New driver initiative at Walkers Transport gains official approval

Walkers Transport

Walkers Transport has received JAUPT registered training centre approval to deliver bespoke CPC training courses for its drivers from both its Rochdale and Leeds depots.

Walkers’ new driver CPC training initiative has been approved by the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) – which delivers training and processes applications for organisations that wish to host in house DVSA or DVA-approved courses.

Its first course titled ‘Driver Essentials’ is scheduled to begin next month and will cover the legality of EU drivers’ hours and the working time directive.

Free to its drivers, the module will be delivered in an interactive classroom environment, as well as on site and in-vehicle. Once drivers have received the mandatory 35 hours of training, they’ll receive a driver qualification card that’s valid for five years.

Colin Hunter, driver training manager at Walkers, has designed the bespoke driver training module which secured JAUPT approval shortly after its formal submission. He said: “We were delighted to receive the news that our bespoke module had been approved as this marks a huge leap forward for our in-house training capabilities.  Both the classroom and hands-on- workshops will be attended by small working groups and in-vehicle training will be one to one with a member of our training team.

“First and foremost, it’s the drivers’ responsibility to ensure they maintain their CPC status, however here at Walkers it is important to us to support our professional drivers through the programme and therefore securing approval to deliver the training in-house is just one of the ways in which we can do this. Moreover, through our delivery of bespoke modules we aim to enhance our drivers’ skillset, as the topics focus on safety, service and efficiencies that emulate our business objectives

"JAUPT approval was really important to us - there are many courses available to drivers from other training providers but creating our own means we can be sure our drivers are receiving up-to-date, relevant and credible training that’s tailor-made to suit our business.”

Plans are already underway to launch additional courses for approval – one based around health and safety featuring load security which will enable Walkers’ drivers to understand what the DVSA expects to see when it comes to load security and strapping at DVSA roadside checks.

Further modules are likely to explore safe and fuel-efficient driving, as well as the effect drugs and alcohol have on the body.

Walkers Transport is one of over 110 independent transport providers that are part of the Palletways UK network.