I read something here recently about Swift having trouble getting students lined up with trainers. Any info?
Same old story line I have heard from Swift for the last 16 years...when they say that, Swift starts lowering the requirements for the Mentors (amount of experience behind the wheel solo to become a Mentor)...they shift from 1 year to 9 months and finally to 6 months until the Mentor numbers rise, then back to the 1 year requirement. So looks like they will be looking at "6 monthers" for their "World Class, Award Winning" drivers to be made Mentors!
This is something I could never get a grasp of... How any company would think that 6 months is plenty of time for someone to know enough to teach. When, depending on the season that they start, have not much time in the "winter" mountians...as well as all the other things associated with the season... The variety of loads as well as weight/bridge law aspects...I could go on and on... I mean think about it how many of us would trust our lives or those of loved ones to the surgeon who was trained by someone with only 6 months of on his own expierience? But I guess lowering a standard is easier than losing money.... I'm not sorry if this upsets some of you but 6 months is no where enough time to have the ability to train someone to operate a 40 Ton Rolling Killing Machine. At least not without more FORMAL training...
When I was attending school for my CDL, a recruiter from some company (sorry, I don't recall which one) stated that they allow a driver to become a mentor/trainer after 6 months. I told him in front the the whole class that it was niave to think that a mere 6 months is enough experience to be a decent trainer. He didn't like that much.
It could be argued that you aren't experienced enough or haven't seen it all in 2 5 or 10 years. So guess who gets to choose. The company that wants to make money is willing to take the risk.
No argument required,, The most dangerous driver is an overconfident one... Perhaps a program that would put prospective trainers, that have less than 2 yrs with a senior more seasoned driver for, let's say a month, then an evaluation could be made.. But then again what am I saying a company that would allow someone to train after only 6 months. would'nt bother with such a thing...
I agree with every poster that 6 months isn't long enough to qualify to be a trainer, particularly if a large part of the training involves knowing what to do in many, many different situations. Does anyone have any recent info about a trainer shortage at Swift?
