Scania is launching a Road to Work programme designed to bring new drivers into the industry quickly in a bid to counteract a “serious driver shortfall” in the UK.
The Swedish truck-maker said the move was in response to a prediction of an LGV driver shortage of 120,000 by 2020 from Skills for Logistics – and after many of its customers reported driver shortages.
Where there are vacancies, the scheme can also enable job-seekers to acquire an LGV licence with funding support provided through existing government schemes.
Additionally, Scania said it is working with industry partners to identify suitable employed candidates wishing to transfer from their existing roles to a new career behind the wheel.
“There’s no doubt the UK is heading for a serious driver shortfall and that urgent action is required,” said Scania (GB) Ltd’s driver services manager, Mark Agnew. “Our response is Road to Work, which provides a route to LGV licence acquisition for job-seekers or those in employment looking to progress themselves by developing new skills as a truck driver.
“It is not just people with licences the industry needs, but fuel-efficient individuals who understand the truck and their employer’s business,” he said.
