The Heavy Transport Association (HTA), the only specialist trade association for the heavy and abnormal load industry, officially launch two City & Guilds Assured Abnormal Load Escort Training Programmes.

Developed and improved from their previous Escort Training courses, the Abnormal Load Escort Driver Stage 2 and the Abnormal Load Escort Manager Stage 3 Programmes, champion safety standards for the benefit of the industry and HTA members.

Available across selected HTA Approved regional training centres, both training Programmes are tailored to Escort and Pilot Car drivers across the heavy transport and mobile crane sector to prove competency, reduce risk, improve public safety and promote industry excellence.

These Programmes are designed to test and satisfy the requirements of Operational staff, to be competent and safe in their role.  This is achieved via theory based classroom learning, followed by observation of practical activities leading to a final assessment resulting in a City & Guilds credential issued upon successful completion.

Split across two Programmes, candidates are expected to undertake the Stage 2 Driver Programme before progressing to the higher Stage 3 Managers Programme.

Those undertaking the Stage 2 Driver Training Programme on completion will:-

• Learn Escort Driver legislative vehicle requirements whilst obtaining knowledge of the current Code of Practice and industry best practices.
• Be able to prepare escort vehicle(s) before use and brief all task personnel before departure.
• Check the condition of transport vehicle(s) and load(s) before departure, whilst understanding the appropriate load and vehicle positioning whilst on the road.
• Understand how to effectively communicate with third parties and how to appropriately respond to emergencies, incidents and unexpected situations.
• Possess the knowledge of post-operative procedure checks and movement report completion.

On successful completion of the HTA Abnormal Loads Escort Driver Stage 2 Programme, individuals may progress to the higher Stage 3 module. Following the same learning format, the HTA Abnormal Load Escort Manager Training Programme will not only encompass topics covered in Stage 2, but will provide individuals with a deeper understanding of these disciplines.

In addition to this understanding, individuals progressing onto the Stage 3 Managers Programme will:-

• Possess the ability to plan the details of the movement, understanding the relevance of all related movement documentation and understand the roles and responsibilities of all involved.
• Acquire the knowledge to brief all personnel involved in the movement, and ensure all vehicles have been appropriately prepared and checked.
• Understand how to actively manage vehicles and traffic during the load movement.
• Manage the closure of the abnormal load movement on completion.
• Understand the requirements of multiple escorts or convoys of loads

With the implementation of these two improved Training Programmes throughout the regional network of HTA Approved Training Centres, the Heavy Transport Association aims to greatly increase safety standards across the industry, reducing risks and improving the competency of Operators and Drivers alike.  The addition of the Assured recognition guarantees these Training Programmes are benchmarked against the City & Guilds quality standards, providing the confidence and reassurance of highly accredited professional development.