A DRIVE to get more women behind the wheel of HGVs has been launched by a Crick-based logistics company.
XPO Logistics has created a new Female Driver Academy to help attract more women into the industry.
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 goal is to create a corps of skilled and professional female drivers who are familiar with the company’s customers and products.
The first candidate assessment days were held in May.
Lynn Brown, the company’s vice president of human resources for the UK and Ireland, said: “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.”
Three of the initial candidates said they were excited to begin their new careers.
Steph, a DAF commercial vehicle parts delivery driver, spent her childhood summers touring Europe in her grandfather’s truck, completing continental deliveries.
She said she was ‘beyond excited’ to continue the family tradition, adding: “This is a great opportunity to get more women involved in the HGV industry.
“I’m particularly looking forward to getting more confidence and experience on the roads, taking advantage of wider opportunities at XPO Logistics, and exploring the country.”
Also looking to follow in her family’s tyre tracks is former apprentice tattoo artist Casey, who as a child travelled the country with her dad when he was an HGV driver.
She 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.
“Without this life-changing opportunity with the academy, I wouldn’t have been able to start my dream career.”
Philippa decided she wanted to pursue a career driving trucks while she was working in a previous job in logistics.
She said: “What attracts me to the life of an HGV driver is the level of independence – a life behind a desk isn’t for everyone.
“It’s really nice to be training with other women, and we can share experiences and support each other.”
The first Female Driver Academy candidates are expected to start driving HGVs full-time for XPO by August this year.
