For many operators, training is considered a necessary evil. But how can you get best value for money if you don’t have an in-house facility? EYMS has an answer
The introduction of Driver CPC (DCPC) forced the coach and bus industry to take a hard look at the sort of training it delivered – if any – and the cost implications.
Some larger businesses already carried out on-going training; East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS) was one of those.
With the advent of DCPC it took the route of devising its own courses and providing new purpose-built training rooms, one of which has tiered seating.
Since 2008 EYMS has actively offered DCPC and initial licence acquisition to other operators through its commercial training arm, EYMS Bus & Coach Training, which is celebrating 10 years of successful commercial training this September.
Benefits
Training Manager Darren Kendrew says that there are mutual benefits in providing a commercial facility, for all parties.
“We already have the facilities and have registered the courses, so it makes sense to make any spare capacity available on the open market as the revenue contributes to the overheads we are already committed to.
“For operators, they benefit by having DCPC training delivered by a business that is active on the road, and can tailor its courses to the real world that drivers face, rather than theoretical situations that a third-party non-operator trainer might have to do.”
Naturally, there’s a range of courses covering everything from the routine favourite of drivers hours, to customer care and disability awareness.
And, as EYMS also operates coaches – on National Express plus its in house tours – coaching is not forgotten.
And, with the benefit of running a PCV training school, it means vehicles are available. Therefore defensive driving – using buses on the road – along with Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) can be delivered.
“Because we are operating every day, we know the issues that can come up and we update our courses accordingly.”
One example of this are the changes around access to the wheelchair space, following the Supreme Court’s judgement on the Doug Paulley case (routeone, 24 January 2017, News) and the subsequent revised guidance.
Licence acquisition
Another string to the bow is initial licence acquisition. “We don’t operate like some external training schools with, for example, a fixed training plan with the test for a set fee,” says Darren.
“Instead, we carry out a candidate assessment to see how much training they are likely to need, and tailor the driving course to suit. We don’t put people in for their test until they are ready.”
EYMS benefits with in-house DVSA-approved delegated examiner status (available under the new rules), adding to increased flexibility for in-house training, and also cuts out the long wait for practical tests. EYMS is also able to offer DCPC Part 4 training, with the option to complete the Part 4 on its own site commercially, with a DVSA approved assessor on site too.
While EYMS’ training naturally focuses on its core of 485 drivers from its Hull HQ, and depots across the region, it takes care to balance the availability of commercial training, in a way that benefits everyone.
As you’d expect EYMS charges a commercial rate for its training, but quality training comes at a price, yet attractive discounts are in place for group bookings. In this world, you very much get what you pay for. If you’re in any doubt, the raft of awards that EYMS has won for training speak volumes.
Find out more: www.eyms.co.uk/training/
