The rapid expansion of the training market in response to the funding arrangements in taxi and private hire agreed between GoSkills and the Learning and Skills Council has exposed some quality concerns which are being worked on by the sector skills council in partnership with other interested parties.

GoSkills advises taxi and private hire drivers, taxi proprietors, private hire operators and licensing authorities to be wary of any training provider or independent broker that claims to be accredited by GoSkills.

Whilst GoSkills do offer impartial advice on commissioning training, it has warned it does not endorse or quality assure any training providers.

This is the role of the LSC who fund training providers, and also of the awarding bodies who are responsible for the assessment and awarding of external qualifications.

‘Please be aware that GoSkills is not connected to any independent training brokers, even though there have been claims made to the contrary’, warns the industry body. We work closely with skills brokers who are contracted by LSC under the Train to Gain programme but do not endorse them. Some training providers are also operators, so be alert for any potential conflict of interest.

Peter Huntington, GoSkills’ chief executive said: ‘We currently have real opportunities for taxi and private hire drivers to access training and qualifications that are publicly funded.

This enables drivers to achieve professional qualifications and recognition for the skills and knowledge that they use in their work. It is regrettable that a small number of organisations are providing inaccurate information in order to promote commercial opportunities for themselves. The market for training in these industries is as yet an immature one. We are working with stakeholders to ensure provision is universally of high quality. ‘

GoSkills is also concerned about unjustifiable claims made by some training providers and brokers that the NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving will become compulsory in 2010. Whilst this may be the case in selected local authorities, this is simply not true nationally. Taxi/private hire interests should be wary of any organisation that makes this claim.

GoSkills has a recommended approach for delivery and assessment of qualifications. Its advice is that the NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving is the most appropriate to deliver performance-based assessment. This can be supplemented by other qualifications-the BTEC for example- to improve driver knowledge.

In terms of delivery, it recommends the ‘assess, train, assess’ model – that is, an assessment of current skills levels, training to address any gaps in skills or understanding and then assessment again to obtain qualification. This model will focus on the needs of the individual and deliver quality outcomes.

Further information about training or qualifications or wish for authoratitive advice, please contact your GoSkills Regional Manager. Call 0121 635 5520 or go to www.goskills.org for their contact details.