As well as winning the Apprenticeship of the Year Award, the logistics apprenticeship programme developed by logistics and distribution company Eddie Stobart - in partnership with System Training - was hailed as the best in the industry, at the 2012 Motor Transport Awards held in London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Wednesday.
The Motor Transport Awards is the road transport industry event of the year, attended by 1600 representatives of the industry's most successful companies.
The award itself was originally introduced to promote the important role apprenticeships play in the training of young people before they enter the logistics industry.
Stobart’s initial apprenticeship training took place in the classroom and workshop, as well as a driving simulator that enabled apprentices to gain their LGV license.
They then moved on to Stobart's purpose-built training academy in Widnes, Cheshire, where they made good use of the facilities there, including an indoor practical training area that gave them hands-on experience with the company's vehicles, trailers and in-cab technology.
Once qualified to drive heavy vehicles, the apprentices were mentored by experienced drivers, spending 13 weeks on the road while developing their driving skills and learning Stobart's processes and procedures.
As well as receiving on-the-road training, Stobart's apprentices broadened their experience and understanding of elements of the business by manning driver phone lines, and working in the fleet department, traffic planning office, workshop and even the truck wash.
Every apprentice in the initial cohort completed the scheme, passing their category C and C+E licences, and took up a role within the company.
Chief Executive of System Training, Robin Brown, says: “We’ve worked closely with Eddie Stobart to build a programme which combines high quality training and qualifications with essential mentoring and experience.
“Quality apprenticeships is a key route to the logistics industry for young people and an important way for the industry to help address the forecast driver shortage problem.”
Stobart Group Chief Executive Andrew Tinkler, adds: “With an overall ageing logistics industry, we see apprenticeships as a vital method of bringing highly-trained and motivated young people into our business.”
