Vocational Training
All our North American operating companies participate in the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) programme for training and testing technicians. The programme has been in place in First Vehicles Services and First Transit for a number of years but has only recently been introduced in First Student. All operating companies provide incentives for their employees to participate in the scheme by rewarding those who pass a skill certification test.
- 46% of the eligible workforce hold ASE certificates in First Transit.
- 69% of the eligible workforce hold ASE certificates in First Vehicle Services.
- 75 eligible employees hold certificates in First Student.
To increase their technicians' chances of achieving ASE certification, First Vehicle Services has trialled an advanced training programme leading to Specialist Certification in technical skills and diagnostic competence. An incentive programme rewards those who successfully complete a module, with additional incentives for anyone achieving the Specialist Certification. This programme is currently being offered at one location. The goal is to roll it out company-wide over the coming year.
ASE certification currently relates to heavy-duty trucks and is therefore not directly applicable to the First Transit operation. First Transit has been working with the ASE for a number of years to develop a bus-specific certification. Two additional bus-specific modules have been developed over the past year and we continue to trial the use of this certification within the business.
First Vehicle Services and First Transit are working towards Blue Seal Certification for all locations. Blue Seal Certification indicates that at least 75% of the technicians are ASE certified, and at least one technician is certified in each area of service offered by the location. Fifty of our First Vehicle Service locations have achieved this status to date which represents 60% of our contracts. First Transit received an additional five certifications this year with 20% of locations now certified.
We aim to achieve certification for all of our locations. Blue Seal Certification is included in the yearly incentive programme for location managers and we continue to invest heavily in additional training for our technicians to help them pass their ASE.
For our drivers, a continuous training programme includes the Smith System Defensive Driving Programme. This nationally recognised programme promotes safer driving through increased driver awareness. Other driver modules include the management and identification of security risks and specialist skills for transporting school children. Further details are provided in the Safety and Customer sections of this report.
All new drivers are required to complete an intensive induction programme. In First Transit this includes 120 hours of initial training followed by 250 hours of route driving. As our drivers move into the field they are coached and monitored by field supervisors for the first few months. In First Student a minimum of 35 hours of base training is provided with 15 hours behind the wheel. The training programme is adapted to meet the needs of the individual.