Training scheme plugs Hinkley Point driver shortfall

A training scheme to boost coach driver numbers is expected to begin soon, giving Somerset area operators relief from a local driver shortage.

In conjunction with Somerset County Council and Weston College, the Confederation of Passenger Transport is creating a 12-month induction programme at Yeovil College which hopes to introduce younger people to the industry and persuade them to take up careers in driving and engineering.

The CPT’s Regional Manager, John Burch, has been working on the scheme with educators and with Stuart Berry and Steve Dyer of Knight Brothers to launch the ‘trailblazer’ funded scheme: “The problem has been the new Hinkley Point reactor, which has drawn in as many as 115 daily duties offering windfall pay for drivers,” said John.