With the increased reliance on online shopping and the change in consumer purchasing habits in recent times, the logistics industry has seen double-digit growth but it’s no secret that the reliance on the transport sector has led to a shortage of drivers qualified to ship goods both in the UK and abroad.
Recognising the importance of having qualified drivers ready and available to enter the industry and in an attempt to combat driver shortages, C&D South West created its Driver Academy back in 2016.
The brainchild of the Hammond family, owners and operators of the C&D business, the academy provides an opportunity for those who have the ambition to enter their industry to undertake driver training in all types of vehicles, from small vans to Class 1 Heavy Goods Vehicles.
In recent years, the academy has seen multiple drivers obtain licences and Luke is the latest successful academy apprentice to pass their Class 2 HGV goods licence and is now poised to take control of a C&D South West vehicle.
Luke Parsons started with C&D South West in June 2022 as part of the Driver Academy Scheme. After driving a 3.5 Tonne van and learning the ropes these past few months, Luke successfully passed his Class 2 HGV test on the 18th October 2022.
The recent progression of Luke means that the C&D Driver Academy is now open to applications again, from anyone who expresses a keen interest in the transport and logistics industry. The minimum requirements are a clean driving licence to drive a car, along with passes in maths and English at GCSE level.
Applicants should be at least 25 years old, however inquiries from younger students will be considered and those who haven’t quite met the required GCSE grades may complete functional skills training whilst attending the training courses.
Lorna Hammond, C&D’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted that Luke has successfully passed his test and that he’s completed his time at the academy. It’s a testament to his hard work and determination and the team is looking forward to finally seeing him on the road in his own vehicle.
“Now that Luke has passed we will be opening up another place on the Academy. We’re inviting applications from interested drivers who have the ambition to join the C&D team.
“Places are provided free of charge, meaning that even those who don’t have the initial funds to undertake driver training can benefit. Some of our Academy students have obtained their licence within as little as 3-6 months although most are based around a 12 – 18 months apprenticeship.”
For more information regarding the driver academy or further information regarding this email please contact recruitment@cdsw.co.uk or call us on 01460 64701.
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