SOME 96 Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) drivers, who have been selected to transport patrons to Sabina Park and the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium during the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007, on Thursday completed seven weeks of training.

The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) assisted with training, which began on January 10 and

ended yesterday.

Outlining the content of the training, Helen Myrie, Manager for Training and Performance Development at the JUTC, told JIS News that several topics were covered, including familiarisation with many of the nation’s resort areas.

“Things that they need to know to pass on to our visitors if asked. Not just visitors but our internal customers as well,” Myrie said.

Building pride, self-esteem and confidence was also a critical component of the training. “They (the drivers) also looked at themselves, making sure that they feel good about themselves in order to pass on information because, if persons are not happy with themselves, they will be very miserable and will not pass on information in the way that they should,” Myrie said.

The training has been well received by the drivers, who are seemingly rejuvenated and have been raving about

the programme.

Their appreciation has not stopped there, as many have returned to their respective locations to pass on what they learnt, to other drivers who were not selected. “They are simply excited and grateful for the training,” Myrie said.

“I have been getting a number of calls from those drivers to say that they have heard about the programme and would like to get on it themselves,” she added.

The infectious enthusiasm for the training has also spawned an environmental club, which was started by the first batch of trainees. “They are now looking to register themselves and also get fellow employees involved,” Myrie said.