XPO Logistics launches Female Driver Academy

The female drivers who join the Academy will undertake a 12 to 16-week programme using the XPO Logistics internal driver training team to develop and sharpen their skills. The first candidate assessment days were held at the beginning of May. 

XPO Logistics vice president, human resources—UK and Ireland Lynn Brown, says: “We will be employing the candidates from day one so they can earn a living while training to become a vital part of our team. Our customer, Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland, has backed the initiative by offering roles in their British Gypsum and PAM operations. Our trainer will buddy our candidates, ensuring they can learn from someone who has first-hand experience of what they are going through and can provide the best possible support.”

The first Female Driver Academy candidates are expected to start driving HGVs full-time for XPO by August this year. 

Casey was an apprentice tattoo artist who previously worked in warehousing for XPO Logistics. Her father was also an HGV driver, and she spent her childhood travelling the country with him. She is looking forward to continuing a family tradition.

Casey said: “I have wanted to be a truck driver since I was four years old, and now I’ll be able to learn about the life of a trucker. The Female Academy is a great campaign for women, allowing people like me to start a good career and fulfil our dreams. Without this life-changing opportunity with the academy, I wouldn’t have been able to start my dream career.”

The XPO Female Driver Academy is part of the company’s Driver Excellence Academy, which was established to help people from all backgrounds who wish to train as an HGV driver. The only requirement is that participants must be aged 18 to drive an HGV. Each Driver Excellence Academy trainee works towards receiving the relevant qualification for the type of vehicle they want to drive. For example, a Cat B car licence can be upskilled to a Cat Class C (Rigid) or Cat CE (Artic). It is possible to go straight from a Cat B to a Cat CE licence.

For anyone interested in joining XPO Logistics’ Female Drive Academy, please get in touch via [email protected]