Baroness Vere visits Transport Development Centre 

The TDC has been designed to facilitate Driving Ambition, DHL’s new training programme which provides fully funded training for applicants to qualify as LGV drivers. New recruits will be taken through an end-to-end course, covering everything from medical checks to driving theory and practical training. A team of experienced Driver Instructors work alongside the aspiring drivers, offering expert guidance and support to help them obtain their qualifications.

Baroness Vere said: “I’d like to thank everyone at DHL for inviting me to visit their Transport Development Centre – a truly fantastic initiative. As we continue to work with and assist sector leaders to tackle the shortage of drivers, it’s great to see action such as this being taken to train new professional drivers in a supportive environment with experienced instructors – helping the next generation of recruits to kick start a rewarding career in the road haulage industry.”

As part of the programme, trainees benefit from the use of a state-of-the-art LGV simulator. The simulator gives trainees the opportunity to experience driving an LGV in a safe environment, to become familiar with spatial awareness and vehicle handling. 

By undertaking every aspect of training and qualification under one roof at the Transport Development Centre, the process is made simple and efficient for trainees. In under four months, applicants can undertake the thorough programme in which they will become proficient in the safest and environmentally responsible driving techniques. Unlike when candidates go through self-funded training, upon qualifying and obtaining their licence, they can begin employment straight away.  

The Transport Development Centre is supported by training hubs across the UK. The LGV simulator will act as travelling classroom and be taken to courses across the country.

Ian Clough, MD transport, DHL Supply Chain UK&I says: “I’m delighted to have welcome Baroness Vere to our new facility. The national driver shortage needs a long-term solution and commitment, which is why we’ve invested heavily in this state-of-the-art facility. Our approach is to give candidates the highest quality training, while also removing the barriers that might have previously stood in their way such as cost and complexity. Our unique LGV simulator not only enhances training but gives us the opportunity to take to the road and give more people the chance to see and feel what it’s like to be a driver. I’m really excited that this could encourage more people to consider a career in our industry.”    

Driving Ambition offers candidates driver training worth up to £3,000 to obtain either a Category C licence (Class 2) to drive rigid trucks, or licences C and E (Class 1) to drive artics. The programme is open to anyone looking to become an LGV driver, or those wanting to upskill from a Class 2 licence to a Class 1 and step into one of DHL’s 1,000 training vacancies.