The boss of a company which helps other firms train HGV drivers says the logistics could be heading for another recruitment problem this year as key qualifications are due to expire.
As part of new legislation introduced in 2009, all drivers of vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes had to undertake the classroom-based training by 2014.
The five-year qualifications expire in September this year – and the authorising body in charge of facilitating it, JAUPT (Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training), says 300,000 drivers across the UK are yet to complete their new papers.
Lisa Fleming, managing director of Newton Aycliffe-based Driver Hire Darlington, which specialises in the training and offers courses to drivers and employers, says the logistics industry needs to act fast to avoid the type of driver recruitment problems it faced five years ago.
“The deadline is looming fast and there’s a huge number of drivers yet to renew their qualifications,” Lisa told Aycliffe Today.
“It could be a serious issue and in September we could face a bottleneck scenario where drivers aren’t able to work, which will leave employers with a severe shortage.”
Driver Hire Darlington is offering firms and individuals the driving courses, which include five modules, during a series of sessions at Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre, next to the Tesco store in Newton Aycliffe, but they can also carry out courses on business premises if required.
Training includes road traffic laws, safe loading, delivery driving, dealing with on-road occurrences, driving commercially, fuelefficient driving, customer service and the Highway Code.
“Whether you are a driver who needs to keep up-to-date with your 35 hours of Driver CPC Training or a company with drivers who need to undertake this, we can help you with your requirements,” adds Lisa.
Driver Hire is one of the UK’s leading providers of Driver CPC Training, and Lisa has owned the Darlington franchise of the national group since 2011.
Her firm, based in Synkro House at Parson’s Court on Aycliffe Business Park, has grown to a five-man team servicing dozens of local firms.
Any firms or individuals wanting to know more can call Driver Hire on 01325 314887, or email [email protected]