Darren Cook     8th March 2024

Celebrating Women’s Impact in the Logistics Industry: A Spotlight on the UK

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of women in various sectors. In recent years, the logistics industry in the UK has seen a significant rise in the number of women employed, breaking traditional gender barriers and enriching the workforce with diverse perspectives and skills. Historically, the logistics industry…

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Skills Bootcamp Application

Darren Cook     28th February 2024

Brace For Impact

Attention Businesses: Brace for Impact – How to Navigate the Looming HGV Driver Shortage   Nationally we are in a period of instability within the transport industry, with a range of challenges such as driver shortages, soaring costs and inconsistent demand. Our own industry research suggests the majority of businesses feel they have enough drivers…

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Zack Parker     9th January 2024

Interview with Rob Peters: Training Progression

In a recent conversation, we had the pleasure of catching up with Rob Peters, a remarkable apprentice who not only completed his MCPC with us but also achieved a significant career milestone by being promoted to Transport Manager. Rob shared his incredible journey below in the logistics industry and reflected on how our training has…

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Donna-Marie Brown     5th October 2023

What is involved in a HGV Driver Medical?

As an HGV and PCV training company, we are often asked about the HGV driver medical which is needed in order for potential drivers to get their provisional licence. Hopefully, this article will ease all the worries you have before you go. The main thing to remember is DON’T WORRY you just need to be…

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Zack Parker     25th September 2023

We are shortlisted for the BECBC Business Awards!

We are so excited to announce that SP Training has been shortlisted for one of the prestigious business awards by the BECBC (British Energy Coast Business Cluster)!   What are the BECBC Business Awards? The BECBC are a not-for-profit business cluster bringing together businesses from across the world who support the clean energy industry and…

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Claire Prince     4th August 2023

Mobile Phone Use While Driving

It’s something we see every day, people on their phones while driving. From people holding their phone to their ear, having a conversation, to people thinking they are able to subtly check Facebook while stopped at the lights. But what are the laws around mobile phone use while driving and why does it matter? What…

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Zack Parker     29th June 2023

Learn to drive an HGV – FAQs!

When you’re looking into HGV driver training, there are often a lot of questions that come up! With our lengthy experience within the logistics industry, we dive into our most commonly asked questions. If there is anything that we haven’t covered here or any more information you would like to learn to drive an HGV,…

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Zack Parker     12th June 2023

Men’s Health Week 2023

Monday 12th June kicked off Men’s Health Week! This week aims to raise awareness for the health challenges that men may face. Men’s Health Week encourages men to look after themselves holistically, taking charge of their well-being, making informed decisions about their lifestyle choices, and seeking appropriate medical support when needed.   How can I…

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Zack Parker     6th June 2023

Interview with a Transport Supervisor Apprentice!

We recently spoke to one of our wonderful Apprentices, Charlie Durrington, following her work with our Apprenticeship team! She gives us some insights into how she how found her apprenticeship in general and working with SP Training!   Hi Charlie, thanks for talking with us today! Could you let us know what Apprenticeship you are…

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Zack Parker     31st May 2023

Off-The-Job Training on Your Apprenticeship!

Off-the-job training is a statutory requirement during your time as an Apprentice. This is training that is done during your working week, supplementing your knowledge, skills, and behaviour. Both employers and Apprentices sometimes need clarification on what constitutes off-the-job training, so we have broken it down in the blog below! If you do have any…

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Zack Parker     2nd May 2023

Hear from a Co-op LGV Apprentice!

After working closely with Robert Zajko on the Co-op Apprenticeship team, he let us know all about how he found being an LGV Apprentice! Our Apprenticeship Manager, Ian Silver, shares that Robert “had determination to succeed and had a great support network, which is key to the apprenticeship journey. This really highlights that all the…

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Zack Parker     18th April 2023

Updated Guide to Maintaining HGV and PSV Roadworthiness – DVSA

The DVSA has updated and improved the Guide to Maintaining HGV and PSV Roadworthiness! This is essential reading for transport managers and drivers of lorries and buses. It includes best practice advice on a range of items to keep vehicles safe on the road.   What is included in HGV and PSV Roadworthiness? It is…

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Zack Parker     16th March 2023

HGV Apprentice Testimonial – Matthew Coles

We recently spoke to Matthew Coles, one of our HGV Apprentices working at Asda. We are so incredibly proud to report that he received a Distinction across the board for his Apprenticeship! He so graciously wrote this HGV Apprentice testimonial of how his Apprenticeship went and his appreciation for the learning he can take away….

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Zack Parker     14th March 2023

Cumbria Training Alliance – Tackling the Driver Shortage in West Cumbria

The Cumbria Training Alliance is the brand-new collaborative training partnership set up between SP Training and Tyson H Burridge! With this partnership, businesses can now access high quality logistics training services across Cumbria. SP Training is one of the largest logistics training companies in the UK, always providing expert training across a variety of courses….

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Zack Parker     9th March 2023

2023 Apprentice Update!

Our Apprentices have started 2023 off strong! We sat down and spoke to our Functional Skills Manager, Lesley Williams, and she gave us an update on how the Apprentices are cracking on.   2023 Apprentice Update – Functional Skills Team Throughout January and February, the English tutors have observed some amazing presentations as part of…

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Zack Parker     8th March 2023

International Women’s Day 2023 – HGV Apprentice Testimonial

This International Women’s Day, we are sharing a testimonial from one of our recent HGV Apprentices – Charlotte Brooks. Charlotte worked at Co-Op in Plymouth while she completed her Apprenticeship. It can sometimes be daunting for women to enter the logistics industry, unsure how they will be supported throughout a journey that has traditionally been…

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Zack Parker     10th February 2023

National Apprenticeship Week 2023 – LGV Photo Competition!

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, our incredible LGV Apprentices have been taking part in our LGV Photo competition! It has showcased all the fantastic things that you get up to as an LGV Apprentice and all the sights you can take in across the UK as an LGV Driver.   Photo submitted by Lee Harris…

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Zack Parker     8th February 2023

National Apprenticeship Week 2023 – Farmfoods HGV Apprentice

This National Apprenticeship Week we spoke to one of our fantastic recent learners, Tom Walpeter, all about how he found doing his HGV Apprenticeship in partnership with SP Training and Farmfoods! He was an incredible learner, recently gaining a DISTINCTION in his EPA. Huge congratulations to Tom! Let’s find out what is was like to…

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December Apprentice Update

Zack Parker     14th December 2022

December Apprentice update from our Functional Skills Team!

This December has seen all our apprentices working hard before the Christmas break! Our Tutors have been working equally hard – they have been delivering power week training (where tutors take their learners from zero to hero!) as well as a lot of developmental work going on behind the scenes. Read all about it from…

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Zack Parker     29th November 2022

Autumn Apprentice Update from our Functional Skills Team!

This month we hear from our Functional Skills Manager, Lesley Williams, to get an Autumn Apprentice update from all our current learners!   Autumn Apprentice Update It has been all hands-on-deck since the beginning of September. The English and Maths tutors have delivered quality training during power weeks, supporting learners through to completion. The results…

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Zack Parker     23rd November 2022

A.W. Jenkinson Transport launches further LGV Bootcamps

Following the success of its LGV Bootcamps, A.W. Jenkinson Transport is now bringing the scheme to the south of England! Bootcamps are a hugely successful Government scheme designed to re-skill people into new roles and industries. SP Training has been supporting the HGV Skills Bootcamps as part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping everyone gain…

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Zack Parker     20th October 2022

What is a Transport Manager CPC Qualification?

Is the Transport Manager CPC Qualification something that you need in your business? Not sure why you would need it? Find out below all about which businesses require this qualification and how to get it!   Why do I need a Transport Manager CPC Qualification?   Essentially, Transport Managers are required in any business that…

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Trainer inside HGV with Learner

Zack Parker     6th October 2022

What is Driver CPC?

When it comes to the Driver CPC Certification, things can seem a little confusing, but we are here to take the mystery out of it. If you are looking into professional lorry (LGV – Large Goods Vehicle), bus or coach (PCV – Passenger Carrying Vehicle) driving, then we have everything covered below!   What exactly…

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Lauren Crowther     5th April 2022

Local motorcycling legend John McGuinnes acquires LGV Licence with SP Training

Recently, we worked with John McGuinnes, English specialist Isle of Man TT professional and solo motorcycle rider to help him achieve his LGV Driving Licence. We caught up with John post acquiring his licence to find out a bit more about why he wanted to be able to drive an Large Goods Vehicle (LGV)! Read…

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Lauren Crowther     9th February 2022

National Apprenticeship Week 2022: What’s it like doing an LGV Driving Apprenticeship?

An LGV (Large Goods Vehicle)  Driver might not be the first job that springs to mind when you consider apprenticeships, but following the ongoing driver shortage, LGV Apprenticeships are more popular than ever.  If you’re a practical person, enjoy being out on the road, and are looking for a career the complete opposite of a…

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Lauren Crowther     8th December 2021

FAQs about HGV Skills Bootcamps answered

The Government is investing in Skills Bootcamps to train up to 5,000 people to become HGV drivers. In addition, people can train through courses accessed locally and funded by the Government’s Adult Education Budget. The move will help tackle skills shortages and support more people to launch new careers within the logistics sector. Find all…

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Lauren Crowther     24th November 2021

SP Training expands apprenticeship portfolio with L4 Assessor Coach

This unique course includes the Level 3 CAVA Assessor Award, which is the industry standard qualification for people looking to assess learners for accredited courses. The addition of this course will benefit a variety of sectors in the local area to provide employees with the skills and development who are involved in training, coaching, and…

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C+E Apprenticeship

Lauren Crowther     7th November 2021

New HGV drivers to be allowed to go straight to artic test

Some rules about learning to drive an HGV and bus or coach are going to change on 15 November 2021 (subject to Parliamentary approval). The changes affect: what you’re allowed to learn to drive and take your driving test in how the driving test works From the 15th of November, the DVSA will be pulling…

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Lauren Crowther     25th October 2021

Everything you need to know about the HGV Skills Bootcamps and how to apply

Following the nation’s pressure to save Christmas and combat the LGV Driver and Supply Chain issues, the government recently announced that they are investing in new Skills Bootcamps to train up to 5,000 people to become HGV drivers so new drivers can acquire their license as quick as possible.  Once the bootcamps are operational, it…

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Lauren Crowther     22nd October 2021

Everything you need to know about an LGV Driver Apprenticeship

SP Training has a long history of developing new and innovative, industry-leading, award-winning training solutions, and given the recent driver shortage crisis, wanted to outline our apprenticeship offering with national partners, and what the LGV Driver apprenticeship entails.  We have an abundance of opportunities available through our national apprenticeship Driver Programme, where we partner with…

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Lauren Crowther     27th September 2021

Supply Chain issues ahead of Christmas, what is the solution?

From Nando’s running out of chicken and Costas’s coffee bean crisis to Weatherspoon’s facing Beer shortages and talking Carlings and Coors off the menu, the LGV Driver shortage continues to cause disruption to Supply Chains all over the UK, and it’s not getting any better. The issue that has long plagued the Logistics and Transport…

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Lauren Crowther     18th March 2021

Mental Health In The Workplace – are you prepared?

Today is My Whole Self day – a campaign delivered by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, that aims to champion workplace culture change, so employees feel comfortable to bring their whole self to work.  System People Education and SP Training are proud to be supporting My Whole Self this year. In 2021, we shouldn’t…

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Harry Mason     29th November 2019

New Co-op Driving Apprentice Tops Performance Rankings

An apprentice truck driver, part of the initial cohort of Co-op’s all-new professional driver programme, has beaten nearly 320 drivers to be the top-performer at the company’s Castlewood distribution centre, despite acquiring his licence with SP Training just three months ago. Heading the monthly driver performance rankings, Aron Marshall is part of Co-op’s professional driver…

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Tony Higgins - Managing Director

Harry Mason     11th October 2019

SP Training Launches Dangerous Goods Driving Apprenticeship with Flogas

SP Training has partnered with leading LPG gas supplier Flogas Britain Limited to deliver a bespoke professional driver programme tailored to create new rigid truck drivers for the company, including the necessary training and skills to transport dangerous goods. To help combat the national driver shortage, Flogas is using the Apprenticeship pathway to create new,…

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SP Training Secures Contract To Train DVSA Examiners

Donna-Marie Brown     6th September 2019

SP Training Secures Contract To Train DVSA Examiners

SP Training has secured an agreement with Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to deliver training to its examiners, enabling them to achieve their truck and bus driving licences before they become fully-qualified vocational examiners in LGV (large goods vehicle) and PCV (passenger carrying vehicle). In the last two years, DVSA has trained 63 examiners…

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C+E Apprenticeship

Donna-Marie Brown     19th August 2019

SP Training Welcomes Artic Licence Inclusion Within Apprenticeship Standard

SP Training is welcoming plans to include acquisition of the C+E or articulated truck licence within the apprenticeship standard. The company has provided an array of training services to a diverse range of businesses, from owner-drivers to national groups, and says a change in the way funding is structured can help the industry by allowing…

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Claire Prince     1st August 2019

Summer Driving Tips

Whether it’s the daily commute to work, the school run or a long journey to a holiday retreat, driving in the summer has its challenges. As well as glare, which can also be treacherous in winter, you’ve got high temperatures to contend with, which can make your car behave differently. Roads are often busier, especially…

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National Road Victim Awareness Month

Donna-Marie Brown     1st August 2019

National Road Victims Month

Which month do you think the most road traffic accidents occur?  You might expect the answer to be one of the winter months because ice and snow increase the risks to road users. However, it is August that usually sees more fatalities on UK roads than any other month. For this reason, road traffic accident…

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Claire Prince     25th July 2019

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is a great British Institution. There are so many iconic moments to come out of Wimbledon – among our favorites are John McEnroe’s infamous outburst, Andy Murray’s win which ended Britain’s 77 year wait for a men’s champion, and who can forget Cliff Richard’s singsong in the rain. Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament…

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Claire Prince     18th July 2019

Knife Crime

After falling for several years, knife crime in England and Wales is rising again. So, what is happening? Police-recorded knife crime has been rising consistently since 2014, with 39,818 incidents in the 12 months ending September 2018. This is a two-thirds increase from 2014. Out of the 44 police forces in England and Wales, 42…

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Claire Prince     11th July 2019

Sexual Orientation

What is Sexual Orientation? “Sexual orientation” is a term frequently used to describe a person’s romantic, emotional or sexual attraction to another person. Sexual orientation is different from gender identity, which refers to the internal sense of whether one is male or female. The concept of sexual orientation refers to more than sexual behaviour. It…

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Fire Safety at Work

Claire Prince     4th July 2019

Fire Safety at Work

Most fires can be prevented, by taking some basic and common sense precautions. Those responsible for workplaces and other buildings to which the public have access can avoid them by taking responsibility for and adopting the right behaviours and procedures. Causes of Fire in the Workplace Fire is a chemical reaction requiring the combination of…

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Tony Higgins - Managing Director

Donna-Marie Brown     21st June 2019

Warning To Cumbrian Transport Businesses To Use or Lose Levy Funding

SP Training is reminding Cumbrian businesses with a road transport fleet to ‘use it or lose it’ when it comes to accessing the funds they’ve paid into the government’s levy scheme to help address the national commercial driver shortage. After running for 24 months, money paid into the levy by individual businesses will now start…

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Cycle Safety Blog

Donna-Marie Brown     12th June 2019

Cycle Safety

There are more and more of people taking up cycling every year. Whether it’s to improve health and fitness, helping the environment or just to save some money there are definitely more cyclists on the roads. But how do we stay safe and keep others safe? Tips for Cyclists Many people are put off cycling…

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Katy Nixon     3rd January 2019

Katy’s Blog – part 12 (The Final Chapter)

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date.   This is it, my final blog! Seventeen…

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Katy Nixon     25th June 2018

Katy’s Blog – part 11

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date.   Unfortunately, this is my second last blog…

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Katy Nixon     11th May 2018

Katy’s Blog – part 10

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date.   I can’t believe how far I’ve come…

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Katy Nixon     3rd April 2018

Katy’s Blog – part 9

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date.   On the 12th of April, it will…

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Katy Nixon     3rd March 2018

Katy’s Blog – part 8

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date. In July last year, as you know, I…

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Katy Nixon     31st January 2018

Katy’s Blog – part 7

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date.   First blog of the year and January…

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Katy Nixon     22nd December 2017

Katy’s Blog – part 6

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date. It’s getting so close to Christmas and I…

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Claire Prince     11th December 2017

Equal Pay

Equal pay is your entitlement to the same wage as someone doing work of equal value to you, the same or broadly similar work as you or work rated as “of equivalent value” by a job evaluation study. This is often, but not exclusively, a gender issue. Women are sometimes paid less than men for…

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Katy Nixon     1st December 2017

Katy’s Blog – part 5

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date.   Yes, it’s this time of the month…

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Claire Prince     29th November 2017

Personal Wellbeing

Feelings of wellbeing are fundamental to your overall health, enabling you to successfully overcome difficulties and achieve what you want out of life. Past experiences, attitudes and outlook can all impact wellbeing as can physical or emotional trauma following specific incidents.  A child’s wellbeing will be affected by the wellbeing of their parents so it…

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Donna-Marie Brown     10th November 2017

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

The Apprenticeship levy, which came into effect in April 2017, is part of the government’s plan to increase the quantity and quality of Apprenticeships. The levy is a new tax which aims to fund three million new Apprenticeships in England by 2020. All UK employers who have a total employee pay bill above £3m a…

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Claire Prince     8th November 2017

Skin at Work

Work-related skin problems are very common but they can be very costly. This is not just through the suffering individuals experience, who’s careers can be ended, but also the employer who has to cover sickness absence, recruitment, training and compensation expenses. Work-related skin problems can happen in most workplaces although there are some jobs which…

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Donna-Marie Brown     3rd November 2017

10 Reasons Why You Should Get ‘The Edge’ Funded Training

As most of you probably know by now ‘The Edge’ is back! Once again we have been out and about letting you know what we have on offer and finding out what training you need. But why would you want to take us up on the offer of training? 1 – It’s Not Just One…

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Katy Nixon     30th October 2017

Katy’s Blog – part 4

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date.   I am four months into my apprenticeship…

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Claire Prince     25th October 2017

Parliament and the Monarch

In the past Britain’s kings and queens were incredibly powerful. They controlled the decisions that affected everyone in the country. Today, most of the important decisions that affect us are made by MPs and Members of the House of Lords. The Monarch Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom, with a king…

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Claire Prince     18th October 2017

Cyberbullying

Bullying, in the traditional sense is considered to be a physical act of contact. However, as technology has advanced, bullies have found new ways to torment their victims. Text, email and social media are a great source of communication, however they have now also become some of the most common channels for bullies to use….

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Claire Prince     11th October 2017

Flexible Working

Flexible working is a way of working that suits an employee’s needs such as having flexible start and finish times, or working from home. The government would like to make employment practices in the UK more flexible and family-friendly. Flexible working allows employees to have a career that fits in with other commitments. By agreeing…

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Claire Prince     5th October 2017

Winter Driving – Are You Ready?

Winter driving is different to driving any other time of the year. Bad weather and longer periods of darkness makes driving more hazardous. Sometimes conditions can be extreme with prolonged periods of heavy snow and floods. Different weather conditions create different hazards. A single journey may take you into very different weather, road and traffic…

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Katy Nixon     2nd October 2017

Katy’s Blog – part 3

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date.   Like I mentioned in my previous post…

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Claire Prince     21st September 2017

Nomophobia – Fear of No Mobile Phone

What is Nomophobia? Nomophobia is a fear of ‘No Mobile Phone’ According to the latest figures some people can spend over three hours on their smartphones.  For anyone who has been on public transport and noticed nearly every passenger glued to their smartphone, this research is hardly surprising.  Call it dependency or a full-blown addiction,…

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Claire Prince     6th September 2017

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Why use PPE? It is important that a workplace is made safe….

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Katy Nixon     1st September 2017

Katy’s Blog – part 2

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date.   Since my last post I have improved…

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Claire Prince     23rd August 2017

Operation of Parliament, Voters, Elections and Role of Political Peers

Operation of Parliament The main functions of the UK Parliament are to: Check and challenge the work of the Government (scrutiny) Make and change laws (legislation) Debate the important issues of the day (debating) Check and approve Government spending (budget/taxes)   Parliament is made up of three central elements: the House of Commons the House of Lords the…

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Stuart Davison     21st August 2017

Driver CPC Hours – How Not to Get Caught Out!

When I have been out and about visiting customers, there has been some confusion around the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). It seems that everybody is aware that all drivers have to complete 35 hours training in a 5-year period. For those that did their CPC when it was first introduced the 5-year…

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Claire Prince     17th August 2017

Work Related Stress

Well-designed, organised and managed work is good for us but when insufficient attention to job design, work organisation and management has taken place, it can result in work related stress. Work related stress develops because a person is unable to cope with the demands being placed on them. Stress, including work related stress, can be…

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Claire Prince     9th August 2017

Pregnancy and Maternity Leave

It is unlawful for your employer to dismiss you because you are pregnant or for reasons connected with your pregnancy or maternity leave. It is also unlawful for your employer to deny you access to holiday pay, sickness pay, training or any other contractual benefit that all employees are entitled to. Pregnancy is not an…

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Donna-Marie Brown     8th August 2017

The Green Cross Code

The Green Cross Code was created to raise awareness of pedestrian road safety in the United Kingdom. Even though the Green Cross Code is taught in schools it needs to be reinforced at home by parents/guardians practicing and explaining the code to children. In 2015, 39% of child road casualties were pedestrians that is 6,280. Help stop your child being…

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Donna-Marie Brown     4th August 2017

What to Do at a Road Traffic Accident

Hopefully you will never be involved in a road traffic accident but what if you are? What would you do if were the first, or the only, person to arrive at the scene of an accident? Do not panic we have some basic advice to help keep yourself safe and save lives. Warn Others Park…

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Katy Nixon     4th August 2017

Katy’s Blog – part 1

We  thought the best way for everyone to understand what goes on during an apprenticeship was to get one of our apprentices point of view. Katy is doing her Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with us and has very kindly agreed to keep you all up to date.   I started my Supply Chain Warehouse Operative…

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Stuart Davison     4th August 2017

Is Apprenticeship the Right Word?

Being new to a training provider company (SP Training) part of my own learning has been understanding the new apprenticeships and the Levy payments for businesses with a £3 million plus wage bill. My first impression of apprenticeships was ‘this is a scheme for 16 -19 years old who are starting work and to help…

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Claire Prince     2nd August 2017

Health & Safety – Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse.  Repetitive action is when you do the same movement over and over again for long periods of time. Where it first causes strain, and then injury. Which is why we…

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Claire Prince     19th July 2017

Forced Marriage

A forced marriage is where one or both people do not or cannot consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used. It is important to note that forced marriages differ from an arranged one where the couple willingly agree to the marriage. Forced marriage is recognised in the UK as a form of…

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Claire Prince     12th July 2017

Human Rights

Anyone who is in the UK for any reason has fundamental human rights which government and public authorities are legally obliged to respect. These became law as part of the Human Rights Act 1998. You can download the Human Rights Act from here Human Rights Act The Human Rights Act 1998 gives further legal effect…

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Claire Prince     5th July 2017

Manual Handling

Manual Handling includes a range of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, supporting and transferring a load by bodily force.  A load can be an inanimate object, a person or an animal.  The weight of the item is an important factor, but many other factors can create a risk of injury, for example the…

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Nights Away Pay for Lorry Drivers

Donna-Marie Brown     15th June 2017

Nights Away Money Paid to Lorry Drivers

For many years lorry drivers have benefited from nights away money being paid to them tax free as long as the payments were in accordance with the agreed rates.  From 6 April 2017 there have been changes to this guidance which all haulage businesses should be aware of. The Essential Information Can I still pay…

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Scania and SP Training

Donna-Marie Brown     5th April 2017

Partnership with Scania

SP Training have formed a partnership with Scania to begin offering a national HGV driver training programme. SP Training and the Swedish giant want to combat the UK’s shortage of qualified HGV drivers, which is estimated to be 40,000 below what is needed. The partnership is aiming to help equip people with HGV driving licences via…

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Donna-Marie Brown     14th March 2017

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…

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Tony Higgins & Robin Brown SP Training

Donna-Marie Brown     4th November 2016

Shortage of HGV drivers brings boom for SP Training

Growing demand for HGV drivers has led SP Training to quadruple its workforce in four months. The business aims to tackle a UK-wide shortage of HGV drivers by providing tailored training programmes from its custom-built facility at Carlisle Airport. Such has been the demand, SP Training has already increased its staff numbers from four to…

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Donna-Marie Brown     12th October 2016

Carlisle College lands £8.5million project to boost Cumbrian Economy

Carlisle College has been awarded £8.5m in funding to support Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) vision for Cumbria to have one of the fastest growing economies in the UK by raising skills levels and reducing skills gaps. The project will offer funded training opportunities, focusing on workforce development within Cumbrian small and medium sized enterprises…

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Ellis Castiglio & David Wardle SP Training

Donna-Marie Brown     9th August 2016

‘Live the Dream’ with SP Training!

Ellis Castiglio is living his dream, Ellis wanted more than anything to drive a truck for a living so he approached SP Training for help. Where to start? First of all he had to obtain his provisional truck licence then pass his theory test, before starting the driver training and test. SP Training helped Ellis every step of the way…

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Donna-Marie Brown     29th July 2016

SP Training Logistics Training Centre Launched

A new, industry leading logistics training centre has been launched at Carlisle Airport by SP Training, the newly branded specialist training division of System People. Designed to support the logistics industry, the facility is one of the largest and best-equipped Logistics Training Centres in the UK. Led by Robin Brown and Tony Higgins, SP Training…

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RocketSitesLTD     21st July 2016

SP Training Launched Creating 50 New Jobs In Carlisle

Two Cumbrian businessmen have launched a new dedicated training company which they say will create up to 50 new jobs. Headed by Robin Brown and Tony Higgins, SP Training will become the specialist training division of Carlisle-based System People and will focus on delivering logistics and transport training to both local and national companies. Brown…

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