Working as part of a Transaid project, a Clipper Logistics man has completed another round of driver training.
Jon Aspden, head of driver training at Clipper Logistics (centre, above) has now racked up four overseas secondments for the international development organisation.
This time, he spent two weeks working with professional driver trainers on Transaid’s road safety initiative in Ghana.
Previously, Aspden had been to Tanzania and Zambia, in 2009, 2012 and 2020.
In that time, he had worked closely with four trainers based in Ghana’s capital, Accra.
Aspden said his work on the most recent Transaid project was well defined.
“The group had completed a lot of theory training before I arrived.
“Therefore, my remit was to focus on teaching practical training skills, delivered in a structured manner.”
Continuing, the Clipper Logistics man said his work had to adhere to Ghana’s new HGV driver training standard.
“The trainers settled into the training rhythm quickly, gaining confidence with their in-cab instruction techniques,” he recalls.
“I saw a fundamental change in their driving styles and coaching abilities.
“As a result, when I flew home, I left feeling I’d had the biggest positive impact to-date.”
The latest mission was Aspden’s first experience delivering training in a left-hand drive vehicle.
However, he quickly acclimatised to the 16-speed manual DAF XF, despite training being halted by cows on the road!
Meanwhile, Sam Clark, acting co-chief executive at Transaid hailed the Aspden’s efforts.
“Support from corporate members is paramount to the success of our driver training programmes,” he explained.
“The calibre of the trainers we have access to in the UK is unmatched.
“Furthermore, their inputs are key to us being able to build local skills which ensure sustainable and lasting change.”
The Transaid project in Ghana is a three-and-a-half-year programme, funded by Puma Energy Foundation.
