Bosses at Gist in Crewe say they are tackling the ongoing HGV driver shortage with its first cohort of newly qualified drivers.
The company is running an in-house HGV driver academy, launched last month.
And its first graduates are now on the road driving across its network, transporting chilled products for customers including M&S.
Aaron Venables is based at Gist’s Crewe depot and began a career in HGV driving with a Class C licence in 2003 but was yet to obtain his Class C+E licence.
He enrolled on the scheme and passed his Class C+E examination on Friday 15 October.
He said: “I have always wanted to get my Class C+E licence but never had the money to put myself through the course.
“So when the new training and testing centre was announced, my manager signed me up straight away.
“I thought the course was really good. It had a very relaxed feel to it, with no pressure.
“My tutor was very knowledgeable and really made me feel at ease.”
The programme, fully-funded by Gist, is open to aspiring HGV drivers who will be trained and examined at the academy in Spalding, Lincolnshire.
“I feel a lot more confident having done the course,” added Aaron.
“To anyone thinking of becoming an HGV driver, I say go for it. If you love driving, it’s the job for you.”
Gist anticipates its driver training and testing programme will deliver up to 300 newly qualified HGV drivers for the business each year.
The overall support package is expected to save individuals approximately £3,000 when compared to self-funding.
Julian Bailey, Managing Director Temperature Controlled Logistics, Gist, said: “The Government is taking steps to support the industry, which is a welcome move.
“However, the reality is more still needs to be done and fast.
“That is why we have launched our in-house accredited training academy so that we can produce home-grown talent and train the next generation of drivers.”
