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 a network of 12 nationwide training centres and the two companies will target logistics businesses of all sizes with their service.

Scania’s 40-strong team of driver trainers will handle the practical elements of the HGV test and SP Training will deliver the classroom content – including the mandatory Driver CPC modules – from the manufacturer’s network of 12 sites. During 2016, Scania delivered 9,000 days of professional training to 1,500 customers in transport and distribution, and this new service in partnership with is designed to give them a way to to help attract new drivers.

Scania Optimise Services general manager Matthew Watson said: “This new partnership will bring Scania closer to our customers and deliver a quality service that both they, and the transport and logistics industry as a whole, is demanding.

“It’s an exciting venture with SP Training that will deliver an important platform to help create new jobs and plug the long-term driver shortage gap.”

The average age of a truck driver in the UK is about 50-years-old, higher than other industries and there isn’t a flow of young people to fill the gaps left by those who are retiring.

This training partnership is also set to deliver apprenticeships for young people to create a pathway into the industry and open up employment opportunities.

Robin Brown, chairman of SP Training, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Scania and, as a company, they share the same quality standards and values as SP Training.

“This national collaboration is truly unique and utilises the best qualities and skills from both companies to deliver a real impact when it comes introducing new drivers to the industry.”

Click for more information on our Driver CPC training or Learning to Drive with us.