// John Lewis is set to open up a driver academy to train up more LGV drivers
// The training places will initially be available to people who currently work for the John Lewis Partnership
The John Lewis Partnership has announced plans to open an LGV Driver Academy to train drivers in 13 weeks to sit the DVLA LGV theory and practical safety tests.
The retailer hopes that the move will help reduce the sector-wide shortage of LGV drivers.
Designed for people who may already be drivers of smaller delivery vehicles, the academy will train up to 90 people per year at four training facilities in Aylesford, Bracknell, London and Milton Keynes.
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The partnership will also be increasing the number of 12-month LGV driver apprenticeships it offers to people who are starting out in their driving career, and offer more apprenticeships for people who want to train to become Waitrose and John Lewis delivery drivers.
Mark Robinson, director of supply chain at the partnership, said: “In August, we increased pay and introduced a £1,000 welcome payment for qualified LGV drivers who join us before November. This investment in training is a longer term solution to the industry shortage.
“Due to the size of our business and range of services, we can offer drivers not just a job, but unrivalled career opportunities. We will pay our drivers to do further training to change roles from delivering groceries to Waitrose customers, to driving a 3.5 tonne truck to deliver goods to our shops, or learn how to deliver and install washing machines, TVs and lighting, providing excellent customer service for our John Lewis customers.”
Initially, the training places will be available to people who currently work for the John Lewis Partnership, but in January spaces will be opened up to external applicants.
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