150 new young apprentices to join Eddie Stobart Training Academy this year
Over 300 new drivers already employed following completion of training courses
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Mike Penning MP, today officially opened a brand-new state-of-the-art Eddie Stobart Training Academy in Widnes. Together with Stobart Group Chief Operating Officer, William Stobart, he also announced an innovative new Logistics Apprenticeship Programme, which will see 150 young apprentices join the Eddie Stobart team annually.
"I am pleased to be here today to open the new Eddie Stobart Training Academy. Road haulage is vital to the UK economy, so it's important that the industry continues to attract the best employees by offering high quality training and development opportunities," said Mike Penning.
He added: "I hope that this centre will become a model for employers across the country wanting to draw in the best talent by offering top-notch training facilities to help their people continually develop skills and knowledge."
William Stobart said: "The importance of properly trained and highly-motivated employees cannot be underestimated - the academy will help us maintain and develop the high standards synonymous with Eddie Stobart. The new apprenticeship scheme demonstrates our commitment to the future of this industry, and will develop managers and leaders of the future."
Operational since March, the Academy provides specialist instruction for Stobart employees across all functions of the business. Its primary role is the instruction and standards training of drivers, both veterans and new starters, and importantly, youngsters joining the apprenticeship program. Awaiting the many 18-year olds coming through the Academy is an intensive six-month Logistics Apprenticeship, during which they will spend a minimum six-weeks alongside experienced drivers gaining invaluable on-the-road experience. Only then, upon successful completion of the programme, will they be brought into the business and introduced to life as an Eddie Stobart driver.
Teaching the finer points of logistics planning, warehousing, navigation, geography, basic vehicle and trailer mechanics, health and safety, company history and codes of conduct, 320 new drivers have already been employed following courses at the Academy. Aligning with the Government's commitment to apprenticeships for young people, the programme will help ensure a continued flow of highly trained and motivated young people into the logistics industry.
The Academy will also be the base for all employee inductions and staff training, such as the mandatory Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and health and safety courses. It features a tiered arena with state-of-the-art learning facilities, a truck driving simulator, and an expansive demonstration area with a full size tractor unit, curtain-side trailer and refrigerated trailer for true-to-life dynamic instruction.