Hail yoidself a taxi fod a aew cadeed

THERE was a time when driving a taxi was regarded a stop-gap job.

However, its actually always been a worthwhile career, and that’s certainly the case in Dundee.

“At Taxi Training Dundee we have been delivering our in-house training for taxi drivers for 16 years now,” said manager Lynne Young.

“Our course takes people straight through the whole process of preparing for, and passing, the Dundee City Council comprehensive topical knowledge test, arranging a medical to support your application for a licence, straight to handing you the keys to your new career.

“Over the years we have trained in excess of 200 people.

“Most recently we’ve been able to offer a whole new career and a real lifeline to at least four or five people who’ve been made redundant from the oil and gas industry.

“There’s literally not another industry that offers this kind of opportunity for people of all ages and all backgrounds to start a brand new career.

“Dundee as a city continues to raise the standards. By May 31 this year, all current licensed taxi/private hire drivers must be educated to SQA standard.

“We work very closely with the council and with taxi firms in Dundee to ensure we’re doing all we can to make as many drivers as possible become compliant.”

Taxi Training Dundee work in partnership with Dundee Employment and Aftercare Project and deliver their SVQ course at their Isla Street facility.

The initial results of the new course have been extremely positive.

“Our first group of graduates were invited to the City Chambers to be presented with their certificates by the Lord Provost himself,” said Lynne.

Existing drivers can qualify for Independent Learning Account grants to help with the cost of becoming SQA qualified.