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 14 and is advertising to fill six more positions.

Chairman Robin Brown said: “The logistics industry is short of 45,000 drivers, which is set to get worse over the coming years.

“This is going to have serious repercussions for the country as a whole, which is why we are now working with local and national companies to address the problem, not only bringing people into the industry but helping them find work within it.

“One of our key projects will be the delivery of apprenticeship programmes to address the issues the industry has with an aging workforce and provide careers for young people.”

Mr Brown and managing director Tony Higgins set up SP Training having previously run System Training, which became the largest logistics training provider in the UK prior to its sale to Bibby Distribution in 2013.

SP Training is working with Stobart Group and is also partnering with local employers in the Cumbria Transport Group (CTG) to train new drivers.

The group’s members include WM Armstrong, AW Jenkinson, Tyson H Burridge, Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council, and Stalkers Transport Services.

Mr Higgins said: “Creating a significant number of jobs locally is always encouraging and we believe we have the platform to create future employment and inspire prosperity on both a local and national level.”