Vocational training
We are committed to ensuring that our technicians and drivers are trained to the highest levels. In this way we will promote a sense of pride in our workforce and deliver the best customer service.
Investing in our drivers
Our drivers are central to ensuring the safety of our passengers and delivering a high quality service. All our drivers receive training based on the Smith System Defensive Driving Programme. This nationally recognised initiative promotes safer driving through increased driver awareness. In addition, drivers are trained in a wide range of other modules that support their driving skills, for example managing and identifying security risks, customer service, handling special needs passengers, vehicle inspection reporting and map reading. Our school bus drivers receive additional training relevant to the transport of school children. Further details are provided in the safety and customer sections of this report.
We are constantly tailoring these programmes as appropriate. For example, following the increase in passenger injuries in First Student we have introduced additional training in manoeuvring buses and managing passenger misconduct.
All new drivers 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 we provide a minimum of 35 hours of base training with 15 hours behind the wheel. The training programme is adapted to meet the needs of the individual.
Developing our technicians
All our North American operating companies participate in the ASE programme for training and testing technicians which has been in place in First Vehicle Services and First Transit for a number of years. It was introduced to First Student 12 months ago. All operating companies offer incentives for their employees to participate in the scheme by rewarding those who successfully pass a skill certification test.
| Availability of Fleet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Company | % of eligible workforce with ASE certificates 06/07 | % of eligible workforce with ASE certificates 07/08 |
| First Transit | 46% | 47% |
| First Student | <1% | 3% |
| First Vehicle Services | 69% | 69% |
ASE certification currently relates to heavy duty trucks and is therefore not directly applicable to our operations. 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 which we are trialling within the business.
First Vehicle Services and First Transit continue to work 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.
In First Vehicle Services 62% of our service centres have achieved this status. First Transit received an additional four certifications this year.
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.