New vehicles arrive as A1 Training aims to go nationwide.
An entrepreneurial HGV driver training company has invested tens of thousands of pounds in a new fleet of vehicles to continue its expansion and create a national footprint for the business.
Birmingham-based A1 Training Ltd, which provides Categories C, CE and C1 training, as well as B+E, forklift, lorry loading crane and other industry-related courses, has invested more than £80,000 in replacing its fleet – and plans further additions over the next twelve months.
A1’s new vehicles consist of a five tonne Mercedes Sprinter van, which will be used to train paramedics and an Isuzu D-Max Blade pick up and trailer, which will be used to train drivers towing caravans and horse boxes. It has also invested in two Volvo FM trucks for HGV training.
Managing director Collin Meredith (pictured) said: “We have developed a strong reputation for regional training in and around the Midlands, but we are ambitious to take on more national coaching and become a one-stop-shop for bespoke training.
“Updating our fleet means we can continue to give the very best training. Continuous improvement of the quality of the fleet and the training we provide gives us, and our customers, the confidence to go into any environment with a clear mandate to promote and teach safety on the roads and within the workplace.
“We know we have to look at other ways to address the driver shortage that impacts our industry. New drivers often find it difficult to get into work due to lack of experience, so we are looking towards building productive links with companies to put new drivers through mentoring schemes with existing drivers. This gives confidence to company owners and insurance companies when employing new staff.
“It’s a win-win because it means they are more attractive candidates for jobs because they have greater experience and more intensive on-the-job tuition. It also helps put a dent in the driver shortage rather than younger, inexperienced drivers putting a dent into their employer’s vehicles and taking valuable assets of the road.”
For more details about A1 Training, which is based in Kitts Green, visit www.a1traininggroup.co.uk.