Award-winning logistics specialist Knowles Logistics is investing in the future of the industry with the launch of its own Driver Academy – an innovative apprenticeship programme designed to develop highly skilled HGV drivers while providing a comprehensive understanding of the wider logistics operation.
Launching this month, the Knowles Driver Academy represents another significant investment by the Cambridgeshire-based business as it continues to drive innovation, develop talent and support the long-term sustainability of the UK logistics sector.
Open to anyone aged 18 and over who holds a Category B driving licence, the eight-month apprenticeship combines practical HGV driver training with structured online learning, culminating in a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with award-winning training provider TRS, which will provide the formal apprenticeship training and practical driver development, ensuring apprentices receive industry-leading tuition alongside real-world operational experience.
Unlike traditional driver training programmes, apprentices will spend time working across the Knowles business, gaining first-hand experience in warehousing, transport planning, routing, traffic office operations and customer service. By understanding how freight is handled, loads are planned and vehicles are scheduled, apprentices will develop a complete appreciation of the logistics operation before taking the wheel.
The comprehensive apprenticeship programme comprises 10 structured learning modules, with the first eight covering every aspect of professional HGV driving and the wider transport industry. These include:
· Professional standards, health and safety
· Industry awareness and DVSA regulations
· Driver health, wellbeing and fitness to drive
· Preparing vehicles for safe operation
· Safe and efficient driving techniques
· Technology used within the transport industry
· Vulnerable Road Users and urban driving restrictions
· Customer service and professional HGV driver responsibilities
The final two modules focus on assessment, consolidation and end-point preparation, ensuring apprentices are fully equipped to achieve their Level 2 qualification.
Practical experience is equally important, with apprentices completing a five-day Urban Driver training programme alongside 10 days of intensive Class One and Class Two driver training, providing the knowledge, confidence and skills required to operate safely and professionally in today’s transport environment.
Initial cohorts of four to five apprentices will progress through the academy at any one time, allowing the business to provide high levels of mentoring, coaching and individual support throughout the programme.
Alex Knowles, Knowles Logistics CEO, said: “Our industry faces a long-term challenge in attracting and developing the next generation of professional drivers. We wanted to create something that goes far beyond simply helping someone gain an HGV licence.
“The Driver Academy is about developing logistics professionals who understand the whole operation. By giving apprentices experience across warehousing, transport operations, planning and routing, they’ll appreciate how every part of the business fits together and why every role is critical to delivering outstanding customer service.
“This is an investment in people, in our business and in the future of the logistics industry. We want to attract talented individuals, provide them with genuine career opportunities and demonstrate that logistics offers an exciting, rewarding and highly skilled profession.”
The academy forms part of Knowles Logistics’ long-term strategy to future-proof its workforce while continuing to deliver the exceptional service standards for which the business has become recognised.
It also complements the company’s wider investment programme, which has seen Knowles continue to expand its warehousing capability, embrace new technology and make significant progress towards its ambitious net zero objectives through investment in electric vehicles, operational efficiencies and sustainable business practices.
The launch of the Driver Academy is the latest example of Knowles’ forward-thinking approach—creating meaningful career opportunities, raising professional standards and helping address one of the logistics industry’s most significant skills challenges.
With recruitment set to begin imminently, the Driver Academy is expected to become a cornerstone of Knowles’ long-term talent strategy, ensuring the business continues to attract, develop and retain the skilled professionals needed to support its continued growth for years to come.
Source: Knowles Logistics
