Background
Wincanton believe in recognising and investing in the skills of their staff. With an employee portfolio of 7,000 drivers in the UK alone, Wincanton already had a significant training programme in place. Its annual training programme was extremely successful and it was felt that drivers deserved recognition for their dedication and hard work.
Wincanton decided to work with Awards UK to map its existing driver training programme to meet the standards of the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ), providing their employees with the opportunity to work towards obtaining a nationally recognised qualification. Wincanton were then able to provide their staff with the opportunity to work towards obtaining an NVQ in Driving Goods Vehicles and Carrying and Delivering Goods up to NVQ level 3. Working with Awards UK ensured that Wincanton were able to provide their employees with a training programme to meet the NVQ assessors guidelines, with no impact on the employees day to day workload.
Wincanton set up the NVQ training programme and employees were asked to opt out of the NVQ scheme should they not wish to take part, to date there has been a 97% uptake to the new training programme.
The introduction of the NVQ provision meant that Wincanton required a solution which would allow them to track the assessments of its drivers whilst on the move. Wincanton were also keen to purchase a system that would allow assessor led assessments, and reduce the abundance of paper-files which were being used to hold evidence collected as part of driver assessments. Wincanton wanted to provide their staff with up to date methods for learning, to both enhance the learner experience and to allow them to continue with their daily work without interruption.
The solution
After reviewing the work-based learning solutions available within the market, Wincanton focused on those which could manage the skills and requirements set out for NVQ’s using an e-portfolio process, as well as track the funding aspects for the qualifications which were part funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
The e-Track solution supplied by Tribal as part of the Maytas product suite, provided Wincanton with the flexibility they required from the system. e-Track provided assessors and Internal Verifiers with the ability to assess drivers whilst out on the road, and this facility was seen as a major benefit of the solution offered by Tribal.
Assessment data can be uploaded as evidence within the system, whether by video, photo and sound recordings as well as providing an easy graphical view on any individual learner record. The Maytas solution allows the assessors to upload the evidence gathered
throughout each assessment. Consequently Internal Verifiers can review a learner’s progress with ease while assessing the work carried out by the assessors.
Assessors are keen to work with Wincanton as the Maytas solution is seen as a major benefit including time saved in the assessment process of drivers.
Outcomes
Wincanton has enhanced their training programme, resulting in benefits for both the organisation and the staff involved. By providing their staff with the unique opportunity to embark on an NVQ, Wincanton has the confidence and knowledge to offer a more professional service compared to its nearest rivals. Wincanton can now manage and review their staff training at any stage, providing greater flexibility and an accurate view of their skills portfolio internally.
Other benefits include:
“Our close working relationship with Tribal has provided a positive solution to successfully complete over 1,000 driver qualifications within the first 12 months”.
Paul Sturgeon, Driving Compliance Manager, Wincanton plc