DRIVER SCHEME STILL SOUND • I was pleased to see
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the support given to RTITBMOTEC HGV driving instructor training course by MF Jackson in his letter (CM 2-8 August).
I would, however, like to take up his reference to the Young Driver Scheme as having "dropped out of training. I believe that Mr Jackson may well have been referring to the scheme not receiving the support it should from employers in the various industries.
The scheme still continues to be available, providing structured development of young persons into the HGV driving profession. Successful trainees will obtain a National Vocational Qualification at the age of 21. At the age of 18, and subject to certain scheme conditions being met, a trainee can be eligible to drive a Class III HGV and become revenue earning.
Earlier Jackson refers to "driving apprenticeships" — possibly of the informal type. The Young Driver Scheme provides on a formal basis such driving training, operational training and certification. Subject to the requirements of the scheme being met, employers are able to build in their own operational requirements, thus developing at an early age overall professional competence. On behalf of the National Joint Training Committee, which manages the scheme, the administrators receive many enquiries from young people and careers offices.
However, the scheme does require more employers who are prepared to take on young drivers and also publicise their requirements through local schools, careers offices and the press.
DB Scott, Administrator of the National Joint Training committee, Wembley, Middx.
IS 48 TOO OLD TO SOLVE SHORTAGE?
• I lead with interest the article "Industry faces huge skills drought" in your 26 July1 August issue. After a number of years as a PSV and a HGV1 driver, I decided to better myself and studied for and passed my CPC Passenger and my CPC Freight National and International, along the way gaining experience in management skills.
Yet after making numerous applications for various positions — including a willingness to relocate anywhere — many companies do not even have the courtesy to reply. I am no nearer to obtaining a position in a traffic office.
Is it possible that the reason is that, I am 48 years of age? R Wallwork, Manchester.