Wincanton accelerates driver recruitment
Wincanton has launched a Drivers of the Future scheme to address the shortage of HGV drivers.
In recent years the UK has suffered from a shortage of HGVs drivers. According to the Logistics UK Skills and Employment Report 2020, there are over 300,000 HGV drivers in the UK but this, says the association, means there is a shortfall of some 79,000 HGV drivers required to meet demand.
Drivers are also getting older (the average age is 49.6) and for many retirement may be in their thoughts. (14.5 percent are 60 and above). Replacing this cohort in the next five years is crucial to meeting the need to move goods.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a postponement of 28,000 HGV driver tests, alongside delays to medical examinations, for those seeking C and C + E category licences. Simply, this means that fewer new drivers can start work right now as the backlog needs to be cleared.
Recent changes to immigration processes have tested the sectors’ reliance on labour from the European Union (which now stands at 12.4 percent of all HGV drivers in the UK according to Logistics UK). With the Government not currently prioritising HGV drivers with their immigration approach, the priority for employers is to recruit a domestic workforce to meet demand.
To address these challenges, Wincanton have developed a strong foundation to recruit and retain skilled drivers.
The company has 200 apprenticeship places to fill this financial year, and recent recruitment activity attracted 1,900 applicants. In the north-west of England, a cohort of 15 apprenticeship spaces alone attracted 400 applications over one weekend.
Wincanton’s adjusted apprenticeship programme can remove the cost barriers for those looking to train and obtain a licence, but the Government needs to work harder to ensure that Apprenticeship Levy funding delivers skilled workers – in this case HGV drivers – in an area of the labour force where there is a stark need.
Sally Austin, chief people officer at Wincanton, said: “Breaking down the barriers and creating more opportunities for our current and future colleagues is fundamental to making Wincanton a great place to work. I’m excited by the launch of our new programmes and I look forward to seeing the continued growth in our driver population.”
For more information visit www.wincanton.co.uk
1st June 2021
