The Army Reserves have announced a new pilot scheme to partner with civilian employer Pertemps to drive up skills in the commercial haulage sector…
Reservists joining the Royal Logistic Corps as drivers will be able to top up their skills through this partnership to gain their civilian driving certificate, with both the Army Reserve and Pertemps guaranteeing them part time work over the year to help them move out of unemployment.
Pertemps provides drivers to the haulage industry, but there is a skills shortage in the sector which means seasonal peaks at times such as Christmas can leave firms struggling to find drivers. The Army’s driving training qualifies drivers for military LGV vehicles but does not provide the civilian industry certification, now with more training paid for by Pertemps the recruits can gain their commercial licence – which would normally cost them around £1000.
Pertemps are a supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant and offer flexibility to their Reservist employees to undertake military training. Today they re-signed the Covenant to underline a new Portfolio Employment Model partnership to support the Army Reserve.
Speaking at the Covenant signing at Wellington Barracks, London, Minister for Reserves Julian Brazier said: “This partnership demonstrates how Reserve service can provide direct benefit to employers as well as their employees. I welcome this innovative approach from the Army Reserves, which offers an attractive well-paid role combining service in the Army Reserve and a job with a supportive employer.”
Kent Thompson, Managing Director of Pertemps added: “As an ex-REME Craftsman myself I am aware of the camaraderie that exists in the Army, which we are trying to replicate in Pertemps and our logistic clients. We offer free up-skilling to all military personnel on our LGV vehicles, so that they can come and work for us!”
LCpl Baboucarr Jallow from Leeds is currently going through the Pertemps training. Speaking about the scheme he said: “Pertemps supported my ambition to get my professional driving qualification by guaranteeing me employment. Now I can qualify and know that I’ll have a job at the end of it.”