Nine driver apprentices have started on the first ever CEMEX Driver Apprentice scheme. The one-year scheme is run in conjunction with Systems Training and, at the end of the year, they will achieve a DGV apprentice qualification, as well as learning about one of the leading building materials suppliers, CEMEX UK.
The apprentices join the scheme after a national recruitment drive to encourage young people into the industry. They are all 23 years old and under. The national recruitment drive resulted in 50 applications for the nine positions based at CEMEX quarries and logistics depots throughout the country.
“This is the first time that we have introduced a scheme in logistics to deal with an-industry wide issue,” said Matthew Wild, VP cement commercial, logistics and building products.
“The scheme is in response to a national shortage of drivers. Only 0.2% of our drivers are under 25 years old and 10% of our LGV drivers are aged 60 or over. In the next five years, 10% of our drivers will retire. This scheme will help to fill the gap and if successful, we plan to run it every year,” he added.
As well as producing highly skilled drivers trained to put safety first, the apprentices will graduate with a sound knowledge of the business and undergo significant personal development. Each driver has a driver and logistics manager to mentor with two regional logistics managers, Carl Milton and Rob Wilkinson overseeing the scheme.
