Following the launch of Pall-Ex’s CPC Training Academy in September 2023, the industry-first initiative is on track to train a minimum of 250 people by the end of the year following an increase in courses.
Established with the objective of improving road safety, Pall-Ex has led from the front by being the first pallet network to offer in-house CPC training to its staff and network members. To date, over 106 drivers have been trained across 11 sessions.
Offered on-site at Pall-Ex's Leicestershire HQ and remotely, the CPC academy is managed by Craig Brown, an in-house, fully qualified trainer with 25 years of driver training experience, who tailors the sessions to the exact requirements of each driver.
After renewing its membership to the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) for another 12 months, Pall-Ex will continue to offer the leading, nationally recognised course for groups of up to 20 people, increasing the course delivery to a minimum of three sessions per month.
With the aim of improving road safety and driving standards, the Driver CPC qualification modules cover legal requirements plus health and safety training. It is a necessary requirement for anyone with a Category C or D licence, with fines of up to £1000 for those who either drive without it or do not renew their training.
Since establishing the training, Joe Murfitt, Pall-Ex’s Central Hub Manager is increasing the number of courses offered this year, commenting: “The ongoing success of the CPC training means we are now able to increase the number of courses being offered to Pall-Ex drivers and drivers within our UK member network. With road safety paramount to commercial teams, we can maintain high standards by ensuring drivers across the UK are qualified and have up to date knowledge.
“Our aim is to deliver the training at our regional hubs and depots to ensure as many of our UK network drivers as possible can access the training onsite.”
The course comprises two modules which can be completed over eight hours in one day. There is an element of online training, but the bulk is done in person with a qualified trainer. All sessions are held on a Saturday to avoid disrupting general driver working patterns. Those attending the course need to provide a photocard driving licence, a valid passport, digital tachograph card or a Driver CPC card.
Each driver receives a certificate of attendance upon completing the course, and there are no exams or tests during the session. Paperwork is completed by Pall-Ex, who will add the training session to each attendee’s Driver CPC training record within a few days of taking the course.