A North East logistics company is funding its own HGV driver apprenticeships to overcome delays that are hampering the Government-backed scheme.
Moody Logistics and Storage took the decision to organise and fund the company’s own driver scheme after being advised that reviews under way as part of the Government’s 2021 Apprenticeship Reform Programme were causing hold ups.
The transport industry is still facing delays involving HGV licence applications and confirming test appointments.
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Between the loss of European drivers through Brexit, postponed Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) testing and changes to regulations, estimates are that there is a shortage of 100,000 drivers in the UK, up from 60,000 prior to the pandemic.
Caroline Moody, managing director of Cramlington based Moody Logistics and Storage, said the firm has already recruited two driver apprentices who have begun their Driver Level 2 training with Tyneside Training Services.
Former delivery driver Tony Hunter joined the firm in May and is preparing to take his test in October while Joe Chan started in June and takes his test in September.
She said: “As a logistics business, we can’t afford any delays in training the next generation of HGV drivers, so we took matters into our own hands.
“We have already recruited two driver apprentices and are funding all their training and HGV tests, having created a rigorous induction and mentoring programme that puts safety first.
“This approach means one of our own driver apprentices can gain their Level 2 licence within four months instead of the minimum 12 months under the Government’s current scheme.”
Moody Logistics and Storage, together with its sister companies MCR Services and Heathline Commercials, which specialises in commercial vehicle servicing, repairs, and parts, have also taken on a further four young people through the Kickstart scheme.
Moody Logistics provides contract logistics and pallet-based deliveries and operates a fleet of 28 HGV vehicles from its seven-acre base at the Bolam Business Park in Cramlington, while MCR Services one of only a few co packing companies in the North East
The four new staff members are Ben Amos, 20 from Cramlington; Connor Birchall, 22 from Newbiggin; Liam Hunter, 21 from Seaton Delaval; and Josh Johnson, 21, from Ashington.
Ms Moody added: “We are pleased to have recruited some very promising people that can help take this business forward, while at the same time providing them with the opportunity to progress their own careers.”
