The NSW Taxi Council conducted the WATS (Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Services) – Train the Trainer programme on 26 and 27 August 2020 at the Cessnock Leagues Club. Nick Abrahim - Deputy CEO, NSW Taxi Council trained previously accredited and new WATS assessors from our member networks - Diggers Maitland Taxis and Cessnock Radio Cabs.
The WAT Assessor Train the Trainer Program has been developed for Service Providers to meet the requirements of the Point to Point Transport Commission WAT Driver Competency Guidelines tool. The program helps previously accredited WAT Assessors undergo a refresher training to help with the Training and Assessing process through a consistent and up to date system.
The programme covers several modules including Customer Service, WH&S, Driving and Operating a WAT Vehicle. The programme also includes a Practical component in the safe loading and unloading of passengers using a wheelchair. In addition, the training is also structured to help approved Assessors develop the required skills and competency to be effective and compliant WAT Assessors.
Nick Abrahim – Deputy CEO, NSW Taxi Council expressed his views on the importance of the programme and said that, “Continued Training and learning is key for WAT Assessors in Regional NSW. This is critical to ensure that those who are accredited to provide training and assessment continue to receive up to date training to ensure a best in class training and assessment regime is maintained. It is crucial that the NSW Taxi Council continues to work with our members to upskill our drivers and assessors to ensure that the highest standards are maintained when providing services to members of the disability sector. Having approved Assessors in the Regions is also important to ensure that Taxi Drivers can have access to accredited trainers without being disadvantaged or delayed due to their location.”
The NSW Taxi Council has adopted a robust and thorough COVID-19 policy for any person undertaking this programme or any of our other Training Programs. In relation to the Train the Trainer WAT Assessor Program, it was ensured that COVID safe policies were adopted and social distancing measures were practiced throughout the training. Where social distancing may be difficult, we require for all attendees to wear face masks. This is in addition to keeping an attendance record for each person, sanitisation, and cleaning throughout the training, as well as regular cleaning of the training room.
SOME TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR PARTICIPANTS (please slide left/right on the image)
The NSW Taxi Council looks forward to continuing to roll out the WAT Assessor Train the Trainer Program for the remainder of 2020. We have a Sydney Program scheduled for late September and watch this space for other locations coming your way. To find out more, or to book for our next training session, please contact the NSW Taxi Council on (02) 8339 4644.