitted on goods and passenger vehicles. The VU head records various types of driver and vehicle data such as journey distance, speed, driving time, working time, and events. Data is stored in the VU internal memory. There are a number of companies out there that manufacture Vehicle Units such as VDO (Siemens), Stoneridge, Intellic and Actia.

To access the VU data, you will need to ‘unlock’ theVU using a company card. Other cards used to unlock data are the control card and the workshop card.

Vehicle Unit data should be downloaded at least 90 )the maximum timeframe) or 28 days, but we recommend more frequent downloads, weekly for drivers and monthly for vehicles as best practice.

The Digital Tachograph 3.0 from VDO

The Digital Tachograph 3.0 from VDO

Control Cards

Control cards are used by law enforcement agencies to retrieve data from the tachograph. A control card is able to override any company lock put in place by operators.

Workshop cards

Workshop cards are used by authorised and official tachograph technicians to calibrate, install or repair tachographs.

Company cards

Company cards are used by operators to retrieve data from the tachograph regarding their employees and vehicles. You can also lock information using a company card or authorise third parties, to collect data.

Driver Card

Unlike cards used to ‘unlock’ data from the VU, the driver card collects data. The driver card is a credit card-sized plastic card that contains a microchip. The card stores all relevant driver data required for EU Drivers’ Hours regulations including break and rest times.

The driver card:

  • Is unique to the individual driver and valid for five years
  • Can store information for 28 days
  • Can only be used by its owner, ie. the driver authorised to use it
  • May be suspended or withdrawn by an enforcement officer if the card has been falsified, if the person using the card is not the legal holder of the card, or if the card has been obtained by false declaration or forged documents
  • Must be made available to enforcement officers on request.

Digital tachograph cards

Download Tool/key/card reader

Download tools are used to collect VU and card data. They come in varying shapes and sizes and offer differing functionality. They all collect data from the vehicle and the driver card. Manufacturers include DigVU, Digidown and Optac. Automatic, remote downloading is also available.

Optac download tool

Optac combined download tool

 

DigiVU+ Digital Tachograph Reader

DigiVU+ Digital Tachograph Reader

Digital Tachograph Card Reader

Digital Tachograph Card Reader

Analysis software

Tachograph software is a web-based tachograph analysis system, where you can instantly analyse data and manage driver and vehicle reports. You generally will only pay for the records that are submitted. This can keep start-up costs down, scales as your business scales, and means that the product is always up-to-date and will never need to be upgraded. I have used quite a few tachograph systems including over the years, for example, Tachomaster, Descartes Smartcompliance, and Tachodisc. I am currently using TDi Disk Check. In my humble opinion, Disc Check is brilliant, very easy to use, intuitive, and is built with end-users in mind. The system is fully accessible from mobile and desktop devices meaning no limits as to when or where data is accessed.

TDI disc-check

TDI disc-check

Go it alone or use a paid service?

This leads us nicely onto whether you should use the services of someone to assist or to go it alone. This will depend on your operation and how your transport department is managed. I’m an ETM and although my employer and I tightly manage analysis reports, using a tachograph specialist just adds an extra level of security and detail providing peace of mind. I use Logistics Support Services. They really know their stuff, provide an excellent support service, and are both reliable and friendly.

Analysis reports

Once you have collated all your data, (driver and vehicle) and you have uploaded it to your software system, you will then be able to view your analysis reports. The system you use will provide you with a number of reports which can be automated. These should include:

  • Drivers’ Hours (infringements)
  • Working Time (infringements)
  • Driver activity
  • Vehicles Driven
  • Missing Mileage
  • Over Speeding
  • Events and Faults – E.G driving without an appropriate card
  • Unknown driver

Most analysis software will have a dashboard to give you an overall view of the analysis and compare how your drivers are performing. From here you can drill down on a report for a more detailed look.

disc-check-dashboard

Working Time

Your analysis software will also provide you with a system to manage working time. By using drivers’ hours from the tacho data you can enter statutory holidays and any other work that is carried out not recorded by the drivers’ card.

Debrief

A debrief system is a configurable points-based system that helps you spot repeat infringements and advise on what corrective measures to take. The debrief system also provides a process for the escalation of disciplinary matters. This is a great way to identify and reduce repeat infringements.

As with the dashboard overview, debrief systems are included with most driver analysis software.

Smart tachographs

Vehicles registered for the first time on or after 15 June 2019 now have to be fitted with the new smart tachograph. The aim is to reduce the administrative burden on the transport industry (covering both HGV and PCV) and to eliminate the most serious forms of tampering or offence.

Smart tachographs include GPS for positioning and vehicle tracking, remote enforcement capabilities and the ability to link the units to vehicle telematics.

TachoSYS digiDL

TachoSYS digiDL for automation

I don’t have any affiliation with TDi Disk Check, I just use Logistics Support Services for their tacho services and think they’re brilliant, so worth a mention. You can reach them here.

TMconsultant provide transport manager help for transport managers. If you would like to know more about any of our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!

 

 

TMconsultant Driver CPC Consortium

Driver CPC Consortium new members August 2018

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We would like to welcome our new members to the TMconsultant Driver CPC Consortium! McColls Travel, YMS Training Services, Retro School of Motoring, Go Direct and Eutopia Training. All joined recently and we would like to take the opportunity to wish our new members every success.

TMconsultant is a Driver CPC consortium providing the opportunity for those who would like to deliver Driver CPC training but would prefer not to set up a training centre in their own right. By becoming a member of our consortium you can teach Periodic Driver CPC training with all the benefits of being a fully registered training centre with JAUPT, operating under the umbrella of TMconsultant.

If you would like any information about joining our consortium please do get in touch, here to share the knowledge!

JAUPT announced quality assurance visit

How to pass your JAUPT announced quality assurance visit

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So you’ve just received an email providing you with a few date options regarding a JAUPT announced quality assurance visit. As with all audits, unless you’re fully prepared you can put yourself under unnecessary stress, and I hasten to add for no reason. To help you pass your JAUPT announced quality assurance visit, I have put together a few pointers to make the whole process a more pleasurable one.

Background

JAUPT carry out around 300 to 400 announced visits per year. It is important to note that an approved training centre is subject to centre visits from both JAUPT and DVSA/DVA. This means that you could experience two visits in a short period of time from either organisation. I should add that we have had two JAUPT announced visits but not experienced a DVSA visit….as yet.
The purpose of an announced visit is to check whether standards are being maintained and to confirm the centre’s internal processes and procedures as per their Scheme of Control and confirmatory statements, detailed in the centre application form.
An approved training centre is subject to at least one announced visit during the five year
approval period from JAUPT. Your JAUPT announced quality assurance visit will always be conducted within the first twelve months of approval and will be pre-arranged between JAUPT and the centre.
Whether you are a centre that has not begun training yet or a centre that is conducting fifty plus training courses a month, the visit will still be conducted.

1. Responsibilities

The responsibility for quality and safety at an approved training centre lies with the responsible
contact. This is the person operationally responsible for periodic training. Ensure this person is present throughout the visit and is fully up to date with your policies and procedures. I have heard of auditors turning up for an audit and the responsible contact either not there or they just leave the auditor in a room on their own. Aside from this being a irrisponsible strategy, it’s just damm right rude.

2. Prepare

I know this sounds obvious but you should start your preperation from the day you confirm your dates. List out all the individual aspects of your internal systems and tackle each job systematically and methodically. There are two helpful documents published by JAUPT which you should familiarise yourself with.

The first document is the Centre quality assurance self assessment. This is a check list type document which will help you identify areas of continuous improvement and assist you to compartmentalise all the requisite areas needing attention.

The areas covered include:
  • Quality and delivery of the training
  • Knowledge transfer
  • The learning environment
  • Course content ensuring the course is being delivered in line with the approved
  • Course layout and identification checks and registration
The second document is the course quality assurance check list. It will assist you with the identification of areas of continuous improvement. Although this second useful document is aimed at course quality, it will help to ensure you have covered everything off. It should also form part of your annual review processes. We’ll come that next.

3. Review

Obviously, reviews are ongoing and should be carried out annually. Part of your audit is to confirm your internal processes and procedures as per your Scheme of Control (SoC). However, if you haven’t already, this is a good time to carry out your review. This will really help you to pass your audit as you don’t want to be caught out with an old, out of date policy or procedure!

Once you have reviewed your SoC make sure you re-version number the document and send it to your case worker at JAUPT for approval.

I have set up three approved training centres in my time so we have a SoC template which may help. You can purchase one here. Remember this is only a template so you will need to adjust to your requirements!

4. Reconcile

You will need to cross reference training dates supplied to JAUPT with training delivered. This is achieved by using the R&E system, your own records and scheduled courses supplied to JAUPT. The quickest and easiest way is to use an excel spread sheet. As we all know however, the R&E system is somewhat antiquated, so trying to get a data download in the form of a spreadsheet from here is simply not possible. Unfortunately, for some reason the R&E team won’t provide training centres with this useful document either. Luckily there is a solution, as you can request the same spreadsheet from JAUPT, just ask your case worker. You will need to justify any anomalies to your auditor, so make sure you make notes regarding any issues.

It’s worth noting auditors like to see a working spreadsheet which also manages uploads dates/upload reference numbers.

5. Paperwork

If you didn’t know you can keep electronic records. So no need to have boxes of registration sheets and feedback forms present. Which ever system you use, just make sure all records are present, are easily accessible and in chronological order.

6. On the day

Start early and arrive at work at least two hours before the auditor arrives. This is twofold as your auditor will most likely arrive early and you need to have time to prepare your records and environment. Use a well lit, clean/tidy separate room where you won’t be disturbed. Make your auditor feel welcome, offer them some refreshments and stay with your auditor throughout.  Trust me, this will make the whole process much more comfortable for all parties.

As long as you are well prepared for your JAUPT announced quality assurance visit, you have been methodical and you have covered off the above points, your day will be a relaxed and enjoyable one.

Join the TMconsultant Consortium

TMconsultant is a Driver CPC training consortium and we provide like minded companies and individuals with the opportunity to deliver Driver CPC training but would prefer not to set up a training centre in their own right. For more information please visit our website or just get in touch. Here to share the knowledge!

 

JAUPT announced audit 2018

TMconsultant pass JAUPT announced audit 2018 with flying colours!

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Congratulations are in order as TMconsultant pass JAUPT announced audit 2018 with flying colours!

On 24 April 2018 TMconsultant were audited by JAUPT to ensure we fully comply with legislation relating to the DIRECTIVE 2003/59/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 15 July 2003 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 and Council Directive 91/439/EEC and repealing Council Directive 76/914/EEC.

The main areas of audit consisted of:

  • Centre details
  • Communication
  • Scheme of Control – how we manage the consortium
  • Sampling of records

Arrival Time 08:15 Departure Time 13:15

Executive Summary

Overall, a well structured Centre under the control of an experienced and knowledgeable Primary Contact ensuring appropriate training is being delivered to professional drivers. The Centre was seen to have effective controls in place to ensure standards are maintained.

Would you like to join our consortium and become a member? For more information please do get in touch!

TMconsultant Driver CPC Consortium

New members join the TMconsultant Driver CPC Consortium

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We would like to welcome our new members to the TMconsultant Driver CPC Consortium! Micronclean, Headway Training, Logan Logistics, Ace Trainers, Prospect Training and Recruitment Ltd and Streamline Kent Ltd all joined recently and we would like to take the opportunity to wish our new members every success.

TMconsultant is a Driver CPC consortium providing the opportunity for those who would like to deliver Driver CPC training but would prefer not to set up a training centre in their own right. By becoming a member of our consortium you can teach Periodic Driver CPC training with all the benefits of being a fully registered training centre with JAUPT, operating under the umbrella of TMconsultant.

If you would like any information about joining our consortium please do get in touch, here to share the knowledge!

RHA-Webinar-sales-pitch

The RHA Webinar sales pitch

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Last week I got involved with a Road Haulage Association (RHA) Webinar “Driver CPC is here to stay after Brexit”, which I thought was actually quite good for a number of reasons. It was entertaining, the hosts were friendly, well informed and engaging. I enjoyed the interactive aspects, where you can type your questions, which the hosts answer in real time. In fact, I do like the people at the RHA (generally) and these chaps exemplified this.

The subject matter was a great choice, as most operators and drivers alike are keen to know what’s going to happen to driver CPC after Brexit. I imagine most savvy people will have a basic understanding of what will happen to EU legislation after Brexit. It was however, reassuring to know my understanding was on track!

So why my title ‘The RHA Webinar sales pitch’? Well, I do also have some criticisms. After the session it would have been nice to receive an email containing a link to listen again, together with slide show etc. There was a mention of ‘after session access’ but no instructions were given as to how this works.

My main gripe, is not necessarily the sales pitch itself, but the subtext of the promotional message. Now, I’m all for using creative and innovative ways to promote a business, but I feel it shouldn’t be at the expense of the smaller players. I very much doubt the hosts meant anything other than good intent. But the way the RHA explain why you should spend your money with them for training, rather with a competitor, I think should be reviewed. So here’s what I mean, the hosts were selling their training products and justifying why they are more expensive than the competition. The message was because you get what you pay for. Now, to a RHA member listening, that would seem like a perfectly reasonable proposition. However, it also implies (by default) that the other training providers are not a worthwhile investment. It’s a blanket generalisation of the rest of the transport training industry. This is of course not case. For example, our very own consortium member JK Transport Training won the Talent in Logistics Driver CPC Training Provider of the Year Award 2017. And as far as I’m aware they were up against the big boys too! Anyway my point is this. Yes, there are some not so great training providers out there but you don’t have to pay through the nose to get a decent day’s instruction.

If you would like to get involved with future RHA sales pitches….sorry webinars, go here.

For advice about Driver CPC training or if you would like to join the TMconsultant consortium go here. Here to share the knowledge!

 

Great-ways-to-make-Driver-CPC-training-more-exciting

Great ways to make Driver CPC training more exciting

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As Driver CPC trainers we’re always looking for great ways to make Driver CPC training more exciting for drivers. Not only do we need to ensure our delegates are kept engaged and motivated throughout the session, we trainers also need to be motivated as we’re teaching driver CPC day in day out.

Teaching is an art form. Great trainers hold our attention, make us laugh, help us to fully understand complex subject matter and, most of all, inspire us!

Get off to a good start

Kick off by giving a overview of you and brief history of your achievements. What your experience is and why you love teaching. Tell your your attendees what you are going to learn and how those skills will help them achieve their goals. Break down inhibitions by using an ice breaker. For example, you could ask drivers to break up into groups of two, one delegate will tell the other where they are from, who they work for and an interesting nugget of information the class will find funny. Each will tell the rest of the delegates about the other.

Change the room layout

Training rooms tend to be laid out in the same way, rows of tables and chairs. The easiest way is to just rearrange the room into a more interesting layout each time you deliver training.

Your choice of venue can also have an impact on engagement. A space full of light, colour and texture can prove far more inspiring than a bland, windowless meeting room.

Use props

To make your teaching even more visual, add in some real life props. These could be practical items such as old vehicle units, a model of a vehicle, straps, charts etc….anything that will help liven up the proceedings and help people to remember.

Although the nature of Driver CPC training is serious, it is important to remember that people learn best when they are having fun.

Play games

Which leads us nicely on to……games are a brilliant way for people to learn without even realising it. This could be ‘Generation Game’ style tasks, quizzes, puzzles, crosswords, memory games or ordering tasks – anything that focuses the attention. You can even do it against the clock for extra excitement.

Introducing a quick quiz at the end of each content section, helping recap on what’s been learned. You could offer a small prize for the winner!

Accommodate different learning styles

People learn in different ways. Some of us are visual learners, preferring pictures, videos and diagrams, while others respond to spoken and written word, music, logic and reasoning or even physical activities.

Try to vary your teaching by combining traditional linguistic teaching methods, with audio and visual presentations, written handouts, interactive tasks, and group work. This will provide an inclusive environment for all learning styles and ensure no one gets left behind.

Facilitate Engagement in Training

It’s important to create an emotional connection with the learner. Storytelling is great way to facilitate engagement in training. Case studies are a great way to tell a story and show impact.

Tell stories or use metaphors

Try to make it relatable to everyday life by using real examples and case studies or even creative metaphors or parables.

By associating imagery that is left of field to what you are actually teaching, such as comparing driver to a golf club, I think you can see where I went with that. This way you can more easily embed it in your delegates’ memories.

Keep it short

One of the best ways to keep your audience engaged is not overloading them with information. Go on too long and the brain simply shuts off and people stop listening.

As Driver CPC is taking place over the course of a day, schedule in plenty of short breaks. As well as giving attendees a chance to get up, walk around and take refreshment, you should also facilitate ‘downloading’ of learnings.

Give them time to write and organise notes and assist them by providing pens, pads, sticky notes and highlighters etc.

Provide recognition and reward

Training participants will be more motivated to successfully complete the course if their efforts are recognised and they have something to show for it at the end.

Make attendees know they will receive personalised certificates to mark their participation and perhaps also consider extra incentives such as a competition or small prizes for top students. An element of good-natured competition can keep the attention of those attendees with a competitive streak!

Let them teach you

Break into small groups. Assign each group a section of reading material. Have each team write down the major points on a flip chart and do a team presentation to the rest of the class. This exercise really increases energy!

Conclusion

Great ways to make Driver CPC training more exciting is as much about entertaining your delegates as informing them. Make your training lively, varied, fun and unexpected and your participants will learn quicker and better!

If you would like to know more about teaching Driver CPC please do get in touch. Here to share the knowledge!