Pall-Ex’s Warehouse to Wheels programme, which aims to provide warehouse staff with the opportunity to progress into HGV driver roles, has delivered its first graduate.
The initiative has been identified as a key tool in combatting the ongoing driver shortages that have long been present in the logistics sector but have only recently come to the wider public’s attention.
Pall-Ex’s first graduate from the Warehouse to Wheels scheme is Kirill Sapelkin, who began his journey with the Leicestershire based logistics company in 2018 as a forklift truck driver.
Having shown skill and a willingness to learn, Kirill was offered the opportunity to enrol in Warehouse to Wheels when it began in 2020.
Kirill undertook training that was funded by Pall-Ex to become one of the business’ shunter drivers, responsible for the management and movement of trailers at its Ellistown hub.
Now, having passed his Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and gained his HGV C Licence, he is qualified to drive HGVs up to 44 tonnes on the public highway.
This provides Kirill with improved career opportunities and increases his earning potential thanks to his attainment of a highly sought-after qualification.
Consequently, Kirill’s progress also benefits Pall-Ex, as it now has access to another HGV driver in a time when these skilled workers are in such short supply.
The Senior Management team at Pall-Ex is very aware of the impact that driver shortages could have on the business and its palletised freight network, composed of over 90 independent transport companies.
Pall-Ex’s Operations Director, Paul Pegg, has overseen the implementation of the Warehouse to Wheels scheme. “The scheme is designed to support staff and help them reach their full potential, whilst helping the business develop a valuable, skilled workforce so we are really pleased to see the first graduate of many start their driving journey.”
