Co-op to create over 300 LGV driver apprenticeships

The Co-op is set to create over 300 LGV driver apprenticeship roles in response to the ongoing driver crisis that is impacting supply chains. 

The apprenticeships, which have a competitive salary and permanent contract with the retailer, will provide an opportunity to work towards a Class 1 vehicle licence and help apprentices begin their career in LGV driving. 

Start dates will begin throughout 2022, and the programme will run for 12-15 months in various locations nationwide. Places will be available to both internal and external candidates. 

Apprentices will reportedly become fully operational drivers within three months of the programme, and receive a pay increase from the starting salary of between £23,753.60 to £25,584.00, depending on location.

Practical and theoretical learning will be carried out to help to obtain their LGV Class 1 licence, which is paid for by the Co-op, and apprentices will study a range of modules including driving regulations and delivering great customer service. 

The Co-op confirmed that recruitment for the roles has already started and will continue throughout next year. Those with a full UK/EU Car Driving Licence can apply and no professional driving experience is required.

In addition, the Co-op is working alongside contract logistics providers, GXO and Wincanton, to create over 200 opportunities throughout 2022 at sites where they work on Co-op’s behalf. 

Co-op Food CEO, Jo Whitfield, said: “The transport sector needs long-term sustainable change. Through our apprenticeship programme we’ll be able to help driver recruitment by attracting new talent and make the sector more appealing to younger people. These apprenticeships are part of our broader apprenticeship commitment at the Co-op to improve social mobility. 

“I’m pleased to see the Co-op leading the way and the last few months have only stressed the importance of drivers who are not only providing a service that is so vital for our business but for society as a whole.”

Minister for Skills, Alex Burghart, added: “It’s great to see Co-op continuing to invest in apprenticeships with the creation of 300 LGV apprentice roles. 

“Apprenticeships are a superb way to launch careers or upskill in a wide range of key industries, and crucially help to plug workforce shortages by providing people with high-quality training in the skills businesses need to thrive.”