Our apprenticeship starts with the National Minimum Wage.
The guy’s and girls then have the usual company induction.
They then start on drivers hours, pre use checks, H+S training, curtains, tail lifts and pump trucks, load security etc.
They then start going out with four wheeler drivers on local deliveries to see how manifests, run sheet and PDA’s work.
They attend one day a week at Burnley college for a NVQ2 in LGV driving.
Their driving is initially assessed on a 3.5 tonne van.
When signed off on that they alternate betwee the trainers, the drivers and the van until they start their Class 2 training.
This starts as soon as they have enough knowledge to pass the theory and hazard perception and Mod 2.
Class 2 training starts and Mod 4 on the morning of the test.
After passing they get a four wheeler on their own route. They have regular catch up days with trainers to check progress.
Following a further assessment they move to Class 1
After passing they have a full day training shunting at National Carpets which is a relatively tight yard with narrow bays and a smallish trailer park.
They probrably do 12 -15 trailers on the bay and the same back on.
They are then on their own again with regular follow up days with us the ensure that no bad habits have crept in!
To date the young men and women we have taken on have all been very successful, two more start with us next week.
As soon as they pass their tests they are paid the same Class 2 or Class 1 rate as the other drivers.
One lad (of nineteen) passed his Class 2 on a Friday but because we had no truck for him he went straight onto Class 1 on the following Monday- passed both first time with 3 minors.
He has a dedicated unit and (touch wood!!!) has had no incidents for the last 9 months. 