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Lancashire Times
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1:00 AM 10th January 2022
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AA Tackles HGV Driver Shortage With New Academy

 

The AA today launches a Driver Academy to help train apprentices to become recovery patrols at a time when there is an estimated 100,000 HGV driver shortage. The academy is hosted at the AA’s Centre of Excellence, based in Oldbury, West Midlands.

The cohort of apprentice drivers will benefit from the AA’s inclusive employment policy as they combine socially distanced HGV training with on-the-job experience, allowing recruits to earn as they learn.

Under expert guidance, candidates could obtain their Cat C licence within three months, followed by their C+E licence and driver CPC over the following three to six months, meaning apprentices could become fully qualified within a year.

Once fully trained, the apprentices will join over 2,500 roadside patrol colleagues by becoming AA recovery patrols, giving them the opportunity to enjoy a job where every day brings exciting challenges and opportunities, as well as OTE circa £32,000.

Edmund King, AA president said:
“The launch of the AA Driver Academy is the latest example of the AA’s ability to innovate when challenges are presented.

“The HGV driver shortage affects all transport sectors, and the AA is playing its part by helping to fill this skills gap by providing young people with a promising career opportunity. Their training will not only teach them how to drive HGV’s but will give them problem solving skills, as well as, expert customer service, to help our members when they need us most.”