The Council’s Fleet Compliance team have been working with colleagues across our services to help them maximise their transport capabilities by offering in-house Licence Acquisition Training.
The Fleet Compliance team have also been able to upskill drivers who require a Category C1 and D1 licence for larger vehicles.
Delivered by Fleet Compliance Trainer, William Copeland – based at the Council’s Transport Hub in Kilwinning, William has recently supported three colleagues to complete Licence acquisition driving courses.
William shares: “Thank you to Nicky Summers from Arran Library, Greg Brown from St Matthews Academy and Ronan Watson from North Ayrshire Music Service who all recently approached the team to find out more about advancing their driving and have now levelled up by completing their courses.
“Both Greg and Ronan wanted the ability to transport pupils from A-to-B as their roles involve running events and activities for young pupils across both our primary and secondary schools.
“In her role as Senior Library Assistant, Nicky required training so she could get behind the wheel of the Council’s Mobile Library on wheels, a vital service to residents over on Arran that brings the library to their doorstep.
“Everyone did really well, and it was a pleasure working with them to help them unlock their driving potential further to optimise their abilities to better service our communities and schools of North Ayrshire.”
With a current focus on MiDAS – the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme – in particular just now, the team calling out to colleagues particularly in Education who may wish to complete their Mini Bus Licence training too so that they too can reap the benefits.
The MiDAS scheme provides a nationally recognised standard for the assessment and training of drivers of mini-buses. So, if you want to get involved, drop an email to: fleetcomplianceteam@north-ayrshire.gov.uk so that the team can discuss the options available for you.
Advantages to taking part in advanced driving training:
- Great for own personal development plan
- Allows wider reach to our school and wider communities
- Helps drivers to gain confidence driving other vehicles
Before taking part you need to:
- Have a full UK driving licence
- Speak to your line manager to register intent
- Email the Fleet Compliance team to take the next steps
“Now I am confident negotiating, busses, bin lorries and cyclists on narrow country roads, delivering books and a smiles to local schools and residents, it’s all good fun and an important part of our community service, so, give me a wave as I pass by if you’re over on Arran! Beep beep!”Nicky Summers, North Ayrshire Libraries (Arran)
“Thanks to the Fleet Compliance team and William who recently helped me to complete by MiDAS training. I’m a Geography and Environmental Science teacher at St Matthew’s Academy, so now that I can drive the mini-bus, I am able to provide our pupils with even more fieldwork opportunities and learning experiences out-with the classroom enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of the subjects.”Greg Brown, teacher at St Matthews Academy
Don’t just take our word for it…
Greg Brown, teacher at St Matthew’s Academy recommends signing up. He shares: “Thanks to the Fleet Compliance team and William who helped me to complete by MiDAS training.
“I wanted to do it as I’m a teacher at St Matthew’s academy, I teach Geography and Environmental Science, so being able to drive the minibus will let us provide our pupils with even more fieldwork opportunities and learning experiences out-with the classroom enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of the subjects. I am also involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award so it’s a big help for that.
“Being able to drive the minibus also allows me to help out if anyone else needs me, football, rugby, netball teams, Skills Academy etc. so it’s been great for the school and our young people! It was really straightforward and William was a brilliant support every step of the way. I would 100% recommend!”
Nicky from North Ayrshire Libraries is also grateful for the opportunity.
She adds: “I have recently passed my C1 driving test which at times was a slightly stressful experience, especially navigating roundabouts in a large vehicle, however through pure tenacity and the help of Billy my instructor I got through it and I am really proud of my achievement.”
