Jack Richards & Son using Horsepower to develop drivers

Jack Richards & Son is tackling the driver shortage head on and offering category C drivers in Cheshire the opportunity to gain their C+E licence at weekends.

The haulage company has teamed up with training provider Horsepower Training to create more qualified drivers using ‘assisted funding’ for candidates not eligible for apprenticeships or who can’t afford training costs.

Drivers will be given hands-on training behind the wheel of a truck from the company’s Northwich depot’s fleet on Saturdays and Sundays, enabling access to vehicles on a Monday to take the test.

Read more

• Jack Richards & Son sees year of growth but sounds note of caution
• Jack Richards & Son joins the Palletline network
• Low fuel prices give Jack Richards and Son pre-tax profit boost

As part of the scheme, Jack Richards guarantees candidates an immediate start as a C+E driver on their mentor scheme when they pass their test.

Nathalie Axon, owner at Horsepower Training said: “With the help of this training, we could help those people achieve their dream job and at the same time help the industry solve one of its biggest problems – not enough drivers.”

If the scheme proves successful then it will be considered for further roll out.