Companies Worry CPC Requirements Exacerbating Driver Shortage

A Winsford company known as Smart Solutions now has seven open full-time driver positions thanks to new contracts. The permanent positions require experienced drivers with valid LGV licences, yet the company is not so sure they will be able to fill the jobs as quickly as it would like. It is concerned that the CPC training requirements now in force are exacerbating the current driver shortage in the UK.

The government has been warning the haulage and transport sectors since 2009 of the need for drivers to complete CPC training. As late as last year, there were a large number of HGV and LGV drivers holding off on training while waiting to see if the regulations would be enforced among their PCV brethren. In addition, numerous news reports from last year suggested that older drivers would retire rather than putting down the money to receive training.

Smart Solutions’ Nathan Bowles believes the CPC requirements are hurting his company’s opportunities of finding qualified drivers. He hopes their offer to provide free CPC training will encourage more qualified drivers to apply.

“As the economy improves and we scale up our national driving division, it is becoming increasingly challenging to fill certain positions, especially LGV Class 2 drivers,” he told the Winsford Guardian. “By way of example, we are taking on newly qualified drivers and guaranteeing our driver workforce free Driver CPC training to help us secure sufficient and qualified people to keep up with the growing demand.”

We hope Smart Solutions can fill the open positions it now has. In the meantime, the HGV Training Centre encourages LGV and HGV drivers to get their CPC training out of the way, if they have not yet done so. The deadline is September 14 of this year.

We Will Train You

The required CPC training consists of 35 hours of classroom work designed to ensure drivers are familiar with the law and fresh in terms of road safety and hazard avoidance. Our training meets or exceeds all government requirements for CPC training and certification. Upon completion of the training, each driver receives a certificate of competency, which is to be carried on his or her person whenever he or she is working.

The HGV Training centre can conduct CPC training for individuals or company drivers. We also offer training for the initial earning of a commercial driving licence.

We maintain more than 45 facilities around the UK able to prepare you to drive an articulated lorry, tipper truck, box truck, van, bus, coach, or horsebox. We also offer forklift training and light trailer training for owners of caravans. All of our training is provided by qualified professionals who know what it takes to prepare you for your driving tests.

The HGV Training centre utilises a fast-paced and concentrated approach that provides the necessary knowledge and ensures retention. We are confident we can train you to safely and efficiently operate the commercial vehicle of your choice. Contact us for more details about local classes.

Sources:

Winsford Guardian – https://www.winsfordguardian.co.uk/news/11438992.New_driver_jobs_in_Winsford_after_contracts_agreed/