East Sussex-based Bournes Removals has announced that two of its employees, Aaron Craig and Charlie Birnie, have completed HGV Driver Apprenticeships and have now become full-time removals drivers.

Bournes teamed up with BAR affiliate TRS Training Ltdto provide opportunities for members of its team to develop their skills and build a career as professional drivers

There has been an ongoing driver shortage in the UK for a number of years, so  encouraging removals people to become drivers is more important than ever. The TRS scheme was specifically targeted at the removals industry with step-by-step comprehensive learning over and above a typical intensive driving course, to help improve the all-round competence of the participants. 

The apprenticeship scheme was advertised to all Bournes’ personnel and three applicants were enrolled initially onto the scheme.

The three applicants followed a 12-month structured training plan, including maths and English, LGV theory, CPC modules 2 & 4, as well as lessons covering knowledge, skills and behaviours, mentoring, acquisition of licence and a final assessment. 20% of the course was spent shadowing a skilled driver, giving Bournes’ experienced drivers the opportunity to mentor the apprentices.

Two of the three apprentices have now obtained their HGV2 Licences and have been promoted to driver positions at Bournes, with the final participant due to take his test soon.

HR Director, Caroline Hilton said, “We are very proud of the apprentices’ determination and commitment and delighted that this has given them the opportunity they were seeking, to become professional drivers.”

"These new drivers know the removals profession well, know Bournes and what it stands for, and can now utilise their skills to a far greater degree than before. They are hugely valuable members of our team."