Transaid and Fowler Welch help African drivers

Fowler Welch driver trainers Paul Hughes (bottom) and William Robertson (top), have completed a fortnight’s placement at Transaid’s Professional Driver Training project at the National Institute of Transport (NIT) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Despite being a regular supporter of Transaid, this was the first time that Fowler Welch had sent its employees to work in Africa.

Hughes and Robertson trained six NIT driver trainers, focusing on practical driving techniques, safe trailer coupling, and thorough checks on an IVECO Stralis and Trakker.

Caroline Barber, Transaid’s chief executive, said: “Our heartfelt gratitude to Paul, William and the Fowler Welch team for delivering this fantastic training input at NIT. Their combined efforts will go a long way to helping us raise both the capacity and standard of HGV driver training.”

The trainers were split into two groups, each getting a chance to experience both driving the vehicles and acting as the instructor. This involved identifying potential obstacles, advising the driver how they should position their vehicle on the road and when to carry out mirror observations.

Hughes delivered a theory training in the classroom, covering topics like safe stopping distances, journey planning, basic first aid and fuel-efficient driving: “The goal was to improve their driving skills and instructional abilities. We did a lot of work encouraging the trainers to look further ahead to identify potential obstructions then briefing the driver accordingly,” he said.

Robertson stated: “It was an experience I’ll remember for a lifetime. Knowing our training will help develop and make drivers more knowledgeable and safer on the roads was the biggest takeaway for me. Plus everyone welcomed us and made us feel at home.”