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Two dedicated Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver C+E Apprentices at Ferryspeed have officially traded the warehouse for the open road after successfully passing their practical driving tests to earn their Category C+E licences.
The dual milestone marks a major victory for the company’s ‘Warehouse to Wheels’ initiative. Designed to allow existing warehouse operatives to upskill and gain a Large Goods Vehicle licence, the scheme focuses on developing individuals from within, while systematically strengthening the company’s frontline logistics workforce.
From The Depot To The Road
Passing the Category C+E test, allowing drivers to operate articulated vehicles up to 44 tonnes, is notoriously rigorous. For the two apprentices, the achievement is the culmination of balancing their day-to-day warehouse duties with intensive driver training. Going through the apprenticeship together provided a unique advantage. The duo benefitted from mutual support, shared learning, and a healthy dose of camaraderie as they mastered the complexities of manoeuvring the fleet’s largest vehicles.
While passing the practical tests is a massive milestone, their journey isn’t quite over. Both drivers are progressing with their apprenticeships and will complete the final requirements, including the Apprenticeship Assessment, needed to achieve their Level 2 qualification.
Pictured above: Jason (left) and Karl (right) with their practical Category C+E pass certificates
A Major Boost To Operational Capacity
For haulage and logistics operators, internal progression schemes are proving to be the gold standard for fixing skills shortages. By investing in their own staff, businesses can build a reliable pipeline of qualified talent that understands the business from the ground up. Shane Stafford, Ferryspeed’s Head of Transport (UK) shared his pride in the apprentice’s success, highlighting the support provided by 2 Start:
“At Ferryspeed we’re committed to investing in our people and creating opportunities for career progression. Our Warehouse to Wheels initiative, in partnership with 2 Start, gives warehouse operatives the chance to gain their LGV licence, delivering benefits for both the individual and the business. With the well-documented shortage of qualified LGV drivers across the sector, it’s important to develop talent from within our own workforce. We have a strong working relationship with 2 Start, whose professional approach and high-quality training have been instrumental in the programme’s success. We’re delighted that the first two warehouse operatives to take part passed their LGV tests first time, demonstrating both their dedication and the excellent support provided throughout the training process.“
Building The Future of Haulage
As their training provider, our team have supported both learners from day one. Seeing them transition from warehouse operatives to confident C+E drivers is a testament to what can be achieved when structured training aligns with a supportive employer. Schemes like ‘Warehouse to Wheels’ prove that the logistics sector can solve its skills gaps by looking inward, nurturing talent, and providing clear, fully-funded career pathways.
Making this achievement even more incredible, both drivers completed their training and passed their practical tests in a fuly electric LGV. As the UK’s first and currently only logistics training provider to have electric LGVs within the training fleet, we are incredibly proud to help our learners not only build their careers but also drive the industry towards a cleaner, sustainable future.
