How are your new LGV/HGV drivers doing? It can be a solitary role. And after training and qualifying, new lorry drivers can get overlooked. Aside from Periodic Training or Assessments, there is often little opportunity to check in with a driver. That’s why driver mentors are important.
LGV Driver Mentors provide new employees, especially those who lack industry experience, with guidance and support. Helping them to grow and develop as HGV driving professionals. Read on for more benefits of having a lorry driver mentor in your transport workplace. For your company and for your drivers.
- Show new drivers the ropes
When a driver first joins a company they ‘buddy up’ with another driver for the first few shifts, or first few weeks. This enables them to get to know the operation and their role. It is at this stage that safety culture and attitude towards safety is embedded. And knowledge is shared. It is a crucial period for new drivers. So having someone who is trained to support them and communicate appropriately is essential. To the driver and their development. As well as to the company.
- Raise driver standards
Having a mentor to talk to and check in with regularly can help to keep up correct professional standards. Helping LGV/HGV drivers to stay on the road, to stay safe on the road, and deliver goods on time. It gives the drivers the opportunity to ask questions, and raise concerns.
- Support driver mental health and wellbeing
Having a trained LGV/HGV Driver Mentor on site is a great way to check in and show support for your drivers. Unlike an LGV/HGV Instructor or LGV/HGV Assessor, a mentor’s role includes helping drivers work through challenges with things like drivers hours and tachographs. They can direct them to the correct people in the company for the support they need. Whether that is fatigue, sick time, diet or poor mental health.
- Attract and retain drivers
The industry is still suffering from a skills shortage so attracting and retaining driver talent is important.
Proper support from a trained and qualified mentor will help keep drivers satisfied in their roles. It can help to make them feel valued, looked after, and listened to. This can encourage employee loyalty. Especially among new drivers.
Showing potential employees that mentorship is part of the role can be attractive during recruitment. Helping your company stand out from competitors when recruiting from a limited talent pool.
- Explore Driver development options
Training and hiring LGV/HGV Assessors and Instructors can be a big investment. Start with implementing Driver Mentors to support your drivers. When you see the value mentors can bring to your operation, you might choose to invest in further qualifications. Such as LGV/HGV Assessors and LGV/HGV Instructors.
- Boost the profile of the LGV Driver profession
Transport and logistics is the backbone of the country. Yet LGV/HGV drivers often feel overlooked and underappreciated. Training a mentor and appointing them in your team is an investment. It shows that you see LGV Drivers as skilled, knowledgeable, and valuable professionals. And that it is a role that has prospects.
- Development opportunities for your LGV drivers
LGV Driver Mentors are ideally placed to identify drivers that would suit development opportunities or career advancement. Such as those who may be well suited in training or management roles.
However, the LGV Driver Mentor role in itself can play a part in professional development for drivers. Training up experienced LGV drivers as mentors could give them a new dedicated position. Or add an additional layer of responsibility and variety to their role as a driver.
Plus, an existing member of your team already understands company policies and processes. And will have an existing rapport with your drivers.
LGV Driver Mentor Training Course from RTITB Instructor Academy
Due to customer demand, the RTITB Instructor Academy has developed a new LGV Driver Mentor training course. Now you can easily train skilled mentors for your logistics or transport operation to a high standard.
Register your interest now and we will contact you to be among the first to book available training dates.
This course can be delivered at the RTITB Instructor Academy in Telford
