The RTITB Instructor Academy has launched two new ‘train the trainer’ courses – Bus Instructor and Bus Assessor. Available at the Academy’s specialist training centre in Telford, UK, or on a customer’s site, the new courses have been introduced to meet growing demand.
“We have had many requests for these courses from existing and potential customers, indicating that there is a clear need for high quality training in the PCV/PSV community,” says Laura Mack, Academy Manager for the RTITB Instructor Academy. “These two new training courses also enable us to be a one-stop shop for companies with mixed fleets that require training for various different roles or vehicle types in their operations.”
Bus journeys are up 19% in England and 29% in Scotland this year, according to the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT)*, but there is a shortage of drivers with almost 1 in 10 driver roles reported as vacant.**
The UK Government is consulting on reforms*** to help retain and attract new heavy goods vehicle (LGV/HGV), bus, and coach drivers which will generate an elevated need for quality driver training from skilled and knowledgeable Bus Instructors. Employers also will increasingly require Bus Assessors to support driver recruitment and maintain safety and efficiency standards.
The new Bus Instructor course will equip candidates to prepare those they train for the DVSA driving tests for PSV/PCV drivers, to deliver Driver CPC training, and to carry out post-assessment/incident remedial training. On completion of the course, candidates will have the skills to plan and deliver Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV)/ Public Service Vehicle (PSV) training and will be eligible to register on the RTITB Register of Professional Instructors.
The Bus Assessor course equips candidates with the ability to conduct driver assessments and produce factual and informative reports on the quality of any bus/coach (PCS/PSV) driver. However, while they can carry out assessments, they will not be qualified to conduct driver training.
Both courses are available to experienced candidates that hold a professional PCV/PSV licence (Category B). It is an ideal development opportunity for drivers that also possess the confidence to present to small or large groups, strong knowledge of The Highway Code, and good communication skills.
For further information, or to discuss course content or entry requirements, contact the RTITB Instructor Academy at academy@rtitb.com or visit www.rtitbacademy.com.
*https://www.cpt-uk.org/news/bus-journeys-up-in-england-by-19-and-29-in-scotland/
**https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-63489705
***https://www.gov.uk/government/news/boost-for-bus-coach-and-hgv-driver-recruitment-with-proposed-reforms-to-training-rules