New apprenticeship launched with Stobart Group

Stobart Group is to use SP Training to run an apprenticeship scheme and provide drivers for Stobart Energy – formerly Stobart Biomass. This is designed to create new jobs and address the national shortage of skilled HGV drivers.

The programme has been launched by Stobart Group at its Carlisle, Widnes and Tilbury depots.

SP Training will be responsible for ensuring apprentices learn the skills necessary to obtain their rigid and articulated truck licences, as well as customer service and professional driver qualifications.

Stobart will then put the successful drivers through vehicle and operational training specific to the biomass transport division The logistics giant will also give apprentices health and safety training and pair the new drivers up with more experienced colleagues.

SP Training chairman Robin Brown said: “With a shortfall of over 60,000 drivers, the UK road haulage industry is facing a crisis – and this is a unique partnership between two Cumbrian companies determined to do something about it.

“The Stobart Group professional driver apprentice programme aims to tackle the problem head-on by providing highly-trained new drivers of any age to its ranks, and we are delighted to be working with both them and the next generation of drivers.”

Stobart Group head of human resources Joanna Secular-Hall said: “As the Stobart Energy division has expanded, we have experienced the need for more skilled drivers.

“Stobart Group is committed to developing professional driver apprenticeships and, with the help of SP Training, intends to fill those gaps with highly-trained drivers of our own.”