Training

A nationally recognised, assessment and training scheme for minibus drivers in the voluntary and not-for-profit sectors. MiDAS is administered nationally by CTA UK and provides organisations with the means to assess and train all their minibus drivers.

MiDAS provides both classroom-based theory training and an on-road driving assessment for all minibus drivers and additional training on passenger assistance and the use of wheelchair accessible vehicles, for drivers who will be transporting passengers with disabilities.

Developed jointly by CTA UK and Hampshire County Council, provides a nationally recognised standard of training to people whose role it is to provide care and assistance to passengers travelling by road.

A course from the basis of the CTA minibus evacuation procedures and further developed in conjunction with the fire brigade and other community transport providers. This course takes staff and volunteers through the various aspects that can cause or contribute towards a vehicle fire.

Legislation, health & safety and duty of care is very important in operating community car schemes. The training covers driving techniques, defensive driving, wheelchair handling and transference, moving & handling and lifting techniques, emergency first aid and winter driving. The trainers are CTA recognised.

This is an Emergency First Aid training Course from a qualified first aider. This popular course focuses on key life-saving skills, and provides an opportunity to learn the first aid response to the most common accidents and situations. It specifically contains information relevant to car scheme operation. and likely scenarios.

Community Transport Vehicle, which is a smaller 7-seat vehicle, and fully accessible for wheelchair use. We train our staff and volunteers specifically in the safe operation and use of this vehicle and the various aspects of access, loading and unloading of wheelchairs and the proper use of restraints.

An area in which the company recognises the conditions and impairments of the many clients we have. Alzheimer Scotland runs excellent training sessions for us on this subject.

Sensory impairment is covered in some detail within the MiDAS course, it is also offered as an in depth subject on its own and again recognises the different help that clients experiencing sensory deprivation may require. The local Visually Impaired Group has designed this course.

BSCTC is aware there are many aspects to disability, conditions and impairments and although covered in various levels through other courses, this is something we can offer to both our drivers and volunteers, and those of external organisations. This course deals with many issues of advocacy and encourages recognition of a person-centred approach in dealing with clients and their requirements.

This specialist training takes place in the actual workplace, be it the office or the telephonist’s own home. The Car Scheme Database is a bespoke item of software engineered specifically for the Transport Company. The training also includes word processing, email and Internet skills.

Car Scheme telephonists communicate with over 1000 clients, all of varying needs. They are therefore given customer care training through teamwork and sharing of experiences. We also have a responsibility to ensure that telephonists have knowledge of the basic rudiments of office ergonomics.

This course covers all aspects of moving and handling related to Car Scheme use. After an introduction to the theory, students will be invited to take part in practical exercises including how to manoeuvre a wheelchair.

This is carried out by a trainer from the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association. It is a valuable addition to the training received.

Living in the Highlands of Scotland can mean that we have more than our fair share of “winter roads”. This course offers advice on how to handle various road conditions, what to carry in your car, precautions to take when planning journeys, etc.

The Transport Company offers subsidised rates for its volunteers to take up Skid Pan training from a service provider in Elgin.