The Co-op has announced it is creating over 300 LGV driver apprenticeships in response to the current driver crisis facing the nation.
The apprenticeships offer a competitive salary and a permanent contract with the retailer, offering the opportunity to work towards a Class 1 vehicle licence and kickstart a career in driving.
The scheme will begin throughout 2022 and will run for 12-15 months in various locations nationwide and will be available to both internal and external candidates.
Within three months, apprentices will become fully operational drivers, and receive a pay increase from the starting salary of between £23,753.60 to £25,584.00, depending on location.
In the first three months, apprentices will carry out practical and theoretical learning to help to obtain their LGV Class 1 licence, paid for by the Co-op, and study a range of modules including driving regulations and delivering great customer service.
Recruitment for the roles has already started and will continue throughout 2022.
READ MORE: Co-op announces new youth job opportunities
The Co-op is also working with contract logistics providers, GXO and Wincanton, to create over 200 opportunities throughout 2022 at sites where they work on Co-op’s behalf.
“The transport sector needs long-term sustainable change,” Co-op Food CEO Jo Whitfield said.
“Through our apprenticeship programme we’ll be able to help driver recruitment by attracting new talent and make the sector more appealing to younger people. These apprenticeships are part of our broader apprenticeship commitment at the Co-op to improve social mobility.
“I’m pleased to see the Co-op leading the way and the last few months have only stressed the importance of drivers who are not only providing a service that is so vital for our business but for society as a whole.”
Minister for Skills, Alex Burghart, added: “It’s great to see Co-op continuing to invest in apprenticeships with the creation of 300 LGV apprentice roles.
“Apprenticeships are a superb way to launch careers or upskill in a wide range of key industries, and crucially help to plug workforce shortages by providing people with high-quality training in the skills businesses need to thrive.”
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