TRAINING
Eye-opener – Dale Williams now knows a career as a driver is for him .
Essential – Prestons of Potto ’ s health and safety and training manager Iain Dailey says that without drivers , we wouldn ’ t have the everyday goods we need .
In the family – Gavin Straine-Francis ’ dad was also a truck driver .
drivers , we don ’ t get all the everyday essentials we see around us .”
It ’ s not just drivers , there ’ s a whole infrastructure of jobs working in the background , ensuring the goods make it to our tables .
After 24 years in the industry , including being a driver himself , Iain knows logistics can offer jobs for life .
This is why he , Prestons of Potto and PD Ports are happy to get actively involved in the Routeways course , helping potential future drivers to build an understanding of the industry , know what to expect and enable them to grasp key employability skills specific to the sector .
To make sure the group knows exactly what they are signing up for , they were thrust straight into two-day industry placements , to make sure LGV driving is for them .
Far from being deterred , working alongside drivers at Prestons of Potto , Dale said : “ It made me realise that this could be the future for me .”
Gaining an understanding of how to work with EU regulations , carry out pre-vehicle checks , load securing and paperwork , the former SSI worker said : “ I learnt so much and the drivers were so willing to share their knowledge and experience .”
Gavin Straine-Francis also stepped up to the challenge . Hoping this will be the start of a whole new career for him , a big change after previously being a support worker , he said : “ My dad was a truck driver and so I feel I have got a good idea of what the life is like .”
It was his dad that suggested Gavin consider the industry . The 42-year-old added : “ I think that planted a seed and now here I am .”
Spending his placement at PD Ports , he said : “ The early start came as a bit of a shock , but the drivers were all brilliant .”
Pleased to see the delegates grasping the opportunity ahead of them , and glad to be able to tackle the driver shortage , even in a very small way , Stockton Riverside College ’ s Phil Dorn said : “ For us , this is what it is all about .
“ We passionately believe this type of collaboration is the way forward . The enthusiasm of the employers and the learners has been fantastic .”
To find out more about the Routeways to LGV Driver Training course at Stockton Riverside College , or to get involved , contact : Phil . Dorn @ stockton . ac . uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 135