Bradford's Driver Hire in extra training scheme for HGV drivers

A BRADFORD-based logistics firm has launched a face-to-face training service to help HGV drivers upskill and advance their careers. Driver Hire, based at Bradford Business Park, Kings Gate, has started a licence acquisition service to help drivers advance their career and boost earning potentials during what is a record period for haulage during the pandemic. The new service, which is an addition to the firm’s current training offering, will provide face-to-face training for already qualified drivers to help them upskill or requalify in a particular driving category.

Working with training providers across the UK, the platform allows professional drivers to get the training they need, quickly and easily, to boost their career and earnings potential. As well as connecting drivers to the most suitable learning centres near them, the service will offer users finance options to spread the cost of the training programmes. John Keelan-Edwards, managing director of Driver Hire Training, says the firm has launched the new service to become an ‘industry leader for HGV training’.

He said: “It has been a challenging and unpredictable year for the industry, but we are delighted to be seeing an increase in demand for qualified drivers across all sectors. “The launch of our licence acquisition service is part of our goal to become an industry leader for HGV training and will advance career opportunities for many drivers across the country. “In addition, we have teamed up with Funding Falcon, whose technology allows you to apply for and complete a loan application quickly, easily and transparently, meaning any driver or industry professional can successfully apply and complete our courses without financial barriers.”

The service offers users the chance to complete courses including Cat C, Cat C1, Cat C+E, ADR, HIAB and PCV, alongside some of the best training providers in the country including. The launch comes following a year in which the value of professional drivers to society has been clearer than ever, with the Government quickly designating this as an ‘essential industry’ in relation the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. And yet, Department for Transport figures show that as a result of driving tests being halted, there were 18,500 fewer LGV test passes in 2020, as compared to 2019, meaning there is significant demand for new LGV drivers.

Driver Hire last month started an appeal for more drivers as demand for haulage and deliveries increases across the UK.

The firm was particularly asking young people to consider a career in the industry.

Go to driverhiretraining.co.uk for more information on the training scheme.