RHA Help Train Next Generation of Drivers

The RHA has helped train 60 HGV drivers this year in partnership with Stamford and Lincoln Colleges. The two-year collaboration began in January, with another 60 due to be trained in 2024.

RHA colleagues assist the colleges during the selection process as they sort hundreds of applications down to 60; they make sure each successful applicant meets the high standards of the haulage industry – providing an English and maths test during the selection process. Then with Newark-based Diamond Training assess students during their practical exams to ensure passers meet the highest possible standards.

The six-month training course is funded by The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and is similar to the RHA's collaboration with Peterborough College which also saw new drivers enter the workforce.

RHA work with candidates to help get them job opportunities with member firms, including Branston, a Lincolnshire-based potato supplier who joined up with RHA Training and Lincoln College to hire newly trained drivers. The RHA also informs membership about the latest drivers to go through this process.

Through this RHA Training can often make the newly qualified drivers a bespoke fit for a firm’s employment needs for a variety of roles.

Paul Benns, training development manager at the RHA, said: “Working in partnership with the colleges and leading businesses like Branston has allowed us to break the cycle with the shortfall of HGV drivers. Working closely with Branston in this partnership is the missing piece – offering a viable onward progression for those finishing their course.”

He added, "Only with the Driver Training Schemes do so many different organisations work together for the benefit of all parties."

If you are an RHA member interested in taking on newly qualified drivers, please contact [email protected]

For more information on becoming a HGV driver through the scheme click here.