environment magazine

System Training – Helping to Reduce Fuel Usage and Emissions in the Logistics Industry

As the UK’s largest logistics training provider, Carlisle-based System Training has led the way in terms of raising the quality and standard of occupational learning in the industry over the past decade.

System Training offers a diverse range of transport and logistics industry training options – making it a true ‘one stop shop’. Its portfolio of high quality courses has been carefully and systematically developed through collaboration with employers to meet the precise needs of the transport industry.

However, the company’s innovative ideas and dynamic approach has seen it develop solutions for operators that provide a real and tangible benefit; and help cut down on carbon emissions and fuel usage. By intelligently applying the training to daily operations, System Training has helped logistics providers save fuel, reduce accidents and increase profitability.

Courses are regularly scheduled at the company’s training centres, and can also be delivered on-site anywhere in the country. Highly experienced instructors and tutors holding appropriate qualifications are subject to regular audit to ensure continuous improvement and compliance and external quality control standards. Course materials are regularly updated to ensure consistency with current legislation.

System Training’s Driver CPC Consortium

In a bid to take its approach to another level System Training launched a unique Driver CPC Consortium with the aim of improving training standards across the UK Logistics industry. The initiative is targeted at helping with the implementation of the new Driver CPC legislation within logistics businesses.

Over 30 of the logistics sector’s leading names have already signed up including: Bibby Distribution, Tesco, MAN Trucks, CM Downton, TM Logistics, Asda and Yodel.

The consortium has been developed to facilitate cost-effective, seamless in-house delivery of the statutory periodic driver training that forms the basis of the Driver CPC for both LGV and PCV Drivers. An extensive range of training programmes and development solutions are available and are designed to improve business performance and profitability. Benefits include improved fuel efficiency, reduced number of accidents, lower maintenance costs and insurance premiums, as well as increased utilisation, improved staff morale and retention.

Members of the Consortium work with a highly experienced, dedicated team of training experts, who will assist in the development and implementation of an effective Driver CPC programme within their business. Membership is backed up by a full provision of ‘Train the Trainer’ support required for each company’s own instructors.

The Consortium has been specially developed for medium and large-scale transport and logistics operations and major retail businesses operating their own transport fleets that have, or wish to develop, an in-house training capability. Typically these businesses will employ in excess of 50 drivers.

Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving

One of the most popular training courses with logistics operators and organisations that run large fleets is Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED). System Training delivers many SAFED courses annually and they concentrate on providing drivers with the skills to drive more fuel efficiently. With fuel prices, and the cost of motoring rising, SAFED courses have risen in popularity.

Drivers are taught how to plan ahead while driving to ensure that heavy acceleration, harsh braking and unnecessary gear changes are kept to a minimum. Not only does it lead to vehicles using less fuel but the skills also enable the driver to be a safer road user and reduce the chance of accidents and damage causing incidents.

SAFED is the main course to help reduce fuel usage and carbon emissions in the road transport and logistics sector but it’s also becoming more popular with other businesses and organisations that run large vehicle fleets who are committed to reducing costs and carbon output.

System Training Driving Simulator

System Training recently unveiled a new truck and bus driving simulator at the Commercial Vehicle Show. The simulator will be used to train logistics apprentices and new drivers to achieve their goods vehicle licence and to deliver driver training in a very sustainable fashion.

In the past all practical driver training had to take place on the public roads but now the simulator will allow training to be delivered emission free. The classroom based machine will allow new drivers to get an idea of spatial awareness and hazard perception before they go out on the open road and allow System Training to reduce carbon emissions associated with the practical elements of training.

An Eye On The Future – The Logistics Apprenticeship

Not content with pushing up standards in the industry now, System Training has also been determined to ensure the next generation of logistics industry workers is equipped to push the sector forward.

Many young people have now found employment in the logistics industry thanks to its radical new apprenticeship scheme.

The programme, developed by System Training in conjunction with major employers, sees youngsters undertake a three-year apprenticeship that includes practical work experience in various aspects of the industry, as well as providing classroom-based learning that leads to nationally-recognised qualifications and an opportunity to move into full-time employment upon completion of the course.

What differentiates the model of the scheme is that System Training actually employs the apprentices from the beginning of the course. This means they spend time initially gaining the skills they need in the workplace before going on placement – providing them with experience that allows them to make a genuine contribution when they go on placement.

For example many gain their goods vehicle licence before being placed with a company so they can drive on the fleet straight away - unlike in the traditional manner where they would have had to learn along the way.

This method allows both the apprentices and the employers to start benefitting from the placement from the outset, speeding up the practical learning process and reducing the risk for employers. Another benefit of the scheme is that participants also receive a wage during their time on it to ensure they don’t have to incur the level of debt that affects many students.

The apprenticeship is aimed at giving youngsters the opportunity to gain a firm grounding in one of the UK’s biggest economic sectors, while raising the standard of talent available to firms seeking new employees.

At A Glance

• System Training was formed in 1988 to deliver driver training and consultancy for business clients.

• The company employs over 300 staff and delivers training nationally through its many sites across the UK.

• Its dynamic approach ensures behavioural change by engaging and interacting with clients’ staff at various levels.

• System intelligently applies training suited to each client’s needs to ensure the techniques make an operational and financial difference.

• It’s techniques concentrate on helping fleets reduce fuel usage and carbon emissions.

• System Training work in partnership with Skills for Logistics, Department for Transport and Skills Funding Agency to ensure the current and future development of the logistics skills pool.