The most recent training focused on pavers. The three day Vogele session for operators, attended by Richard Fisher and Matt Slaughter was especially well received. The course covers both theoretical and practical elements and the mix of classroom and outside settings meant the delegates were very engaged and got really involved.

Richard Fisher has been driving pavers for years but still found the course “eye opening.” He said: “We were told about all sorts of new things to improve the efficiency of how we work. So thanks to Mark Paillin for putting us up for it!”

“The training is now helping us get the best out of the machines. Which means less wear and tear and less maintenance.”

The course covered: drivers control panels, screw man controls, screen heating, machine and screed maintenance, paving faults, causes and remedies, practical elements included the use of the levelling system mechanical, sonic and slope.

Four operatives – Willy Coyle, Dan Wilkins, Matt Slaughter and Eddie Morris – have been on a CAT Mini Paver course. “The training gave us a better understanding and was really worthwhile.”  “Showed us how to get the best out of the machine – making the job easier.” “Sound!” was the verdict from the guys.

Also in December, Dave Porter and Chris Allsop went on a Train the Trainer course, run by the Northampton Chamber of Commerce to enable them to pass on training skills in a structured and effective way.

As 2018 gets underway, a new programme of training is starting. Managing director Darren Stokes is totally committed to this, commenting: “To ensure we can offer the best service to our customers, we need the best people. That is why we invest so much in training – from technical plant matters to quality assurance to health and safety to communications. We are building a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner and it is imperative that we keep raising the bar in terms of delivery, continually striving to become the supplier of choice.”