Whistl has launched a driver academy to train the next generation of HGV drivers and recruit 100 drivers in Bolton, Bedford and Bristol, UK.
The UK-based logistics specialist is planning to graduate 100 recruits through the Whistl driver academy in its first year and has developed a multilevel approach to training for potential HGV drivers.
It is offering to pay for Class 1 training for those who already have a Class 2 license, and the driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for those who are HGV one classified. Finally, for qualified Class 1 drivers, Whistl is offering a £1,000 (US$1,340) signing-on bonus.
Alongside offering roles to qualified HGV drivers and students, the company is also providing HGV apprenticeships for anyone interested who is over 18 and has a driver’s license.
The academy has been structured to appeal to new people entering the industry who have not considered a career as an HGV driver due to the cost of qualifications – typically £7,000 (US$9,400) – or the work/life balance.
Nick Wells, CEO at Whistl, said, “It is important that we invest in the next generation of HGV drivers, and we are delighted to open the Whistl driver academy for people who may not have considered this career choice. We must widen our pool of talent and easing the opportunity to work in this sector for the long-term unemployed, young, or female applicants who may have been put off by the cost of training.”