Britain’s hauliers help put vulnerable ex-service heroes on the road to recovery
In a pioneering initiative Britain's hauliers have joined with partners to help ex-service veterans who have hit hard times by training them up to drive trucks.
Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “Those who have served us in the forces deserve our help if things don't work out when they leave. The charity Care After Combat, championed by comedian Jim Davidson helps a significant number of ex-service personnel who end up homeless, have health issues or fall foul of the law. The RHA, together with telematics experts Microlise, can help Care After Combat give these vulnerable heroes a career by setting them up with a job as a truck driver. This new initiative, Road to Logistics, will help address the chronic shortage of truck drivers in the UK currently estimated to be 45,000.
“This industry needs drivers and Care After Combat has an excellent source for potential drivers. Microlise will create the training academies, and we, through our membership, have the jobs. By working together, we can make sure that Road to Logistics helps three organisations achieve their goals.”
Road to Logistics will create and maintain a national training programme to encourage new talent into the transport and logistics industry from sections of society where individuals need help and support to regain their self-confidence and independence.
Before training even begins, candidates will be rigorously assessed for their suitability, including a thorough medical examination. Those that pass will have to sign up to a strict Road to Logistics code of conduct. The Code will cover all aspects of their behaviour and professionalism and will ensure that their prospective employers can be confident that they will be taking on someone in whom that confidence is well placed.
Concluding, Richard Burnett said: “Such is our confidence in the Road to Logistics programme that we will be taking the results to Westminster to gain a permanent funding stream for further entrants into the academies.”
