Walkers joins forces with Rochdale LGV to launch driver training programme

Walkers Transport

Logistics specialist Walkers Transport has teamed up with Rochdale LGV Driver Training to deliver a new training programme for external drivers.

Drivers who want to go through the training programme to qualify to become a professional LGV driver must have multi-drop van experience, with a parcel company or retailer along with customer service experience and first-class communication skills. Trainees become fully qualified after just three months of training which features a mix of theory, practical assessments and driving.

Paul Adams, transport manager at Walkers Transport, which is a member of Palletways, the UK’s largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network, said: “It’s no secret that demand outweighs supply of professional drivers in our region. Our decision to launch the driver training programme was twofold; it’s geared towards offering opportunities to drivers in our community who want to work in the logistics industry. Plus, it will assist us with the recruitment of drivers for our growing business and to mould them into the customer focused, professional drivers we always look to employ.

“We’ve already taken on six drivers, four of which have successfully completed their training to become LGV drivers. We expect to see a further eight drivers successfully pass through the programme throughout this year, taking the total to 14 in just over an 18-month period which we’re incredibly proud of.

“Our long-term goal is roll the programme out across all of our sites. We’re also looking to introduce a secondary scheme to offer Walkers employees that don’t have any driving experience the chance to go through the training programme.”

Barry Byers, Palletways’ network development director, added: “The driver shortage is a massive challenge facing the logistics industry. Walkers should be commended for tackling this head-on and doing all they can to help redress the balance.”

Rochdale LGV Driver Training is a family run business to help drivers achieve the licences from car and trailer through to Category C+E. Its team of fully qualified instructors provide the highest quality training required to help drivers secure a professional LGV qualification.

Walkers Transport is one of over 110 independent transport providers that are part of the Palletways UK network. They benefit from shared expertise and resources from within the group to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost effectively than ever before.   The Palletways Group comprises 400 depots and 17 hub operations, through which it provides collection and distribution services across 20 European countries, including the UK.