Hard-working Hackney Carriage drivers employed by North East Lincolnshire Council have gone the extra mile by securing an academic qualification which will boost their professional careers.
Sixteen taxi and private hire drivers employed by the council have completed a nine-week BTEC Level 2 Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire course at the Second Avenue Resource Centre in Grimsby. And a further 84 drivers have expressed an interest in taking the course, which has been supported by the council with financial help from central government’s Train To Gain programme.
Hackney Carriage driver Ray Lawrance said: “Drivers have given up their own time to complete this course to give their passengers greater piece of mind and to provide a better service across the streets of North East Lincolnshire.”
Drivers have to complete modules on health and safety, handling difficult customers, and how to transport passengers with mobility problems. Passing this qualification has been a real confidence boost for the drivers who now have the recognition that they have passed a nationally-accredited course.
“It shows there are some excellent and committed drivers working within North East Lincolnshire. We have been well supported by the local authority in realising ambitions of having an academic qualification that will increase professionalism and confidence.”
Success on the BTEC means students can then take the NVQ Level 2 in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving. Several drivers within North East Lincolnshire have now moved on to the advanced course. Topics on the 27-hour BTEC course also cover customer service, passenger safety, disability awareness, hire regulations and driving technique - with the drivers not only gaining recognition for their experience and skills, but also being able to demonstrate that they comply fully with the highest standards of customer service and key operational standards.
Councillor Steve Beasant, the council’s portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Drivers have used their own initiative to take this course, which shows their commitment to passengers receiving the very best possible service.
“Passing an academic qualification not only gives drivers greater confidence that their job is a valuable and important one, but shows the council’s commitment to further education for all its employees.
“As someone who has just passed an academic qualification at Huddersfield University I fully support the idea of lifelong learning, in this case I am sure it will add power and weight to their overall knowledge.”
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