Transline aims to drive up the numbers

Transline Group, which is based on Halifax Road, said it had signed up dozens of potential drivers for more than 100 HGV vacancies it had available in the region at the first event at Burtonwood Services.

Transline’s national driver training team were on hand to offer a taster session in the high-tech simulator, giving potential drivers a feel for what being a HGV driver is all about.

There is a national truck driver shortage, estimated to be in the region of 45,000, and with over 35,000 thousand existing drivers due to retire in the next two years, the situation is deteriorating fast.

Last week, the Road Haulage Association delivered an urgent plea to the Prime Minister demanding government intervention to help with the chronic truck driver shortage, which is having a profound effect on the UK’s supply chain and which threatens to slow the UK economic recovery.

Paul Beasley, joint CEO of Transline Group, who co-founded the company in 1989, said: “The situation is deteriorating fast, and our big brand clients are finding it almost an impossible task to fill vacant roles.

“On top of the current shortage of 45,000, an additional 35,000 drivers are expected to retire in the next two years.

“We have to do all we can to get people interested in a driving career.”

Mark Elms, director of operations, said: “Our driver simulator is a great tool in recruiting drivers, as they can get a true sense of what the job is like.

“We are pioneering in the training and recruitment of drivers, helping to alleviate the current skills gap.”