TAXI drivers in Ellesmere Port are celebrating their success after completing a BTEC in Transporting Passengers by Taxi or Private Hire.
West Cheshire College introduced the course earlier this year to help improve the skills of the taxi and private hire trade.
College employer services manager Pat Byrne said: “The first group of drivers who completed the course have all found it very useful.
“Experienced drivers were sceptical at first and didn’t think the course would teach them anything but have been delighted to find there were topics relating to the industry that they were either unaware of, or needed updating in.”
The course covers a broad range of topics including customer service, legislation, map reading, health and safety and disability awareness and is delivered in a flexible way to suit the drivers’ working hours .
Successful candidate Peter Jones, who is also secretary of New Ellesmere Port and Neston Private Hire Association 2007, who has worked as a hackney driver and private hire driver as well as a chauffeur, said: “I’ve been a professional driver for 35 years and I found the course informative and enjoyable.
“The modules covered all the knowledge and skills today’s drivers need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their passengers as well as themselves.”
Awards were presented by college principal Sara Mogel, watched by guests from Chester and Ellesmere Port councils, the licensing authorities, Visit Chester and Cheshire, the Sector Skills Council as well as taxi and private hire employers.
