Shortage of local driving instructors has firm offering training for free
SOME LEARNERS HAVING TO WAIT A MONTH BEFORE STARTING LESSONS
A LOCAL driving firm are calling for more people to train as instructors amid a shortage that has resulted in learners waiting nearly a month before having their first lesson.
Intensive Driving UK have seen a major decline in people wanting to be instructors and they say it’s had a massive impact on the business and those looking to learn.
To help entice people in to the field, the Grimsby firm are offering free training to help boost their instructor numbers.
According to them, it’s an opportunity to get people in Grimsby working and give people a chance to start a new career.
Office Manager Simon Birch says he’s hoping more people will soon join the team.
He said: “We operate across all areas of Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Louth and we’ve been looking for instructors for quite some time now.
“We’ve taught many in years gone by and it used to be easy to do. Over the past couple of years, the numbers have shot down, having a major affect on everyone.
“People are complaining that they want a job, but don’t seem to want certain opportunities for some reason.
“To help entice people into the profession, we’re offering free training and the only thing they’d have to pay for is their exams.
“We’re doing this because we want people in the area to get working. Five years ago, we were training five people at a time, now it’s just one.
“Ideally, we’d like to help those who are currently unemployed in our area if we can.
“We feel that by giving local people this chance we can help improve the town as well.”
Simon did admit that the lack of instructors was putting a strain on the driving school, with some new starters having to be put on a waiting list for nearly a month before they can start their lessons.
He explained: “If we have people waiting, they could very easily go somewhere else. We need more instructors to help this issue as best we can.”
One instructor, Martin Bygrave, rallied others to join, saying: “If you are prepared to work hard the rewards are there with Intensive Driving UK.
“Take a good hard look at us you will not be disappointed.”