Top Gear Recruitment – a specialist in supply chain recruitment – has launched a national training programme as part of a Government drive to improve Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) standards.
The company is one of a small number of leading agencies to spearhead the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) – a new legal requirement for all LGV and PCV drivers who drive professionally throughout Europe. It has been developed as part of the EU Directive 2003/59, introducing compulsory training for vocational drivers to help improve road safety and fuel efficiency. The legislation is also aimed at encouraging driving as a career in a bid to reduce the shortage of drivers in the UK and Europe.
Top Gear, which has a pool of 500 professional drivers on its database, will launch the Driver CPC Training Academy at its Manchester-based headquarters. The course will be delivered to its own drivers throughout the country, covering 7.5 tonne, Class 2 HGV and Class 1 HGV drivers. It will also be available to both clients and companies across the logistics sector.
John Heywood, a qualified Driver CPC trainer who is leading the course, commented: “Under the new legislation, drivers are required to complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training every five years in a minimum of seven hour blocks. This course aims to ensure that every driver, irrespective of their current knowledge, is brought up to the core UK standard for safe and effective transport operations.”
The Driver CPC is one of a number of courses being developed by Top Gear. Further programmes include improving business efficiency and operational excellence.
Jason Melia is operations manager at Top Gear Recruitment and will head up the programme. He said: “Maintaining highly skilled and motivated drivers and sub-contractors is integral to our continued success and that of the industry. We are confident that the courses will not only improve the knowledge of our drivers but also the standard of drivers at work across the UK.”
Top Gear Recruitment, which opened its first branch in Manchester, is now one of the country’s leading specialists in supply chain recruitment. Turning over £22 million in 2009, the company counts blue chip organisations such as Tesco, Wincanton, DHL, Asda and Walkers Snack Foods amongst its list of clients.
To find out more about accessing the course, call 0161 828 6610 or email drivercpc@topgearrecruitment.co.uk
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