Taxi Driver Online

September 24, 2008 Wednesday

Celebrations as Train to Gain has second birthday;

Learning &Skills Council

TAXI drivers are renowned for their sense of direction and endless local knowledge. Now cabbies in the Tees Valley can further improve their skills following the launch of a new course in Middlesbrough funded through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North East's Train to Gain service.

Some 52 hackney carriage and private hire taxi drivers from Middlesbrough have clocked up an impressive 100% pass rate after completing the new 12 week NVQ Level 2 Road Passenger Vehicle Driver programme, delivered by Middlesbrough College.

And it's not just taxi drivers who are celebrating this month because Train to Gain is celebrating its second anniversary. Since it was launched in 2006, the service has engaged with more than 5,500 employers and has helped more than 17,000 learners achieve qualification in the region.

The new course, fully funded through Train to Gain, tested the drivers on a variety of skills including health and safety, conflict management, customer service and disability awareness. And the feedback from drivers who have taking part has been positive.

Peter Flearmoy, general secretary of Middlesbrough Hackney Carriage Association and taxi driver of 16 years in the Tees Valley, has just completed the programme.

"I would encourage any taxi driver, new or old to go further and educate themselves by doing the NVQ 2 programme. It can only benefit the trade. The course makes you more aware of hazardous situations, encourages you to read situations more quickly and makes you start thinking about the safety of your passengers."

Chris Roberts, regional director, LSC North East, said: "Since the Train to Gain service was launched two years ago, it has helped thousands of employers and learners across the North-east. It has never been so important for employers to have a skilled workforce to ensure that they are productive and able to compete and succeed.

"Through Train to Gain, employers are supported by a skills brokerage service which includes free impartial advice and responsive training programmes to meet their business needs and improve skills.

"Train to Gain helps employees meet their full potential and businesses boost productivity and ultimately reach their business goals."

Further groups of taxi drivers are already under way with more planned to start in October. The training takes place every week for 12 weeks over a two hour period at Middlesbrough College and assessment is by on the job observation. The course is open to employed or self employed taxi drivers For further information about the tax drivers course, contact the Employer Services department at Middlesbrough College on 01642 33 33 22.

For more information about Train to Gain, visit www.traintogain.gov.uk or call 0800 015 55 45

Train to Gain helps employees meet their full potential and businesses boost productivity and ultimately reach their business goals - CHRIS ROBERTS Regional director of LSC North East
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Regards

JD