Driver CPC Periodic Training is frequently overlooked as a tool for progressing the careers of professional LGV drivers according to the RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board), the largest Driver CPC Consortium in the UK and Ireland.

“Many businesses are missing the opportunities of Driver CPC Periodic Training,” said Laura Nelson, Managing Director of RTITB. “It doesn’t have to just be about maintaining a driver’s qualification or compliance. Planned and implemented in the right way, it can be a valuable way to truly develop drivers and find ways to progress their careers.”

To help businesses tackle this and offer meaningful professional development for drivers, RTITB has developed an extensive library of relevant Driver CPC Periodic Training topics to help teach a range of skills that support career progression. A new module specifically developed to equip drivers with the skills that they need to become team leaders, supervisors, managers, and more, will also be released shortly.

With the average HGV driver aged 51, attracting and developing younger drivers will be critical to fill the skills gap as many drivers approach retirement. With 35-hours of compulsory training during every five-year cycle, Driver CPC can be used as an effective professional development tool to assist with career progression.

“The right choice of Driver CPC course can give drivers the chance to learn new, interesting and different skills, such as management and supervision,” said Laura. “Traditionally considered too ‘advanced’ for drivers, these areas are often overlooked by employers. However, by incorporating them in Driver CPC training, drivers have an opportunity to truly develop a career, not just maintain their existing skills.”

Driver CPC Periodic Training topics include ‘Representing the Company’ and ‘Professional Driver Roles and Responsibilities’. These cover themes such as customer relations, professional duties, appearance and brand ambassadors, among others. The soon to be launched ‘Interpersonal Skills’ module incorporates a focus on communication skills, while the new ‘Teamwork’ topic includes managing and leading people, skills for career success, leading others to enhance the company, and maximising workplace interactions, using techniques such as neuro-linguistic programming and emotional intelligence.

“Rather than just repeating the same courses on driver hours or tachographs, for example, employers should consider which Driver CPC topics will provide their business with the maximum value,” said Laura

For more information visit www.rtitb.co.uk/cpc-17.

Photo: The right choice of Driver CPC course can give drivers the chance to learn new, interesting and different skills.