IRU training programmes get the nod

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DRIVER TRAINING • IRU’S TRAINING PROGRAMMES ARE SHOWING THEIR WORTH IN AREAS OF THE WORLD THAT LACK A WELL DEVELOPED TRAINING FRATERNITY, WITH TRISTAR THE LATEST CLIENT

DUBAI-HEADQUARTERED TRISTAR GROUP, which has committed to meeting the highest international safety standards in the transport and storage of hydrocarbon products, has opted to use the International Road Transport Union’s (IRU) RoadMasters hydrocarbon programme for its operations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and further afield. Tristar, which operates more than 2,000 vehicles in 21 countries across three continents, started its accreditation process this past November in order to establish a team of IRU-certified trainers and assessors.

Eugene Mayne, CEO of Tristar Group, says: “I am proud of Tristar’s commitment on safety and that is why we chose IRU RoadMasters. The team is now accredited and ready to roll out the programme. We are looking forward in particular to more detailed analytics in order to assess, reward and motivate our valuable drivers.”

“IRU is delighted to be working with Tristar to make the transport of liquid hydrocarbons even safer throughout their supply chain,” comments Patrick Philipp, director of certification and standards at IRU. “Their commitment to meet the highest international standards will set an enviable benchmark for the region.”

MORE THAN TRAINING RoadMasters is more than just a driver training tool. It is designed to help logistics operators to develop, strengthen and manage key workers, especially divers, through state-of-the-art training and assessment solutions. It certifies drivers and provides companies with digital dashboards to monitor and manage driver skills profiles.

IRU’s RoadMasters for hydrocarbon transport is a specialised programme for the oil and gas sector; there are also general goods and passenger transport versions. In all cases, the programmes reflect the fact that the driver’s role is not just about driving; indeed, other skills can often have a greater impact on performance and efficiency. The RoadMasters online solution can help operators measure all aspects of driver compliance, analysis skills gaps at the individual, unit and company level and allow them to make informed decisions on training needs. The online modules can be combined with assessor-led practical assessments.

By addressing skills gaps, operators can avoid penalties, reduce wear and tear on equipment and cut fuel costs. Identifying areas where improvement is needed also helps to ensure that training budgets are spent where they are needed. RoadMasters can also help operators generate skills profiles during the recruitment process, helping them to select the right candidates and tailor induction programmes to individual needs. It also shows that an operator is serious about professional development.

Tristar is not the only operator in the GCC region to take advantage of IRU’s programme. The Middle East Logistics Institute (MELI) has collaborated on the programme since 2018 for drivers subcontracted to Saudi Aramco to ensure that high professional standards are demonstrated during the transport of oils and gases. Two years later, Amer Badameh, MELI’s general manager, noted that operators had begun to see the benefits of training and certification – as well as the return on investment. “RoadMasters helps strengthen long-term competitive advantages by reducing liability exposure, minimising road incidents and cutting the related costs,” he said. “The programme is unique in that it leads to an international standard certification, which improves driver motivation and contributes to their career development.” www.iru.org www.tristar-group.co