Staff at a Lake District tour company have achieved the NVQ Level 2 standard in Passenger Carrying Vehicles with System Training. Nine driver guides from Mountain Goat Tours and Holidays in Windermere faced a range of assessments and training, including how to deal with emergencies and incidents during a journey, Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving and Customer Care. The EU Training Directive is making it compulsory for all Passenger Carrying Vehicle drivers to reach this standard by 2013. The rest of the Mountain Goat team have already embarked on the initial stages of the course as part of the company’s ongoing training commitment.

With up to 15 Mountain Goat buses hitting the Lake District roads daily throughout the summer, including tackling the mighty Hardknott and Wrynose Passes, the company says expert training and vehicle maintenance is essential for passenger service and safety.

A special awards ceremony was held at Windermere’s Lindeth Howe Hotel. Mountain Goat drivers each received their certificate from Mountain Goat chairman, Norman Stoller, and Robin Brown, Chief Executive from System Training, who delivered the training and assessments.

Sue Todd, Office Manager from Mountain Goat, said “We take training and professional development very seriously at Mountain Goat and are really proud of our team’s latest achievements. National Qualifications like this help us to deliver and maintain the high standard of passenger safety records that Mountain Goat is well known for”.  Stephen Broughton, director of Mountain Goat said: ”It’s great to be ending the year on such a high note. The team have worked really hard to get their qualifications and thoroughly deserve the recognition. By 2013, every team member will have completed the training process which is vital to ensure the tour service we provide is right for our customers.”