DHL Supply Chain has launched Driving Ambition, a new training programme that it hopes will help it to tackle the national driver shortage. It will provide fully-funded training worth up to £3,000 for up to 1,000 applicants to qualify as LGV drivers.
The programme is being supported by retailers including Marks & Spencer which has led its weight to the initiative by inviting colleagues and partners to the opportunity to retrain.
Ian Clough, managing director transport at DHL Supply Chain UK, said: “The supply chain industry is facing a huge shortage of drivers. One of the most important steps we can take to solve this for the long-term starts at grass roots by encouraging and enabling people to pursue a career in logistics. By investing in someone’s future and offering them the opportunity to be trained and ultimately become a qualified LGV driver, we’re hoping to attract as broad an audience as possible.”
The company said it was encouraging applications from people of all ages and backgrounds as well as those underrepresented in the industry such as women and the ex-military. Driver roles will be available across the UK, with dedicated transport training centres in the Southeast, Avonmouth, Crick, Worksop and Bellshill.
The programme was trialled with internal candidates first and 250 staff have already completed the training.
