Operators launch schemes to grow their own drivers
Two very different UK operators have launched initiatives to address the driver shortage with in-house training.
Container transport specialist Maritime Transport has teamed up with Scania and launched a year-long professional driver scheme to teach best practice through a structured training and mentorship programme, while tipper operator Gerrards of Swinton is running a ‘Free Courses for Ex-Forces’ programme intended to equip former military personnel with the skills needed for a job as a civilian driver.
Maritime employs about 1,650 people and runs around 1,300 trucks on UK container work from 23 locations, including major UK ports.
Simon Smart, director of Maritime’s container division, said: “This course allows Maritime to train drivers with limited commercial experience in all aspects of our business.
“Gaining employment within a reputable transport company is extremely difficult for newly qualified drivers however we see this resource pool as a fantastic opportunity to develop drivers into the professionals we need them to be.”
Newly-qualified candidates are being directed to the Maritime scheme by Scania, which has its own network of driving schools handling licence acquisition and periodic training. The truck manufacturer has gained funding from the Department of Work and Pensions for licence acquisition, and is currently accepting applicants for these courses.
Gary Austin, Maritime’s transport manager, said: “Scania, in our opinion, offer one of the best training courses in the industry: therefore, we are delighted they have chosen to recommend Maritime’s scheme to their successful graduates.”
“The knowledge that a new Maritime driver has graduated from the Scania Driving School gives us the peace of mind that we are taking on a very high calibre of driver as a starting point.”
Meanwhile, Gerrards of Swinton’s managing director, Sebastian Gerrard, identified an opportunity to offer quality driver training to ex-service personnel who often struggle to find employment on leaving the forces, because of a lack of civilian qualifications and experience.
He said: “Our courses are free to ex-service personnel, but it works both ways: we train the drivers our way and to our exacting standards, they get qualifications and on-the-job experience using our tipper truck fleet. It’s a great opportunity for them and we get the pick of the best drivers to join our team.”
To support the growing company and ‘Free Courses for Ex-Forces’, 14-truck Gerrards of Swinton is investing in a brand new depot with bespoke training facilities, which will open before Christmas 2015.
The company has also invested in seven new Renault Range C 430 eight-wheel tippers supplied by JDS Manchester, as its fleet expands to cope with rising demand in the construction sector.
