Logistics operator CTS Logistics has established a Driver Academy to train new HGV drivers suited to the specialist cargo the firm delivers across the UK and Europe.
CTS, based in Silchester, Berkshire, covers the £4,000 to £5,000 cost of training and gaining an HGV licence, taking on entry-level candidates and training them from scratch.
Trainees can become a Category C+E driver in 18 months with a mixture of classroom-based theory and on-the-job driving experience.
Arron Young, pictured, has been working for CTS Logistics for more than two years and said the Driver Academy allowed him to make the progression from van driving.
He said: “I’ve always enjoyed driving so this seemed like the natural step up. But I couldn’t have afforded the training unless I’d been through the Driver Academy.
“You train for your Class 2 licence first and go through medicals, learn about the vehicle and how to restrain the load, as well as going out on the road. I’ve been to Sardinia, France, Germany and Austria.
“I think this is a good opportunity for anyone looking for a career in HGV driving. There is always going to be work out there for lorry drivers.
“CTS stuck with me through my training and from a financial perspective I am a lot better off.”
Driver Academy applicants need to have held a full, clean driving licence for at least 12 months, live within 30 miles of the CTS headquarters and meet the criteria to go through UK government security vetting procedures.
CTS founder and MD Nick Collins said: “Our ‘grow your own’ initiative helps to train HGV drivers to the highest standard so they are suitable for the specialist work which CTS undertakes.
“The industry is coming under more pressure as driver numbers fall so our academy is committed to bringing younger drivers into the profession.”
CTS aims to have two drivers on the academy programme at any one time. However, the academy also encompasses all 50 employees' training and development needs in their area of expertise, whether that’s in finance, HR, freight forwarding, security or health and safety.
The academy is about both growing the individual and the business’ capability. It fits alongside CTS' Performance for Growth scheme designed to align business and individual goals.
CTS Logistics works with government departments, the defence, civil nuclear and aerospace industries, and large commercial organisations, and carries freight by road, air and sea.