Redundant workers look to train as HGV drivers

HGV school Melmerby Training Services has experienced an influx of would-be drivers coming from outside the haulage profession in search of a new career.

The North Yorkshire company says that between October 2008 and March, the number of customers undergoing HGV, CPC and ADR training shot up 33%, while enquiries increased 40%.

According to director David Garland, who runs the firm with his father Paddy, 25% of the new recruits are people who have been made redundant in other sectors and are keen to become their own boss as an owner-driver.

Paddy Garland adds: "We normally train those already in the haulage and farming industry but these people are taking a risk to try something new, and there still are a lot of firms looking for new blood to come in."

Garland says he is thinking about employing more staff as Melmerby has a full diary for the next three months.

The company has also been approved as Driver CPC training provider. From September HGV drivers will have to complete 35 hours of training over a five-year period.