News & Events
Case Study: Driving Goods Vehicle, NVQ Level 2
Business Sector: Transport
Employee: Grant Fraser, Richmond Transport
Region: Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Grant Fraser, 35, from Richmond Transport in Waterlooville is a classic example of how with the right skills and training anyone can land their dream job. Grant first started work as a courier van driver with Richmond Transport in 2004. His father had been a lorry driver for many years and so with diesel in his blood, Grant was keen to get behind the wheel of a 44 tonne articulated lorry. Richmond Transport was the first employer to back his ambitions and put him through the full range of training starting with a Class Two license. The next step involved Grant undertaking his Class One license whilst completing an NVQ Level 2 Driving Goods Vehicles qualification, funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).
Eastleigh College in Southampton undertake this part-time course on behalf of the LSC and this particular NVQ was specifically designed for employees like Grant. The qualification was created for those in the workplace who want to progress within their profession as well as was recognition for their skills and expertise within the large good driving industry.
Grant explained: “The NVQ made training very simple as I could fit my study time around work and family commitments. The course was flexible and I was guided by the tutors on ways in which I could complete my study around my job, as well as being given enough time to complete each section. At no time did I feel under pressure.
“I have always wanted to be a lorry driver but I did not have the necessary skills to do the job. With Richmond Transport’s support I was able to undertake a course which did not interrupt my job and home life, and get the qualifications I needed to do the job I always wanted to do.”
Martin Mingham, Manager at Richmond Transport, added: “Training and the quality of training is very important to us as a business. From powerboats to aerospace equipment we deal with materials that most general hauliers won’t touch. We also have a prestigious list of clients and therefore it is imperative that our drivers have the necessary specialised skills to carry out their work and deliver items safely and on time. Unlike an office job we are not always in the background to check on our drivers, however as we believe in the importance of good training we know that our drivers work to the highest standards, operating an articulated 44 tonne vehicle is not the easiest thing! Grant is the perfect example of someone who was qualified to drive and showed a great willingness to learn. When an opportunity arose he was ready to undertake the level of training we expect and now we have another great driver delivering speciality items across the UK and Europe.”
For further information on this and many other driver courses contact the Eastleigh College Workforce Development Team on 023 8091 1195 or click on to www.eastleigh.ac.uk. The driver courses are delivered through ‘on-site assessment’ which can commence at any time throughout the year.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. It is responsible for planning and funding high-quality vocational education and training for everyone. The LSC has a single goal: to improve the skills of England’s young people and adults to world class standards. Its vision is that by 2010, young people and adults in England have the knowledge and skills matching the best in the world and are part of a truly competitive workforce. Established in 2001, the LSC work nationally, regionally and locally from a network of offices across the country.
Richmond Transport is a small, family run business established in 1982. with a dedicated team of 17 employees, Richmond Transport operated vehicles of all sizes, from courier vans to 44 tonne articulated lorries, and delivers across the UK and Europe. For further information visit www.richmondtransport.com.
