New partners put trainees in fast lane
ONE of the UK’s leading logistics firms has teamed up with Rochdale LGV Driver Training to deliver a new express training programme.
The family-run Chichester Street company is working with Walkers Transport - part of Palletways, the UK’s largest freight network - on the course.
It will see trainees, who have van driving experience with a delivery company qualify after just three months.
Paul Adams, transport manager at Walkers Transport, said: “It’s no secret that demand outweighs supply of professional region.
“Our decision to launch the driver training programme was twofold; it’s geared towards offering opportunities to drivers in our community who want to work in the logistics industry.
“Plus, it will assist us with the recruitment of drivers for our growing business and to mould drivers in our them into the customer focused, professional drivers we always look to employ.
“We’ve already taken on six drivers, four of which have successfully completed their training to become LGV drivers. We expect to see a further eight drivers successfully pass through the programme throughout this year, taking the total to 14 in just over an 18-month period which we’re incredibly proud of.
“Our long-term goal is roll the programme out across all of our sites. We’re also looking to introduce a secondary scheme to offer Walkers employees that don’t have any driving experience the chance to go through the training programme.” Barry Byers, Palletways’ network development director, added: “The driver shortage is a massive challenge facing the logistics industry. Walkers should be commended for tackling this head-on and doing all they can to help redress the balance.”