TAXI and private hire drivers in Kirklees are getting qualified.
They have been snapping up 300 free places available through which they can gain a recognised qualification for the job they do.
The National Vocational Qualification in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving is a work-based qualification for people involved in the driving industry.
With cash from the Learning Skills Council, Kirklees Council has initially
been allocated 300 places, usually costing £1,000 each.
Open days held for local taxi and private hire drivers saw more than 200 of the places immediately snapped up for the course.
Clr Christine Iredale, who chairs the council’s licensing panel, said: “The response was quite overwhelming and extremely encouraging.
“While we provide training for all taxi and private hire drivers ourselves, this initiative gives them the opportunity to obtain a nationally recognised qualification.
“The course workshops leading up to obtaining the qualification will be held locally and involve eight sessions over four to six months.
“They cover customer service, health and safety, relevant laws and legislation, dealing with emergency and other incidents, and helping passengers with special needs.
“The enthusiastic response from the trade demonstrates how seriously they take their work and how much they recognise that being a taxi or private hire driver entails much more than simply driving the vehicle.
“It involves effective communications, customer service and knowledge of the law and many associated issues.”
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