ELB Partners, based in London’s Wimbledon, will be looking to recruit at least 12 HGV drivers this year as its partnership with EP Training Services continues to bear fruit.
The haulier has worked with EP Training services for the past few years and has recruited up to 15 newly qualified drivers a year via the driving school based in Bookham, Surrey.
Sean Pargeter, MD at EP Training Services, said: “The biggest problem in the industry is there’s a huge demand for drivers but there’s an ever-diminishing pool of availability.
“There’s also a catch-22 situation for new drivers, as they’re not always given an opportunity despite this ongoing shortage.
“Most firms are demanding two years of experience but how do you get that experience if no-one gives you an opportunity in the first place?
Read more
- Brexit uncertainty and skills shortage help drive logistics sector confidence to new low
- Europa develops in-house skills with double promotion
- ELB Partners retains FORS gold status for fourth year in a row
“I’m of the opinion that it’s always best to recruit people with the right attitude and aptitude if you want to succeed.”
ELB’s MD Peter Eason said: “We first approached EP more than four years ago because they have a fabulous reputation for delivering high quality training and we wanted to find drivers of the highest calibre and commitment.
“Now we use them for all our staff LGV, Hazchem and CPC training, and have this ongoing agreement in which we recruit newly-qualified drivers directly from them.
“[The programme] provides us with high-quality staff direct from the country’s top-rated driving school, while it helps EP Training give their students a helping hand into the industry.
“Often, those new drivers would come up against the two-year experience requirement, which is so difficult to achieve for anyone who does not want to work for an agency.
“We’re delighted with the way the partnership is working and look forward to helping more of this new generation of drivers into work.”
Image shows ELB Partners MD Peter Eason (left) with EP Training Services MD Sean Pargeter and ELB driver Nigel Lane, who joined the business via EP training.