Member Article

Nicholson’s drivers on road to success

Drivers at a Teesside transport firm are on the road to success after completing mandatory training months ahead of schedule.

All 17 truckers at Nicholson’s Transport have achieved Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) qualifications which are now required under law.

The European Union Directive states that all lorry drivers must complete 35 hours of additional training every five years in areas such as health and safety, safe loading and the carriage of hazardous goods.

Working in partnership with the North East Logistics Academy, drivers at Nicholson’s completed the qualification ahead of the initial September 2014 deadline.

David Nicholson, managing director at Nicholson’s Transport, said: “I am incredibly proud that every one of our drivers completed their training well ahead of the deadline and it proves we have a workforce which is committed to the business and the industry.

“Skills and career development is something we are passionate about at Nicholson’s Transport, so we were very keen to get everyone through their CPC ahead of the game.

“It’s unfortunate, but there is not the quality of drivers in the industry that there once was but the Driver CPC qualification is going some way to addressing that by improving road safety and maintaining high standards.”

Nicholson’s Transport, which operates a 15-strong fleet of vehicles from its Billingham depot, is looking to recruit additional drivers throughout 2014 and will provide driving apprenticeships to suitable candidates.

It is the lorry drivers’ own responsibility to ensure they complete Driver CPC qualifications but many haulage firms, including Nicholson’s, support staff by providing and paying for the courses.

As well as theory tests such as hazard perception, drivers must also pass a series of practical tests such as driving ability and safety awareness to complete their CPC.

Mr Nicholson added: “The Driver CPC is good for the industry but it will throw up issues in the coming months with fewer qualified drivers to recruit.

“We have had a spell of qualified ex-services drivers coming through but that is coming to an end. There are also a number of older drivers who will opt to take early retirement instead of completing their training and fewer new, younger drivers opting to choose a career in logistics which will leave a gap in the market when looking to recruit quality drivers.

“Our aim is always to have the most competent drivers at Nicholson’s Transport and that is why we are committed to an academy model where drivers have a clear progression whether they are joining us as apprentices or have years of experience.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nicholsons Transport .