Mail and online fulfilment group Whistl is aiming to do its bit to plug the UK’s damaging dearth of HGV drivers by launching the Whistl Driver Academy to invest, train and develop the next generation of drivers for its expanding business.
As the country grinds to a halt, with deliveries of fuel and food hit by shortages, Whistl has developed a multi-level approach to training for potential HGV drivers.
It is providing HGV Apprenticeships to anyone over 18 with a driving licence and is also offering roles for those who either drive the company’s vans or are working in a warehouse while undergoing their HGV training.
Whistl is also offering to pay for Class 1 training for those who already have a Class 2 licence and will pay for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for those who are HGV 1 Classified.
The company is planning to graduate 100 recruits to the Whistl Driver Academy in its first year. The academy has been structured to appeal to new people entering the industry, including long term unemployed, young, or female applicants who have not considered a career as an HGV driver due to the cost of qualifications, typically £7,000, or the work life balance.
Whistl is also offering a £100 signing on bonus for qualified Class 1 drivers.
The company has a fleet of over 500 vehicles to move mail and parcels across the UK. It insists the jobs offer a good work balance with no overnights stays and no multi-pick up and drop offs. There are a range of shifts/hours available including full-time and part-time roles and there is little manual handling.
Whistl chief executive Nick Wells 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 costs of training or the work life balance.
“We are a people business and the role our drivers play as ambassadors for the company is very important.”
Related stories
Whistl scoops NatWest as business skyrockets in H1
Micro-online shops get leg-up with new Whistl scheme
Whistl eyes major boost from partially addressed mail
Whistl bolsters fulfilment operations with Spark deal
Whistl strikes new deal as acquisition spree continues
