RAG BEARERS • I feel I must write in response
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to the letter bearing the headline "CPC — the firm that likes to say no" (CM 1016 September). Reading items like this, I find it is no wonder that the transport industry has a bad image. This is no incentive for any young person to join our industry, nor does it motivate anyone in the industry who might wish to better themselves.
As an apprentice fitter with one of the National Bus Company's largest subsidiaries, I asked if I could continue at college for another year (which incidentally would have cost a massive £55 and one day off work). The chief engineer said to me, "You do realise, son, that you can be overeducated."
I have since passed all my City and Guilds, Institute of the Motor Industry and Institute of Road Transport Engineers membership exams.
I have now moved on to another NBC subsidiary as engineering technical assistant, which I am pleased to say, invests in training its staff as it realises that unless you train people you will have no engineers in the future.
Unless the transport industry invests in training and development it is inevitable that it will end up being run by a load of incompetent cowboys who will only lower the standards further.
I would add that should anyone be contemplating a further education course and gets no support from his or her employer, be persistent. Don't be put off as you never stop learning and all the benefits will be yours in the long run.
H Teasdale MIMI, AIRTE Rugby, Warwickshire.