The Road Ahead Driving Lives initiative is now offering support and training through a range of different programmes aimed at all those wishing to pursue a career as a professional driver. Whether it is a car licence for the
first time or upskilling towards van or truck driver. The Road Ahead programme can be accessed via a referral from the DWP, Probation, Achieve CRC or for those in custody their Offender Supervisor as a formal sentence plan
target. Funding options can be discussed on an individual basis. In addition, learners engaging in other training programmes provided via Inside Connections CIC, can discuss incorporating the Road Ahead driver training
programme as part of their existing training.
Duration: 3 days (GLH 9)
A comprehensive and unique ‘7 Tier’ holistic programme in two parts for those in the community and coming to the end of custodial sentences and located in Category D open prisons. The course will be targeted at those marginalised, male & female, long term unemployed, former offenders, care leavers and military veterans in order to assist their future prospects of securing employment in the transport and logistics sector. The course to include the City & Guilds ‘Employability’ Course, including; Equality & Diversity, Communication Skills, Career Planning, Problem Solving in the Workplace. Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Managing Self, Interview Techniques, Managing Conflict, Managing Time in the Workplace. In addition, nationally recognised qualifications will be achieved in Warehousing and Storage and Customer Services. Following, all candidates will be mentored through the approved DVSA vocational Category C1 LGV Driving programme which will include the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), Theory preparation, Hazard Perception and practical elements of the qualifications, including DVSA tests. This will be embedded within the programme with additional guided learning that includes self-study work book activities. This will include specific learning on dedicated days focused on; Vulnerable Road Users, Delivering Outstanding Customer Service, Drivers Hours and Tachographs, Safe & Efficient Driving, Safe Loading and Manual Handling. A combination of various learning styles delivered by industry accredited tutors and instructors. In addition, all candidates will receive dedicated peer mentor support throughout.
On completion all successful candidates will be offered an additional 12-week (paid) work experience and training placement with a community-based logistics, transport provider with a view to gaining the prerequisite industry experience. All candidates will be provided with mentor support and career guidance throughout this period.
Peer Mentoring, guidance and training is at the heart of this programme. Particular focus on up-skilling candidates from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds. The haulage and distribution industry have over 60,000 vacancies,
many of which could be filled by the successful candidates from this programme. Qualified LGV drivers can expect OTE in the range of 25-30k Per annum. The learning outcomes and qualifications embedded in to the course are
anticipated to enhance personal and occupational attraction to prospective employers while allowing the individual learners to realise their full potential, motivate and lead by example. Wrap around support will be provided
in other areas such as; Mental Health, Counselling, Drug & Alcohol rehabilitation, lifestyle and a pro-social lifestyle. It is intended to introduce the social prescribing model in relying on normal social activities
in order to boost self-esteem, alleviate depression while allowing candidates to feel they are part of a club, a group and able to express their fears and concerns in a safe and supportive environment. Ultimately the programme
will contribute to alleviating costs and resource drain on the public purse, healthcare services, while spring boarding successful candidates towards a law abiding and contributory role in society and for their families.
Duration:
10 weeks (228 GLH)
An holistic foundation/entry level (class room based) course in two parts for those in the community not holding or ever held a motor vehicle driving licence. The course will be targeted at those long term unemployed, former
offenders, care leavers and those disadvantaged in order to assist their future prospects of securing employment. Supported assistance and training will be given from the basics of mentoring, acquiring photographs, completion
of a Provisional licence application, eye sight tests, the highway code, familiarisation of motor vehicles and completion of the DVLA theory and hazard perception tests. The candidates will hold a valid, current, photographic
provisional licence on completion.
Timescale: 5 days (30 GLH)
Those successfully completing and passing ‘Part A’ will be guided and supported through a 6 x 3 hour practical driver training programme, concluding with the official DVLA driving test. End of course mentoring, advice, guidance
and career signposting workgroups will take place to advice and support learners towards securing P45 employment in the transport & Logistics light van sector thereafter.
All candidates are will have an
initial driving assessment/lesson to gauge how much support is required to reach the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test standard. Every lesson lasts 3 hours. In addition, candidates will be supported throughout
both the DVLA Theory and Hazard Perception revision process and subsequent on-line test
Timescale: 5 days ( 28 GLH)
This work book based correspondence course is designed for those held in closed custodial settings and comprises of 8 workbooks and varied assignments covering everything from Health & safety in the driving workplace, Transport
Legislation, The Highway Code, Preparing a LGV vehicle for use, journey planning, Vehicle Load and Security, Documentation, Safe Loading and Healthy Lifestyle, while including an introduction to the official DVSA theory
and hazard perception material presented in the community as part of the vocational licence acquisition. This course is intended to encourage students to consider and prepare for end of sentence career options, while being
an achievable sentence plan target to support progression and recategorization towards open conditions and eventual release. This course will be targeted at both the adult male and female closed prison estates in England,
Scotland and Wales of all categories.
Timescale: Circa 8 to 12 Weeks