An HGV training school that is hoping to attract a more diverse group of professional drivers into the industry has invested more than £300,000 in a fleet of state-of-the-art vehicles.
The significant investment by Staffordshire-based HGV School ltd follows its acquisition by Lifft Group – a national network of commercial fleet operators and companies specialising in transport training.
The award-winning family run business, which works with hundreds of commercial learner drivers every year, says it is now looking to buy two more trucks over the next 12 months.
The brand-new articulated lorries and Rigid Goods Category C vehicles all boast low emissions, mirrorless trucks with 360 degree camera safety systems for protection of vulnerable road users, as well as touch screen technology.
Shannan Paterson, who took over as the Managing Director of the Willenhall-headquartered company when she was just 21 years old, said: “The transport industry keeps the country moving and growing, and it provides a fantastic, long-term career option for thousands of people, but there’s no denying that there’s a chronic shortage of professional drivers.
“That is driven, in part, by the reputation that goes alongside being a truck driver.
“As a local company, and now as part of the wider Lifft Group, we want to change that.
“Our investment in these new vehicles is part of our ongoing commitment to showcase the more modern, advanced aspects of the industry with a view to creating, empowering and preserving a pipeline of new and diverse talent for the future.
“It also means that anyone training with us will be used to the standard of equipment more commonly used on the roads, meaning that they are a better candidate when it comes to interviewing for a job.”
Commenting on the acquisition of The HGV School ltd, Lifft Group Limited Director, Giles Allen, said: “Whilst The HGV School ltd now forms part of the wider Lifft Group it is still a family run business with the same values and work ethics that have contributed to its success to date.
“Shannan and the team have done a fantastic job in building an expansive and loyal customer base, and for that reason it’s important that it maintains its own identity.”
The HGV School ltd employs four members of staff at its headquarters and has more than 30 years of experience delivering training to thousands of customers.
With ongoing investment in the company it is expected that it will have capacity to train upwards of 500 learners each year.
