The Freight Transport Association has voiced its disappointment at the news that the Minister for Skills has rejected the training standard for LGV drivers.
Despite the Government making a pledge at the spring budget that it would work with road haulage firms on an industry-led solution to the driver shortage (including looking at the right level of access to, and funding support for, training), Nick Boles MP has outlined the decision of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and rejected the idea.
Sally Gilson, FTA Skills Development Manager said she was “desperately disappointed” at the announcement.; “It appears the Government has gone back on its pledge to find an industry-led solution to solve the driver crisis, with the Minister for Skills deciding to reject the proposed standard for large goods vehicle drivers,” she said. “This diminishes the value of the existing apprenticeships that are successfully bringing much-needed young people into the industry.”
The average age of a professional lorry driver is 52 and the freight and logistics industry is desperate to engage with young people. Without access to apprenticeships, this issue will exacerbate. The Association added that with Government focus for vocational funding firmly on apprenticeships, without this option the industry will be left bereft of funding options for driver training.
“If Government is rejecting driver apprenticeships,” Sally Gilson asked, “then what alternative funding will it be providing? The freight and logistics sector has a major shortage of drivers with companies desperate to fill vacancies and professionalise the role. FTA urges BIS to rethink its decision and work with industry to find a solution as a matter of urgency.”
It was a pleasure to welcome Richard Skidmore to our new Eurocentral dealership yesterday, on what was an incredibly significant day as he was announced as the new Managing Director of Daimler Truck UK.
Firstly, congratulations to Richard on his well-deserved appointment. With his extensive industry knowledge, strong leadership and deep understanding of both our network and our customers, there’s no doubt he is exceptionally well placed to lead Daimler Truck UK into its next chapter. Building on the strong growth and success achieved by Daimler Truck in recent years, we are confident Richard will continue to drive the business forward. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership under his leadership.
Richard`s visit also provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the fantastic progress being made on our new £8 million, state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Buses dealership at Eurocentral.
The project is progressing exactly as planned, with the facility firmly on track for completion in October, ahead of welcoming our first customers in the first week of November. Each week brings us closer to opening what will be one of the UK’s most advanced commercial vehicle dealerships, delivering an exceptional experience for customers across Scotland and providing a first-class environment for our colleagues and manufacturer partners.
Thank you to Richard for taking the time to visit us during such an exciting week. We look forward to welcoming you back when the doors officially open.
Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and looking for your next career move?
We`re looking for a Service Advisor to join our award-winning team at Ciceley Commercials Darwen.
As the first point of contact for our customers, you`ll play a key role in ensuring vehicles are maintained and returned to the road as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you`re organised, customer-focused and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we`d love to hear from you. View the full job description and apply on our website.
What a fantastic day at our Ciceley golf day at @boltonoldlinksgolf ⛳
The weather may have tested us with a wet start, but once the skies cleared it turned into a brilliant day of golf, great company, and friendly competition.
We`re also delighted to have raised £535 for @eastlancshospice – a cause that means so much to our team and local community. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and helped make the day such a success.
Take a look at some of the highlights from a memorable day on the course! 🎥🏌️♂️💙
To celebrate our recent recognition as Mercedes-Benz Dealer of the Year and Service Team of the Year, colleagues across the group enjoyed a well-earned lunch from @gogetstuffed 🍟
A huge thank you to Team Ciceley for your hard work, dedication and commitment. These awards are yours. 👏
We caught up with our Dealer Principal, Andy Heys. We asked him some questions about our recent MAR20X renovation. #awardwinning #mercedesbenz #commercial #dealer #truckandvan
Another amazing review for our Blackburn Service Team who continue to deliver outstanding customer service and creating a welcoming experience for every customer who visits us.
From expert support in the workshop to the all-important coffee ☕ — it’s great to see the team’s hard work recognised!
