Skills for Logistics (SfL) is to launch a voluntary accreditation scheme for Driver CPC training providers in a bid to drive up standards within the road transport sector.
SfL hopes its new scheme will "sharpen up" the quality of training currently on offer to candidates and make it more relevant to operator's needs.
The sector skills council said that while Jaupt has the mandate to ensure Driver CPC regulations are adhered to by training providers, meeting these requirements does not necessarily mean courses provided are “excellent”.
SfL plans to maintain a live database of all endorsed training providers and of those who have had their endorsement removed by falling below the standard. A crucial part of the process will be a programme of unannounced audits and ‘secret trainees’ to ensure the standard is maintained during the three to five-year period between assessments.
Training providers can use the endorsement ‘kite mark’ in their marketing to inform operators where to find good Driver CPC. It will also give them a benchmark with which to compare different training providers.
Ross Moloney, SfL CEO, said: “We expect a significant number of the 1,400 approved DCPC training centres to engage with the process, to see how they measure up against others, and to gain the opportunity to examine how to improve their service, in addition to marketing their quality. While Jaupt recognises you as being legal, Skills for Logistics will endorse you as being excellent.”
SfL would like to hear from training providers who wish to be in first tranche to go through the assessment this summer, as well as employers who want to help develop the standard. Contact: ross.moloney@skillsforlogistics.org
