New Training Scheme Rewards Competent Logistics Drivers

A new gold standard training scheme designed to encourage and reward competent and compliant van and lorry drivers has been introduced by specialist UK national recruitment agency Encore Personnel.

Placing more than 300 van and lorry drivers on the road every week, Encore has invested in a new training scheme as part of its ‘Encore Approved Driver Scheme’ in order to ensure committed, loyal drivers have the chance to constantly upgrade their skills.

The scheme is being offered to Encore’s qualifying drivers who have demonstrated a high standard of performance and are keen to develop their careers. It involves comprehensive training to improve and develop driving skills and upgrade the licence category – for example progressing from a van to a Light Goods Vehicle (LGV 2) licence, progressing from LGV 2 to LGV 1, obtaining a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) or obtaining other driving skills such as a Moffett or HIAB certificate.

Senior divisional manager at Encore, Wayne Stroud, said the scheme has been very well received among experienced drivers and take-up rates were expected to ‘rocket’ over the coming months.

He said: “Encore is keen to offer drivers joining the company a clear career path to higher skills and higher salaries. We expect more than 50 drivers a year to enter the programme and have already received glowing feedback from those who have taken part.”

AE Driver Training has been chosen to work with Encore to deliver the programme from its Northampton-based training centre. All drivers undertake bespoke training tailored to their level of development that includes their theory test, hazard perception and practical examinations in what can be a four-to-five day intensive testing regime.

Stuart Macmillan, a van driver based in Harrow, has recently completed Encore’s training scheme and is now an accredited LGV 2 lorry driver – which means he can drive non-articulated lorries up to 32 tonnes.

He said: “I think this is an excellent training scheme for drivers who are looking to upskill and expand their earning potential. The course is very taxing and takes a lot of concentration and hard work, but it is definitely worth it.

“I can now apply for a much wider range of jobs with Encore Personnel thanks to my new qualification, and I am a much more experienced, careful and measured driver as a result. Driving big lorries can be a dangerous job and I think it is important to be trained to the highest of standards before heading out on to the roads. I’d certainly recommend Encore’s driver training scheme.”

Stuart is now considering taking a further qualification, which will mean he can safely carry dangerous goods, such as hazardous gases, as cargo.

Encore also has JAUPT approval and from its own in-house training centre, is also able to offer Driver CPC periodic training free of charge to their drivers, after a qualifying period, ensuring they retain their qualification allowing them to continue driving commercially.

Wayne added: “Our customers include some of country’s biggest brands and it’s important that when one of our drivers is in one of their vehicles they drive professionally, safely and respectfully. We believe that an ‘Encore Trained’ driver as part of the ‘Encore Approved Driver Scheme’ will become the first choice for haulage and logistics firms across the country.”