Council gets wheels turning on new jobs

Date published: 15 August 2014


OLDHAM Council has launched an innovative new scheme to encourage warehouse workers to secure higher paid jobs as drivers.

The Warehouse to Wheels scheme sees the local authority working with leading driver training firm Mantra Learning Limited to boost the skills of those in the logistics industry.

The programme will address the shortage of large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers in the borough by enabling employers to advance their careers and help Oldham businesses to grow.

Mantra Learning Limited, working with the council’s Get Oldham Working team, will train existing warehouse or other staff within small and medium enterprise companies (SMEs) in the borough to obtain a category C large goods vehicle licence.

The scheme will see a combined investment of more than £200,000 from the council, the Skills Funding Agency and the European Social Fund (ESF).

Innovative

Councillor Jim McMahon, Oldham Council leader, said: “This scheme is very much close to my heart as my father is a truck driver and I used to ride along with him when I was young.

“As a co-operative council we are finding innovative ways to support communities and I want to help to those in low paid employment who are doing their bit to get on in life.

“While many government programmes focus on those out of work, which is important also, we are also determined to help those who are in work, working hard and who want to do better for themselves and their families.

“Local people, both in work and unemployed, cannot afford to obtain the relevant licence — with the average cost totalling £1,800 including VAT. This is a national issue.

“In Oldham we have chosen to do something about this and through our Warehouse to Wheels scheme we will invest in those local people who want to get on in life and are willing to work hard.

“With the right driving qualification hardworking residents can earn an additional £7,000 a year — that’s potentially around £148,000 over a working life.”

Mark Currie, chief executive of Mantra Learning Limited, said: “We welcome this programme with Oldham Council as it addresses a critical issue that is affecting the vast majority of our customers — the shortage of qualified drivers.

Mantra Learning will look to take on 40 residents during the next 12 months, who will be recruited via their employers.

Local businesses and organisations interested in providing traineeships, apprentices or jobs for local people can express interest by filling in the pledge card on-line at www.oldham.gov.uk/get_oldham_working.