Training services

ECT Charity provides a variety of training services from our depot in Ealing. We’re also looking to develop training services at our Cheshire depot. All of our programmes are delivered by our experienced in-house Trainer/Assessors.   

MiDAS Training

The Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) training is the nationally-recognised standard for people who need to drive a minibus. Administered by the Community Transport Association, the training is for individuals and organisations wanting to improve passenger safety and comfort – and build driving skills and confidence behind the wheel.  Participants have a choice of taking the standard course or an extended course that prepares them to drive an accessible minibus.

You can find full details of our MiDAS training in Ealing here  - including course content, pricing, course dates and booking information.

If you are interested in keeping up with our plans to introduce training at our Cheshire depot, please let us know on cheshire@ectcharity.co.uk.

Passenger Assistant Training (PATS)

The Passenger Assistant Training Scheme (PATS) is the nationally-recognised standard for those who provide care and assistance to passengers travelling on the road, whether in minibuses, cars, taxis or large buses. We currently offer PATS training at our Ealing Depot.  PATS training is made up of five modules, each designed to provide the skills and knowledge required by a Passenger Assistant. The course includes classroom training, a written assessment and a practical skills assessment.

You can find full details of our PATS training in Ealing here - including course content, pricing and booking information.

MiDAS Driver Assessor training

ECT Charity is now one of the handful of locations in the UK offering MiDAS Driver Assessor training. This certification enables Driver Assessors to deliver MiDAS training for other organisations, promoting safe and confident minibus driving. By expanding access to this essential training, we are helping more people develop the skills needed to drive minibuses safely and effectively. 

Our Training Centre offers the following three programmes: 

1. MiDAS Driver Assessor training – Standard is a two-day programme which covers the full range of skills and knowledge required to become a MiDAS Driver Assessor for standard MiDAS programmes. 
2. MiDAS Driver Assessor training – Accessible is a three-day programme which includes all the components of the Standard training mentioned above with a third day dedicated to certifying Driver Assessors to deliver Accessible MiDAS (the extended course that prepares people to drive an accessible minibus).  
3. MiDAS Driver Assessor training – Refresher is a programme designed for existing MiDAS Driver Assessors to renew their certification for a further two years. This one-day, in-person programme enhances skills and reinforces the knowledge to continue delivering the MiDAS framework effectively to drivers. 

You can find full details of the programme here.