UK recruitment group Pertemps has launched a new brand dedicated to supplying non-LGV and LGV drivers and embarked on a 75,000 training drive for truckers as it bids to combat the acute skills shortage facing the sector.
Drivers@Pertemps will operate out of 37 regional branches across the country, and will be manned by specialist teams of consultants, the majority of which are ex-drivers themselves. The group currently places more than 4,000 drivers per week and serves 2,500 clients nationwide, including many high street names.
Kent Thompson, managing director of Pertemps, said: ìThe new brand consolidates our existing experience in the haulage and logistics sector, and should give this part of the business a clearer identity that will help us attract more drivers and offer a better national service for clients.î
The new firm is also offering truckers free training on how to use new digital tachographs, which now have to be fitted to all vehicles registered after 1 May 2006 following new European legislation.
While older vehicles will be allowed to continue to use the analogue equipment, there are fears that the new law could lead to a shortage of drivers able to use the new technology as fleets are updated.
All Drivers@Pertemps drivers will also have the cost of their smart card for the digital system, which costs 38 from the DVLA, paid in full.
ìThe training initiative aims to ensure the broadest possible range of drivers is able to use the new technology,î Kent Thompson added.
ìWhile permanent staff will normally get the training and cards paid for by their employer, temporary and unemployed drivers would ordinarily have to make their own arrangements and often foot the bill themselves.
ìAlready many of our clients are requesting drivers that can use digital tachos so this training programme stands to benefit everyone ñ it improves the employability of drivers, helps us to fill our vacancies and eases the pressure on the whole sector as the new legislation takes effect.î
Pertemps celebrates new driving brand launch with free trucker training blitz
Pertemps has launched a new brand dedicated to supplying non-LGV and LGV drivers and embarked on a 75,000 training drive for truckers as it bids to combat the acute skills shortage facing the sector
