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, highly-skilled delivery drivers. SP Training has developed a programme specifically tailored to the company’s needs, including training the drivers to achieve their truck licences along with the knowledge and experience to safely deliver dangerous goods.
Flogas is taking advantage of full funding of the training programme from its Apprenticeship levy and the programme will cover sites across its national network. It joins a growing number of employers with a distribution fleet using the Apprenticeship route to take on new employees or create a career pathway for current non-driving warehouse and operations staff.
Using its extensive experience and proven, employer-friendly model, the 13-month programme will see SP Training front-loading much of the more critical skills, behaviour and knowledge, allowing trainees to obtain their truck licence within eight to ten weeks and become productive for Flogas during the company’s busy winter period.
The Flogas programme is bespoke to the individual business needs, creating a model, high-performing driver, with training modules designed in close cooperation with Flogas.
SP Training has helped many national businesses use levy funding to run professional driver programmes, creating their own bespoke drivers using the Large Goods Vehicle apprenticeship standards. It allows companies to recruit both internally and externally with a structured programme to fund the training of drivers through a long-term solution.
Tony Higgins, SP Training managing director, said: “We tailor each professional driver programme to the individual needs of the employer and this Apprenticeship with Flogas is a great example of that. In addition to achieving their rigid truck licences, trainees will also gain the knowledge and skills to carry dangerous goods – enabling them to undertake LPG deliveries for Flogas as a highly-skilled driver.”
Alan Kirk, Flogas operations director, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to offer this opportunity to colleagues within the business. This initiative provides Flogas with an opportunity to grow and retain our own talent whilst rewarding commitment through career development.”
