Jobcentre Plus and RHA to launch truck driver work experience scheme
The Road Haulage Association has announced that it is to partner with Jobcentre Plus (JCP) to launch a national work experience scheme this summer, in a bid to attract new recruits to the industry as the driver shortage continues to bite.
The project, which follows a successful pilot scheme in Hampshire, will give jobseekers “the inside track on what it is like to be a professional truck driver,” said the RHA.
The pilot gave 20 individuals the chance to embark on a two-week placement with RHA members, to learn about truck driving and other aspects of the industry.
Companies that took part in the pilot included transport, warehousing and distribution specialist Lambert Brothers. Managing director Clive Watkins said that the scheme: “gives applicants an insight into the industry and some will want to get involved in it as a result.”
He continued: “It also gives employers an opportunity to chance to assess potential recruits. The scheme is definitely worth rolling out nationally.”
Steve Porter Transport operations manager Mark Breakey said: “The scheme gives a fantastic opportunity to get people into the industry that wouldn’t otherwise get a chance.
“The candidates can show what they can do to employers who, based on their application form, might not give them an interview. But I don’t want people who are good at interviews – I want people who can do the job. We had people on placement who, definitely, I would choose but would not normally have seen.”
Darren Littledyke, training manager at Aspray24, added: “We had two candidates and both were punctual, enthusiastic and inquisitive. We gave them experience of the business as a whole.
“We have employed one, who is enjoying being back at work. The other candidate arrived with a pre-conception that the experience would be worthless but said the placement had changed his perception of the industry and may look further into possible pathways into the transport.”
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett (pictured) said: “The pilot has given us the confidence to take the scheme nationwide, working through JCP local offices and RHA area managers. It will be a really significant project in promoting the industry and in strengthening our members’ understanding of what JCP can contribute to the success of their businesses. The scheme will also get some of the candidates into employment in the industry.”
Esther McVey, the employment minister, said: “It is terrific that the RHA is working with JCP… helping people to consider a career as a truck driver and life on the open road. It’s a diverse and growing industry, and one which is so vital to the continuing economic success of our country.”
