It is no secret that there are plenty of drivers and haulage and transport companies not especially fond of CPC regulations. Some view the regulations as a necessary evil while others are firmly rooted in their belief that ongoing CPC training is a waste of time. This begs the question, what is CPC? It is supposed to be professional development. It is supposed to be a means of making sure drivers are competent throughout their careers.
One of the biggest criticisms of CPC training is that it can easily become a ‘box ticking exercise’, according to Commercial Fleet. In an article recently published on the website, Commercial Fleet explained that there are no requirements for ongoing CPC training except the attendance requirement. There are no tests or other means of measuring whether attendees actually learn anything during training. Drivers can literally show up and do anything other than paying attention.
The FTA’s Keith Gray told Commercial Fleet that the best way to make sure CPC training is effective is to utilise what he calls the ‘three Rs’:
- Relevancy – What is CPC if not a way to improve driver performance and safety? In light of that, training should be relevant to what drivers are doing on the job. For example, there is no point to training drivers who never operate tankers how to safely transport liquids. They should be trained in things that directly affect their day-to-day jobs.
- Reinforcement – Gray insists that the importance of CPC training needs to be reinforced by fleet managers and other supervisors. They need to pay attention to course offerings, presentation, the learning environment, and so on. When drivers suspect training is not important to supervisors, they will not see it as important either.
- Regularity – Lastly, Gray says that CPC training should be regular. In other words, drivers should receive 20% of the required training on an annual basis rather than waiting until the fifth year of the driver’s current qualification card to get it all in. Spacing CPC training out over five years makes engaging drivers much easier.
Both Gray and Commercial Fleet make some excellent points about CPC training. The whole idea of the CPC mandate is to ensure professional competence in a field that cannot settle for mediocrity. The logistics industry needs quality drivers who are always at their best, whenever they are behind the wheel. Ongoing CPC training is designed to ensure that.
What is CPC training? It is your opportunity to ensure company drivers are the best they can be. The HGV Training Centre can help. We are approved by the JAUPT to offer customised CPC training courses to companies in the haulage and transport industries. We have the capability to custom design training classes unique to the needs of your drivers, regardless of company size and scope.
Remember, CPC training is required by law. Do right by your drivers by investing in the best training possible.
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