Tackling driver shortages

UK port operator PD Ports, the largest private employer in the Tees Valley, has offered six Stockton Riverside College students the unique opportunity to shadow its LGV drivers in a bid to bridge skills gaps and help make careers in transport and logistics attractive and attainable.

Geoff Lippitt, chief commercial officer at PD Ports, said: At PD Ports, we have long foreseen the potential issues around driver shortages as we recognised that drivers typically fell into an ageing demographic, leaving behind a huge skills gap.”

Real-life experience

The bespoke programme, which has been developed by Stockton Riverside College in collaboration with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), PD Ports and fellow logistics providers Prestons of Potto, will see students travel in an artic LGV alongside experienced drivers to gain an exclusive insight into life on the road.

The programme has already successfully launched. Over the course of two days with their respective mentors, students gained an understanding of how to work with EU regulations, conduct pre-vehicle checks, undertake load securing and handle the paperwork associated with being a driver, all whilst travelling around the UK.

Following their placements, and upon successfully completing the course, which enables students to acquire their licences and a level 2 logistics qualification, students are also guaranteed an interview with PD Ports for full-time employment, further enabling them to kick start their careers.

Lippitt added: “As the largest private employer in the region, and global leaders in the logistics sector, we know how important collaboration is when tackling skills shortages. This programme demonstrates how, by working together, we can effectively challenge perceptions and offer invaluable insights into potential career paths.”