TNT Logistics offers driver training to employees
14 May 2004 - 10:38 CET
TNT Logistics UK is offering its own employees the chance to train as truck drivers as part of its rapidly expanding programme to combat the predicted driver shortage."We have already had a number of warehouse workers expressing an interest in becoming drivers, and we are sure people in other parts of the company would also be glad of the opportunity to take up the profession," says John Paterson, Director, Human Relations.
The Driver Training Centre will operate from centres at Irlam, Burton-on-Trent and Mendlesham. Candidates must be employed by TNT, be at least 21 years old and hold a B-category (car) licence.
TNT Logistics also operates a Young Driver Scheme, in partnership with the Sector Skills Council formally known as RHDTC and on behalf of the Department of Transport. This scheme is a foundation modern apprenticeship and offers 17-20 year old candidates the opportunity to gain a C category licence, supported by an NVQ level 2 in ‘Driving Goods Vehicles'.
"Our industry is facing a considerable shortage of drivers, estimated at 50-80,000. This will be aggravated by the impact of the Working Time Directive in 2005," explains Mr Paterson. "Traditional recruits have been from within the industry or mature employees from declining industries such as mining and from the Armed Services but these groups of people are no longer available.
"In order to redress the shortage we needed a radical new training initiative. Our Young Drivers Scheme is being extended and our new driver training centres will provide us with the opportunity to develop our own drivers from our warehouse operatives and other employees. If the larger businesses do not provide training, no one else will."
There is a dedicated training vehicle and a DSA approved driving instructor at each of the three Driver Training Centres, all of which are on site and operated by TNT Logistics and within close proximity to DSA driving test centres.
"By giving our employees the opportunity to complete an NVQ in driving goods vehicles as well as undertaking driver training we will ensure we develop a breadth of skills knowledge and understanding that we could not achieve elsewhere," explains Andy Jenkins, Operations Training Manager.
Candidates participating in the scheme will be required to study towards an NVQ level 2 in Driving Goods Vehicles and will receive practical driver training to C and or C+E licence category.
Mr Jenkins is supported by the qualified assessors within the TNT Logistics central operations training team who will regularly assess the trainees against NVQ standards.
"We expect to train 270 people this year, with most taking five to seven days initial training to gain their licence and a further three months to become fully qualified," explains Mr Jenkins.
Under the scheme, trainees are issued with a vocational LGV driving licence, entitling the holder to drive vehicles owned by TNT Logistics UK until reaching the age of 21. This enables TNT to support them throughout the early stage of their driving career.
All vehicles have been especially converted into training vehicles to comply with DSA driving standard agency requirements, including additional mirrors and an instructor's seat. The driver training vehicles are liveried and display logos of driver training accreditations with the DSA which TNT Logistics recently received and its long established IAM accreditation.
TNT Logistics is an approved driver training centre with the Driving Standards Agency.
