Blakemore Logistics has opened the door to a career in LGV driving for several young people by hosting a driver apprenticeship scheme.
Working in partnership with the Logistics Apprenticeship Training Academy (LATA), Blakemore Logistics has provided a series of work placements that have helped apprentices to gain the qualifications and experience required for a career in professional LGV driving.
In August the company celebrated its first apprenticeship success when one of the candidates on its programme, 22-year-old Ben Hilton, gained full-time employment at A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd after qualifying as an LGV Class 2 driver.
Blakemore Logistics Transport Manager Dave Higgs commented: “The driver apprenticeship scheme provides trainees with the opportunity to earn while they learn as well as acquire vital experience in the logistics sector, hands-on training and nationally recognised qualifications.
“Meanwhile the company is developing potential future employees who have been provided with training tailored to suit the individual needs of the business.”
Ben added: “The apprenticeship scheme has enabled me to gain real driving experience and as a result a job with great prospects.
“Before taking part in the programme I had no LGV driving experience or qualifications, so it would have been incredibly difficult for me to get a foot in the door without it.”
After Ben has completed six months working for Blakemore Fine Foods, Blakemore Logistics will then provide the training necessary for him to qualify as a Class 1 driver, which will enable him to drive articulated and rigid vehicles.
Blakemore Logistics has two further driver apprentices currently on the same scheme, aged 21 and 24, who will both be taking their Class 2 practical driving tests later this month.
In February the company also recruited eighteen-year-old tyre fitter, who successfully completed an apprenticeship scheme in June, run in partnership with LATA.
In the coming months Blakemore Logistics is looking to partner with West Midlands-based logistics specialist training provider Targeted Training Projects to provide further driving work experience opportunities to local people.
