Gregory recruits four apprentice drivers

Gregory Distribution Limited (GDL) has recruited four new apprentices at its Cullompton Depot as part of a long term strategy to attract younger drivers into the sector.

Sean Pearson, Mitchell Brooks, Callum Clinton are from Exeter along with Jack Miles from Silverton are all 19 year olds and are undertaking their driver training courses with Marsh Barton based Trans Plant Mastertrain while learning other job related skills in-house at GDL’s Cullompton Depot.

GDL’s Business Unit Director Darren Beaven said: “The industry as a whole is facing a shortage of drivers and it is vital that we address this by attracting younger people to take driving jobs.

“LGV driver training today goes far beyond teaching someone to drive a vehicle from A to B. It has a high degree of responsibility and challenge and will require an in-depth knowledge of transport and health & safety regulations, hazard awareness and risk assessment, vehicle maintenance, loading and unloading procedures and the ability to maximize the performance of the vehicle using very sophisticated in-cab technology.

“We need to demonstrate that driving today can be a very rewarding career in order to make it attractive to young people. Our approach seems to be working. Callum was previously tarmacking roads, Sean and Mitchell were mechanics while Jack was an apprentice tree surgeon. These young lads have already shown aptitude to go along with their enthusiasm and we are delighted to have them on board.”

GDL which now operates over 600 trucks and in excess of 1800 employees is also looking to recruit young people for apprenticeships in a variety of roles.

Paul Turner, Head of Human Resources at GDL, said: “As the business continues to grow we are undertaking a rigorous recruitment campaign across all areas of activity and we are especially targeting young people. We are offering apprenticeships in heavy vehicle mechanic, driving, warehouse and business & administration and can promise satisfying and rewarding career opportunities.”

Photo from left: Darren Beaven (GDL Business Unit Director), Sean Pearson, Callum Clinton, Mitchell Brook, Jack Miles, Sean Curry (Transport Manager)