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 and Higgins were former owners of award-winning training provider System Group, based at Carlisle Airport Business Park, before they sold the business in 2012. Under their management, the company became the largest logistics training provider in the UK and hit the headlines in 2011 when HRH Princess Anne opened a new training academy at the site.

This was followed by a visit from Prime Minister David Cameron who endorsed quality Apprenticeship training programmes at the business.

System People and SP Training are relocating to the three-acre airport site from their current location in English Gate Plaza on Botchergate. The new premises will provide the platform for SP Training to fuel significant growth, creating jobs and fulfilling its true potential.

The new training business will deliver courses for companies involved in the logistics and transport industry, which is experiencing a crippling driver shortage. It’s estimated that there are currently 45,000 vacancies for driving positions in the UK and SP Training will deliver licence acquisition training for new goods vehicle drivers alongside mandatory CPC courses for qualified drivers.

One of the key areas of focus will be the delivery of high quality Apprenticeship programmes which will help to address the issues the industry has with an aging workforce and will also provide well paid careers for young people locally.

It will also offer specialist training for warehouse staff and courses for fork-lift truck drivers.

SP Training will deliver Stobart Group’s Professional Driver Course, the new driver training partnership created in October last year between Stobart Group and System People.

The course is a comprehensive programme of training and development that takes drivers from a car licence all the way through to an LGV licence. Candidates undergo industry training to ensure that they can operate the varying types of trailers and equipment that Stobart Group drivers use. Following the training they are awarded a Driving Goods Vehicle Apprenticeship.

Brown and Higgins work with some of the UK’s largest transport and fleet operators including Travis Perkins, Yodel, Arla, AW Jenkinson and ECM.

Robin Brown, chairman of SP Training, said: “While this is an exciting new training venture, it’s very much a return to our roots. The resource and training team within SP Training is one of the most experienced in the industry, with a wealth of expertise in the logistics and transport sector. Considering the current position of the industry, we have a unique opportunity to fuel growth and make a real difference to operators.”

Tony Higgins, managing director of SP Training, said: “Creating a significant number of jobs locally is always encouraging and, with the larger premises at Carlisle Airport, it’s an exciting opportunity for everyone. Cumbria is a major logistics hub and, with the opportunities around the M6 corridor, we have the platform to create future employment and inspire prosperity on both a local and national level.”