As part of their long-established commitment to supporting small and medium sized enterprises, Close Brothers Asset Finance, together with the Road Haulage Association, launched a scheme whereby RHA members with less than 20 vehicles have been applying for funding to recruit and train the next generation of HGV drivers. 

Under the scheme, Close Brothers will help pay for 20 apprentices to learn their skills meaning the signed up hauliers won’t have to bear the full cost of employing the apprentices until they are making a positive contribution to their business.

Becki Quick, Director of Meadley International Transport Ltd said “We are delighted to take advantage of this apprentice scheme and the employee we have in mind is over the moon and we feel very fortunate to have been selected and would like to thank the RHA and Close Brothers for the opportunity.”

Richard Burnett, Chief Executive of the RHA says “Our industry is facing a massive skills shortage and, with Brexit looming, it looks set to get worse. This is a ground-breaking scheme so by helping 20 of our members to recruit, train and employ new drivers will go some way to reducing the shortage.”

Watch this space for updates on how the new recruits are progressing. For more information on the scheme please contact Colin Snape, RHA deputy policy directorc.snape@rha.uk.net

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran