Express Mini Mix employee first with vocational mixer driver qualification

The first vocational qualification for a mixer driver has been achieved by a new member of Express Mini Mix, part of the Breedon Group. Trainer and assessor Jamie Clark guided Grant Megson through the two week course to pass his Site Vehicle Competence Assessment (SVCA) for on-road mixers. 

With three and a half years experience as an HGV driver, Grant is now fully qualified to work in this specialised industry. The MixerSURE New Starter Induction programme combines practical training with more than 20 e-learning modules to support candidates in achieving an accredited qualification. 

Matthew Burdess, business manager at Express Minimix said: “Grant joined Express Minimix at the start of September 2023 with no mixer experience, through Jamie’s dedication and expertise we managed to progress Grant into delivering concrete competently and safely within 2 weeks. MixerSURE training and the EMPI Awards SVCA genuinely do give drivers, whether experienced or not, the best start to their journey as a ‘Professional Mixer Driver’.

“The MixerSURE New Starter Induction gives new starters the best chance of succeeding in their new role due to the positive and well-presented training they receive. Being the first company to have a fully qualified Truck Mixer Driver worldwide is a great achievement for us as a business, but the credit must also go to Grant. Joining us earlier in September and already completing the qualification is a fantastic achievement which could not have been achieved without the support of The MixerSURE New Starter Induction.”

This SVCA for on road mixers is the first in a series of regulated qualifications from EMPI Awards. On completion, drivers are awarded a vocational qualification and a Driver Skills Card (DSC) which are valid for three years and also accredited by CLOCS. 

Mark Cowan, owner of UK Truckmixer Training limited and director at MinTrain said: "Ensuring that drivers receive the correct information, delivered at the appropriate pace, and updated regularly against a recognised set of standards is one of the significant challenges faced by the sector in terms of training and competence for drivers. This is precisely what we provide. Matt's trust in MixerSURE training and its benefits enabled us to collaborate with him and the Express team to develop a tailored and fully accredited induction program duly recognised and accredited by the DVSA & EMPI Awards. The inclusion of Site Vehicle Competence Assessment (On-Road) (Mixers) adds value and further highlights Matt's commitment to continuous improvement." 

Cowan continued: "Our training program is designed to be adaptable based on the driver's experience and the mixer manufacturer type. We provide individualised training based on the greatest needs while ensuring consistency in the information provided. The training is tailored to the specific manufacturer's handbook, a crucial aspect of the MixerSURE training. Safety critical elements in the operator handbook and BS EN 12609:2021 play a significant role in the training and vocational qualifications offered."

Cowan concluded: “Our goal is to align the transport side of the industry with how competence is demonstrated on plant equipment, but with a unique twist - a regulated qualification that adds value. Our successful induction of drivers for companies like Express, Breedon, and S. Morris demonstrates that it's easy to integrate drivers into this unique sector with the proper support and training. Grant should be very proud of his achievement."