Mentoring

Good morning. It just started snowing again. Oh, please...
So, I want to become a mentor. And my major carrier is OK with it.
1. I'll ask them to get me the training to become a state certified instructor.
I'll need the Linehaul Manager permission and the Safety Manager recommendation.
The training is short and I'll pay it out of my own pocket.
Once certified, I'll get connected with the group of instructors in my state.
I'll participate in all their official activities. Lots to learn from them.
2. I'll need some tools to do my job of mentoring:
A complete list of goals to be achieved by the training activity.
All my carrier policies regarding the work to be done.
All the manuals for the equipment the trainee will operate.
Checklists with the detailed steps the trainee has to perform.
To be filled daily. To track their progress during training.
The trainee signed consent to be video recorded during training.
For educational purpose. It is important for them to see how they perform.
A cheap laptop, a cheap dual lens cam installed in the windshield,
a small size model truck and trailer (toy), WIFI in-cab access.
All the safety educational videos that my carrier Safety department can provide.
A copy of the trainee's psychological evaluation that was done by the carrier.
If not available, I'll do my own evaluation, the best I can.
3. Before going out on my first trip with a trainee:
I check his credentials (CDL, Hazmat, TWIC, Medical) and I present mine.
I check all the safety equipment and tools he has to have.
I check for their financial means. If not available, I'll involve the carrier.
I'll check what their trip plan looks like. I'll compare with mine. We'll make adjustments.
I'll setup policies regarding communications and entertainment during the trip.
I'll setup personal boundaries regarding our professional interaction.
I'll avoid becoming too familiar or share my personal info with the trainee.
I'll keep my objectivity at an all time high without personal feelings getting in the way.
I'll be ready to show them how the job gets done in a safe and legal manner.
I'll be ready to take over and release them from their duty if needed.
I'll never push them in any unsafe situation that I'm aware of.
Once the day is over, a 10 minutes review of the day's mishaps is needed.
I'll explain to my trainee how to handle stress. To avoid a burnout.
How to live a healthy life on the road. Avoid the bad habits.
How to submit all documents in order to get paid. How to spot the pay missing.
How to get the payroll mistakes fixed. How to communicate with Operation,
Customers, LEO's and other government agencies.
I have to take a little break now.
I'll be back in the afternoon.
Cheers.

 

Agree 1000%