Welcome boost for Road to Logistics scheme
The government has pledged £1m to support Road to Logistics – a not-for-profit scheme jointly founded by the Road Haulage Association and telematics company Microlise.
The scheme aims to address staffing shortages in the logistics industry by creating training and development opportunities for ex-offenders, the long-term unemployed and individuals from other disadvantaged backgrounds.
Following a successful trial with HM Prison Sudbury and other prisons across the UK, Road to Logistics aims to train up to 300 drivers in the first year.
The scheme will link potential drivers with employers, mentor them and put them through the necessary training including taking their HGV driving test.
Microlise Executive Director, Bob Harbey said, ‘We firmly believe that Road to Logistics will play a central role in addressing the sector’s skills shortfall and are extremely pleased that Government is providing the support that is so desperately needed.
‘The shortage of HGV drivers is a massive threat to the economy. Without them, the wheels of the UK road transport industry will, quite literally, grind to a halt.’
