Passing the Torch: Build a Propane Driver Mentorship Program That Sticks

Bringing on new drivers in the propane industry is more than simply filling seats in trucks. It’s about passing on your values, safety standards, and strong work ethic. But without a strong training process, new hires can feel lost or rushed – and that can lead to mistakes. A driver mentorship program helps correct that by connecting new drivers with seasoned ones in a way that builds confidence, trust, and skills from the start.

If you want your drivers to do more than just deliver fuel – if you want them to represent your company well, work responsibly and safely, and stay for the long haul – then building your own driver mentorship program might be the best move you make on behalf of your company this year. Read on to discover how that goal can be accomplished.

Pick the Right Mentors
The first step is choosing the right mentors. These are drivers who not only do the job well, but also have the right attitude. You want drivers who are patient, clear communicators, and dependable. They should be able to explain things in simple terms, stay calm when someone makes a mistake, and demonstrate pride in their work. Don’t just choose your longest-serving driver. Instead, select someone who leads by example and wants to see others grow.

Set Clear Goals
A good mentorship program encompasses far more than just riding along for a few days. You need to set clear goals. What should the new driver know after day one? After week one? After a full month? Break the training process down into categories with specific steps such as learning the routes, checking tanks safely, handling paperwork, and dealing with customers. You want your mentors to have a simple checklist of skills that they can follow to make sure nothing important gets skipped.

Give Mentors the Tools to Teach
Your mentors may be great drivers, but they’re not teachers by trade. Give them the tools they need to succeed in this role. In addition to the list of goals mentioned above, it might be a short guide that explains how to walk someone through your daily process. It could include common new driver mistakes to watch for and how to give feedback that’s helpful without being harsh.

Create Space for Questions
Encourage new drivers to speak up and feel free to inquire about anything they are unclear about. A good mentorship program leaves space for honest questions, even basic ones. The mentor’s job is to help the new driver feel like they’re an integral part of the team, not just someone who is watching from the sidelines. It’s also helpful to check in with both the mentor and the trainee separately during the program to see how things are going.

Celebrate Progress
When the new driver completes the mentorship program, take a moment to recognize it. Whether it’s a quick shout-out at the morning meeting or a small reward, it shows the trainee – and the mentor – that their effort mattered and their accomplishments are worthy of acclaim. Celebrating your employees’ progress also helps build loyalty, especially among the newest members of your team. It also reminds everyone that growth and learning are core values and remain key components of your company culture.

Driving Loyalty Through Mentorship
A strong mentorship program helps reduce turnover, improves safety, and raises service standards. It transforms experienced drivers into leaders and helps new drivers grow into reliable team members. It’s a low-cost way to invest in your people – and in the future of your propane business. In a world where good drivers are hard to find and even harder to keep, this kind of program can help your company stand out. And that kind of steady leadership behind the wheel is something your customers will feel, too.