Working in partnership is incredibly important to Maximus – from our relationships with local and national employer partners to multiple support organisations who form part of our Community Partnership Network (CPN) – our aim is to continue supporting local people into sustainable employment.
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many sectors experienced skills shortages and the driving industry was particularly badly affected. With an aging driver workforce, the loss of EU drivers and the long-term effects of the pandemic, many businesses are still struggling to find quality new recruits to fill the gaps.
New findings from the Road Haulage Association estimate there is currently a shortage of around 50,000 drivers, which is proving to be a growing problem for the UK economy.
As the dwindling number of HGV drivers continues to negatively impact businesses and supply chains, in Wales we’re working in partnership with Owens Group and P&G Driver Training to upskill our participants and ease pressure on the driving industry.
Through our Community Partnership Network member, P&G Driver Training Ltd, we provide fully funded LGV (Large Goods Vehicles) and HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driver courses to our participants.
As a family-run business in Flintshire, North Wales, P&G Driver Training Ltd has been operating for over 40 years, providing LGV and HGV driving courses, as well as, CPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence) training.
Hayley Hinkson-Walsh, Managing Director at P&G Driver Training Ltd, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic caused a massive problem within the driving sector – causing a backlog with the driving tests and licensing process – but being part of the CPN works well. Working with Maximus has meant we can help get people into these driving positions to help ease the driver shortage.”
Following successful completion of their driving course, individuals can then attend a guaranteed interview with Owens Group, one of the UK’s leading transport companies and our employer partner, with a view of securing permanent employment with them.
Founded by two brothers in 1972, Owens Group began their business operating with just one van in South Wales, carrying furniture, kitchens, and piano parts. Now with over 1,000 employees nationwide, they are celebrating 50 years in business this year.
Ian Jones, Regional Operations Manager at Owens Group, spoke of the partnership’s success: “Working with Maximus has been an absolute game changer for us as a company. With Maximus’ help we are finding the quality drivers we’re looking for.”
Stephen had been unemployed for three years when he joined Maximus, and was lacking in confidence and suffering with depression. With a desire to become a HGV driver, Maximus supported Stephen through his driver training with P&G Training and because of the one-to-one mentoring and coaching Owens Group provides any new driver, they fitted Stephen’s employment requirement perfectly.
Stephen reflected: “The partnership between Maximus, P&G Training and Owens has given me an opportunity to have a career. They’ve made a huge difference to my life; I’ve now got a future to look forward to.”
The strong relationships between our community partners and leading employers enables our participants to fully benefit from the wraparound support, helping us to transform even more lives.
