Welch's Transport to hold open day for new HGV driver apprenticeship scheme

Welch’s Transport is holding an open day on 24 January for candidates interested in its new HGV Driver Apprenticeship scheme.

The Cambridgeshire-based family haulage firm has developed a three-year NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship, supported by Norfolk Training Services, in a bid to attract fresh talent into the business.

Students will spend time in the warehouse, the transport office and learning about commercial and customer care aspects of the business, before working with a driver-trainer towards obtaining their Category C licence at the end of the course.

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, new drivers will then work towards passing their Category C+E licence while working full-time at the firm.

Mike Bentham, sales and marketing manager, told CM the company planned to run the scheme every year, taking on board at least two new drivers at each intake.

He hoped the scheme would help to inject some “young blood” into the business, as well as ensuring Welch’s has a steady flow of qualified drivers, despite the industry-wide shortage of skilled HGV drivers.

The family firm, which celebrates 81 years in operation during 2015, has recently relocated into its purpose-built 9-acre flagship facility in Duxford having outgrown its previous 5.5-acre site.

To find out more about the open day or apprenticeship, please email gerrylear@welchgroup.co.uk