The NWH Group tackle driver shortage head on with new HGV driving school

We’ve launched The NWH Driving School – a new initiative to tackle the on-going HGV driver shortage.

We aim to secure two new HGV drivers per week through our fully-funded training programme.

Ricky Ray, Group Compliance Director at The NWH Group, said: “To deliver on our excellent rated service levels, HGV drivers are essential to our business. Due to a variety of reasons, the industry is facing a massive driver shortage right now so growing the HGV driver pool is one of our top priorities.

“We understand the current economic climate and cost of living crisis are creating extremely challenging circumstances for many people so we’re offering potential HGV drivers a fully-funded route to secure their license as well as a guaranteed job at the end. Not only that, drivers will benefit from a full-time salary while they complete their training.

“The process to achieve the HGV driver qualification can be a lengthy and difficult one, and one that can seem out of reach for lots of people due to the number of tests, courses and the expensive fees that are required. So, we’re stepping in to help.”

Furthermore, we have recognised the lack of opportunities for young people trying to break into the profession, and so have increased the number of driver apprenticeships we offer each year from two to eight – with full-time employment at the end guaranteed.

To further assist with the cost of living, we’ll be recruiting driver mentors from within our own pool of drivers to support the newly qualified NWH Group drivers, and will be creating a substantial financial reward for each new driver to pass through the scheme into employment.

Additionally, our HGV driver apprenticeship scheme, which was first launched in 2013, enables young adults to learn on the job and achieve career specific qualifications as well as learning valuable skills and gaining experience in the field.

The scheme offers an incredibly high level of training from experienced and knowledgeable mentor drivers and apprentices are put through their SVQ Driving Goods Vehicles qualification, in an addition to a Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship in Freight Logistics – Driving Goods Vehicles.