Driving agency aims to alleviate driver shortage with training investment

National logistics recruitment agency, Driving Force, are aiming to alleviate the shortage of trained drivers by working in partnership with Wrexham-based manufacturer, Mainetti.

The number of LGV drivers in employment has decreased by 12.5% compared to 10 years ago due to a shortage of approximately 50-60,000 LGV drivers according the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

Earlier this year, the FTA also reported that over 62 per cent of LGV drivers are 45 years or older, with only one per cent of employed professional drivers under the age of 25.

Driving Force and Mainetti are now aiming to assist the industry with the lack of qualified drivers through their new training partnership.

Driving Force have five hubs around the UK spreading from Newport in south Wales to Manchester, whilst their newest hub recently opened in Oldbury.

The partnership will see driver training offered from as little as £175 in an attempt to encourage more people to enter into the logistics industry, with courses varying from medical and theory tests, to practical LGV training, and also including Driver CPC training required to be completed every five years by professional drivers.

Driving Force Operations Director, John Sutcliffe said “We now have a qualified LGV trainer and are wanting to do our bit to get the wheels of the driving industry turning again – hopefully this partnership will see that happen!”