A&D Logistics

Haulage firm puts apprentices in the driving seat

A&D Logistics is tackling skills shortages in the industry by sourcing Modern Apprentices straight from school.

John Bowles, training officer for the Johnstone-based firm, said the challenges of driver rentention forced them to become creative about finding new talent.

He says the Wood Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, which led to the Scottish Government’s Youth Employment Strategy, opened doors for him.

“The Wood report was the catalyst that allowed me to go into schools and talk to teachers. I wanted to tie in with our three local schools and had a great contact at Renfrewshire Council.

“I went to a training provider, said this is my plan, can you do this? They said yes. I told the pupils about logistics and haulage and was welcomed with open arms. These are my future drivers.”