Kev Field and his coaching journey.

My Tri Coaching Journey September 2011 - Today 
Why did I book onto the course? I booked onto the course as a way to find out more about coaching and how i could use that in teaching learners to drive. I had been teaching for about 4 years and wanted to use different techniques to teach, rather than using the way i was trained to deliver a lesson. I had become fleet registered and liked the way you trained full licence holders to develop their skill set and thought why can’t we use the same methods in beginner learner drivers. 
What was i expecting? I was expecting to be told what to do, how to do it and when to do it and then go away from day 1 with all the tools to put into practice. 
What did i find out on day 1? From day 1, although i had done my research, i have always had the mindset that i’m not good enough, but after a few minutes of talking to the other attendees i found that we were all there for the same reason, to learn. All from different backgrounds and places but with a common ground of wanting to improve themselves and their business. Then came the bombshell that you had to write assignments. I haven’t written since being at school and how was i going to be able to do that, because i wasn’t very good at writing and to this day, it’s not my strong point. It was also mentioned that it was at a level equivalent of 1st year at uni! Well that nearly put me under the table. How was i going to be able to do this? I don’t have any qualifications and can only drive various different vehicles and hold a ADI badge. I would definitely need help and i certainly got that from Sue, Graham and later on Sara and Di. 
How did i find the assignments? The assignments are concise. They give you clear guidelines as to what you need to do and examples of how to do this. We also spoke about this at the end of day 1 and i learnt a lot from the way you structure a report and to actually read the question. I got home, choose the lessons i was going to use for task 1, practiced, made notes and got home to write my notes up. I was so proud that i had actually completed 4 pages of A4 paper, don’t think i ever did that at school, and duly sent it off to Sue for marking and feedback. The support i receive did not ridicule me, as i was at school, but it was constructive and helpful in respect of what i need to look at and how i might be able to improve the report. I can still remember the words that Sue responded with, That’s really good Kev, but you haven’t answered the 
question. Back to the drawing board and i think this happened twice more, but i kept getting better and i eventually got to submit the task. Happy face 
What did i learn from the course? 
● The course can be completed and that it doesn’t matter if you haven’t written anything since being at school, because you don’t really actually write a lot. 
● You learn about yourself and the type of person you are, the way that you interact with your students, the way this then affects what goes on in the car or in a lesson. 
● Everyone is different and that a one size fits all approach will just not work for everyone and that you need to vary your teaching style to suit the learner. 
● The classroom is a safe place to practice, talk and express your thoughts that will then help you go away and practice with your students. 
● Reflection. The ability to reflect on the lessons not just for the student but also myself. I found out that if i changed what i was doing then the chances of learning taking place improved and then the learner goes away happy. Gibbs reflective logs are so relevant to myself now as they were when doing the course. 
● It helped my business. My business is going from strength to strength. I have a reputation and that has meant an increase in prices and working in a variety of fields that require my specific coaching skills. 
What did the course give me? The course gave me so many different things. Personally, i’m more confident in what i deliver, whether that is lessons, fleet training, ADI development, presentations or just talking to various people. I wasn’t the most outgoing of people but this course opened my eyes to myself and what I know, what i do and how i do it, that i have become a one of the trainers. The confidence not just to put my prices up, but to be able to have the belief in myself and what i do, knowing that i will give the best service that the client wants and needs. People will buy me rather than the product which is a fantastic place to be which i can almost certainly would not have happened if i had not done the BTEC 4. 
Where am i now? I now deliver the BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Coaching for Driver Development, which is just amazing. Being asked to do this was just an honour as i know how much it has changed myself and to be able to give others the opportunity to experience the same, you can’t really put into words. I deliver SC workshops, in car groups and also 1-2-1 
I deliver the Accelerate coaching course, which is a 2 day stepping stone in to coaching course. I am a Driver Metrics accredited trainer, which means i get driven around by fleet drivers working on their driver behaviour, what causes them to drive in the way they do and then being able to reduce the risk of being involved in a crash which again focuses on road safety, a passion of mine. I am a TCIT trainer which gives me the opportunity to help people become driving instructors using the best and up to date product on the market. A real selling point when talking to potential clients. I can also offer rescue packages for people that have failed tests before and now looking to make sure they pass and pursue the dreams they have made. 
What will happen in the future? I know Tri Coaching have future plans to develop and i am just pleased to continue my journey in partnership with them. They are supportive and honest which are among some of my own values so let see what the next experiences bring and challenge myself. ​

You can find out more about Kev at Confident Drivers https://www.confidentdrivers.co.uk/about-us and his driving school website and follow thislink for his driving instructor training.