Crick, UK: XPO Logistics has created a new Female Driver Academy to help attract more women into the industry. The drivers who join the Academy will undertake a 12 to 16-week programme using the XPO Logistics internal driver training team to develop and sharpen their skills. The first candidate assessment days were held at the beginning of May.
Lynn Brown, vice president, human resources—UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “We will be employing the candidates from day one so they can earn a living while training to become a vital part of our team. Our customer, Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland, has backed the initiative by offering roles in their British Gypsum and PAM operations.
“Our trainer will buddy our candidates, ensuring they can learn from someone who has first-hand experience of what they are going through and can provide the best possible support.” The first Female Driver Academy candidates are expected to start driving HGVs full-time for XPO by August this year.
One of the candidates, called Steph, is already a DAF commercial vehicle parts delivery driver who transports HG,V components to dealerships. She said: “This is a great opportunity to get more women involved in the HGV industry. There are other ways to achieve your license, but most HGV jobs require years of experience. The academy gives you more knowledge and experience.”
Another candidate, Casey, was an apprentice tattoo artist who previously worked in warehousing for XPO Logistics. Her father was also an HGV driver, and she spent her childhood travelling the country with him. She said: “I have wanted to be a truck driver since I was four years old, and now I’ll be able to learn about the life of a trucker.
“The Female Academy is a great campaign for women, allowing people like me to start a good career and fulfil our dreams. Without this life-changing opportunity with the academy, I wouldn’t have been able to start my dream career.”
