What's Easier To Train?

Have my first trainee and was curious on others opinions. What has been easier for you to train? A new driver coming out of school that you can mold to finish how you know it should be or an experienced driver that may "know" what they're doing?

Not a trainer yet, but both of mine said new drivers cause experienced drivers are set in their ways and tend not to listen or take criticism at all. But they had new drivers as well who didnt want to listen at all and they butted heads the entire time.

There are only a couple of reasons you would train someone with experience either they didn't pass the drive test with a new employer, or have been out of the business for a period of time and needs a refresher course

either way I have several years of training under my own person belt, and it was much easier for me to work with someone starting out new with no experience. problems with training someone who claims to have experience, or actually can drive a big truck. anyone can claim to have experience, but the truth becomes known quickly once they get behind the wheel.

Have my first trainee and was curious on others opinions. What has been easier for you to train? A new driver coming out of school that you can mold to finish how you know it should be or an experienced driver that may "know" what they're doing?

We typically just need to train on the tank and our process. I was thinking someone newer would be a little easier(its never easy though). But since this was my first I didnt have anything else to base off of.

There are only a couple of reasons you would train someone with experience either they didn't pass the drive test with a new employer, or have been out of the business for a period of time and needs a refresher course

either way I have several years of training under my own person belt, and it was much easier for me to work with someone starting out new with no experience. problems with training someone who claims to have experience, or actually can drive a big truck. anyone can claim to have experience, but the truth becomes known quickly once they get behind the wheel.

Have my first trainee and was curious on others opinions. What has been easier for you to train? A new driver coming out of school that you can mold to finish how you know it should be or an experienced driver that may "know" what they're doing?

I have to do 2 weeks with a trainer as an inexperienced car hauler. I could have 30 years behind the wheel and would still have to go with a trainer. Just adding another reason an experienced driver would have to go out with a trainer.

I think this comes down to the trainer and how they set expectations. Each class of student has their challenges.

Before a student puts their gear on my truck I have a conversation with them explaining expectations, rules of the truck, finding out their concerns, etc.

I tell them that no matter how they feel about having to go with a trainer, Swift is requiring it. I treat everyone the same. I evaluate their skills, help fine tune their strengths, and strengthen their weak areas.

I think this comes down to the trainer and how they set expectations.

I was going to say I think it comes down to the person being trained. Are they open to learning? Are they humble? Do they enjoy the challenge of proving themselves to a new employer or their trainer?

Some people are old curmudgeons who don't think they should have to prove anything to anyone. They have a ton of experience so they think you should just shut up and bow down to their greatness.

Others are humble, open to new ideas, and enjoy any challenges you put in front of them. They see everything as an opportunity where something good may come of it, even if they don't know at the time what that opportunity may be.

Very true. I have seen hard heads with experience and others without.

You're right though if they aren't open to training it isn't going to matter.

I think this comes down to the trainer and how they set expectations.

I was going to say I think it comes down to the person being trained. Are they open to learning? Are they humble? Do they enjoy the challenge of proving themselves to a new employer or their trainer?

Some people are old curmudgeons who don't think they should have to prove anything to anyone. They have a ton of experience so they think you should just shut up and bow down to their greatness.

Others are humble, open to new ideas, and enjoy any challenges you put in front of them. They see everything as an opportunity where something good may come of it, even if they don't know at the time what that opportunity may be.

All good points, thank you for the feedback. The person I have now was basically bragging about his driving and backing skills but once we got off the highway it showed his 2 years of experience was limited. I've been trying to train him on the differences but I doubt it will last once hes off my truck. Hes not unsafe just lacking the experience.

With those that are set in their ways do you try to correct to the ways you were trained and practice or let them continue with how they know it to be done?

With those that are set in their ways do you try to correct to the ways you were trained and practice or let them continue with how they know it to be done?

I think it comes down to a matter of efficiency, safety, and company policy. If they're doing something unsafe then obviously that needs to be corrected. If they're doing something that's clearly less efficient than other ways then that probably needs to be corrected also. Naturally if it clearly goes against company policy it needs to be corrected.

But there are some things that can be done equally well in different ways. Sometimes you can simply say, "Well if that method works for you then go with that."

So it's really a judgment call on your part. In the end does their way of doing things really hurt anything? If so, change it. If not, you might be just fine letting it go.