I was interested to read Lawrence Hailstones’ recent letter regarding ‘driver shortage’ [routeone/Letters/6 February].
A number of years ago, CPT worked with the Department for Work and Pensions to create the sector based driving academy.
Under the scheme, Job Centre Plus (JCP) could pay for training and/or the cost of medicals, offering unemployed people the opportunity to become qualified bus drivers.
Since the scheme was developed, the job market has changed and in many areas of the country we have what economists call ‘full employment’.
In this context, JCP can’t justify paying for those on their books to become bus drivers when other roles are readily available with a lower training requirement or employers who fund training costs themselves.
However, if particular local conditions warrant it, the sector based driving academy could potentially be available.
The coach and bus industry has traditionally relied on larger operators to train PCV drivers.
Many SMEs have recognised that they need to train drivers themselves and now do so; CPT has developed a number of materials to assist members in doing this.
CPT can also help to put members in touch with the right people at their local JCP if they would like to explore the options available.
- Keith McNally, Operations Director, CPT UK
