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Roads Minister opens new Eddie Stobart Training Academy

Parliamentary under secretary of state for transport, Mike Penning MP, yesterday officially opened a new Eddie Stobart Training Academy in Widnes. Together with Stobart Group chief operating officer, William Stobart, he also announced a new Logistics Apprenticeship programme, which will see 150 apprentices join the Eddie Stobart team annually.

Mike Penning said: "I am pleased to be here today to open the new Eddie Stobart Training Academy. Road haulage is vital to the UK economy, so it's important that the industry continues to attract the best employees by offering high quality training and development opportunities.

"I hope that this centre will become a model for employers across the country wanting to draw in the best talent by offering top-notch training facilities to help their people continually develop skills and knowledge."

William Stobart said: "The importance of properly trained and highly-motivated employees cannot be underestimated - the academy will help us maintain and develop the high standards synonymous with Eddie Stobart. The new apprenticeship scheme demonstrates our commitment to the future of this industry, and will develop managers and leaders of the future."

Operational since March, the Academy's primary role is the training of new and existing drivers and people joining the apprenticeship programme. The new Logistics Apprenticeship is an intensive six-month programme during which apprentices will spend a minimum of six-weeks alongside experienced drivers gaining on-the-road experience.

Over 300 new drivers have attended courses at the Academy, covering topics such as logistics planning, warehousing, navigation, geography, basic vehicle and trailer mechanics, health and safety, company history and codes of conduct.

The Academy will also be the base for all employee inductions and staff training, including the mandatory Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and health and safety courses.

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