On the right road to rewarding employment
Last updated 16:06, Wednesday, 20 August 2008
WEST Cumbrian training company, Trainrite, is celebrating after helping 139 unemployed people back into work.
For the last four years, the Lillyhall- based company has been working with Jobcentre Plus and the European Social Fund to reskill jobseekers and get them back into the workforce.
Out of the 182 who took advantage of the scheme, 139 found their way back into paid employment.
The Jobcentre Plus scheme was available for those who were unemployed and looking to reskill.
With the significant shortage of wagon drivers in Cumbria, the scheme proved popular with those looking to pass the standard Class II test which would enable them to find a driving job. The trainees were also eligible to go one stage further to train and take their Class I test, for which Trainrite has a strong reputation for consistently achieving a pass rate higher than the national average.
Angela Caffrey, Trainrite sales director, said: “We started the company in 2002 and have always offered HGV training – or LGV as it is now called.
“We have a very high success rate and were pleased when we won the contract to help reskill the unemployed in Cumbria.
“We expected to be catering for people living in and around Workington but we have had trainees from all over the county.”
Alco, Amey, Eric Nicholson, John Elliott and Riverside Recruitment are just some of the companies that have recruited as a result of the scheme.
“It has been very rewarding to see people shine and find jobs and we have had some excellent feedback from their employers,” Angela continued. “The scheme came to a close at the end of March and we are just seeing the last of the Jobcentre Plus trainees take their tests. To date over 130 people are now back in work – something we are immensely proud of.”
Alan Lowrey had been unemployed for four years when he was told that, if he had his Class II licence, there would be a job for him tomorrow.
He said: “My Dad was a wagon driver and I used to go with him – it has always been something I have wanted to do but never had the confidence to try.”
Gary Ferguson was made redundant from Sellafield and, like Alan, was desperate to get back to work so he could support his family. Both took their Class II tests and passed with flying colours. They even reached the standard set for instructor level.
Lenny Smith is senior instructor for Class I and Class II LGV training and has one of the highest pass rates on wagons in the country. He has put most of the Jobcentre Plus trainees through their paces and is proud of what they have achieved.
“The majority of pupils started with no wagon driving skills, and often no confidence,” Lenny explained. “It has been great to see their confidence and self-belief grow and very rewarding to see them pass their Class II and Class I tests.”
Training courses at Trainrite are longer than those at some other centres, but the pass rate exceptional. Five days training are required to undertake a Class I test with seven days training required for a Class II certificate.
LGV employer, Richard Mackay, confirmed he chose Trainrite because they were a reliable local firm which consistently achieve good results.
“They are easy to work with and I know they do their best to get trainees through first time.”
For more information contact Trainrite on 01900 68040 or email Trainrite@btconnect.com
