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The head of driver training at Clipper Logistics, now part of GXO, has recently completed a record four overseas secondments for international charity Transaid.

Jon Aspden’s two-week project in Ghana follows earlier trips to Tanzania and Zambia in 2009, 2012 and 2020 and saw him working with four trainers based in the capital Accra.

Aspden (pictured) said: “The group had completed a lot of theory training before I arrived, so my remit was to focus on teaching practical training skills, delivered in a structured manner and in accordance with the new and enhanced HGV driver training standard developed for Ghana.

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“The trainers settled into the training rhythm quickly, gaining confidence with their in-cab instruction techniques and working hard to create an environment where self-development was encouraged. I saw a fundamental change in their driving styles and coaching abilities, and when the time came for me to fly home, I left feeling I’d had the biggest positive impact to-date.”

Sam Clark, Transaid head of programmes and acting co-chief executive, said: “Support from corporate members is paramount to the success of our driver training programmes.

“The calibre of the trainers we have access to in the UK is unmatched, and their inputs are key to us being able to build local skills which ensure sustainable and lasting change.

“A huge thank you as well to Jon for his longstanding commitment to Transaid; we are fairly sure that four secondments from one individual sets a new industry record!”