Frequently Asked Questions Factsheet: Eddie Stobart Driver Apprentices This factsheet has been designed in a FAQ format. Please feel free to also ask any additional questions you may want to using the main contact email: stobart.apprenticeships@system-training.com How do I apply? Please read through this factsheet carefully, and ask any questions if you are unsure of anything, then complete the application form as clearly as you can in your own handwriting (or if you have had help with writing the form please just let us know). Then send it along with a photocopy of both parts of your driving licence to: Lisa Watson Eddie Stobart Trainee Driver Applications c/o System Training 13 Queensway House, Queensway Skippers Lane Industrial Estate Middlesbrough TS3 8TF I would like to work for Eddie Stobart but am not sure if I will enjoy driving for a living should I apply? You will be provided with much experience of life as a driver during your first two weeks. This is to help you decide if you think this is for you, as well as to help us select the best candidates. How will I be selected? You will be asked to attend an assessment day which will have some group exercises and a one to one interview. If selected, you will then attend a two week selection programme and the best eight candidates selected at the end of this period will then be offered employment. What will the selection programme be like? What kind of things are you looking for? This will involve practical exercises, discussions, classroom teaching, time using the driving simulator and much time spent on the road with professional Eddie Stobart drivers. We are looking for candidates with a really good attitude to work who we think have the potential to develop into professional representatives of the leading logistics company in the UK. You will have to show you are well turned out, punctual, reliable, polite and respectful to others. You will be able to listen carefully, ask questions, respect and follow all company safety procedures at all times, be prepared to learn, follow company rules, show that you have an aptitude for driving, can work hard and have a genuine interest in obtaining qualifications and driving professionally. Page 1 of 5
What happens if I don t get selected this time? This is part of an on-going recruitment programme and there will be opportunities throughout 2012. You might be able to skip the assessment stages next time if you have performed well but just missed out on selection this time. We will give everyone feedback so you know what you can work on improving to help you in the future. Will I receive training? Yes. Full structured training will be provided by qualified professional staff using classroom, in-vehicle driver training and state of the art driver simulator training. What will my training cover? You will follow our structured driver induction programme and work towards and achieve a nationally recognised Apprenticeship in Driving Goods Vehicles, Level 2. You will be trained to obtain your full LGV Licences (category C and C+E) and you will also receive a range of health and safety, fire awareness and first aid training /certificates. The programme will not be changed to meet individuals needs therefore if you have already achieved part of the programme you may be ineligible. Do I have to pay for my training? No this will be provided free of charge as it is funded through the government as part of the apprenticeship programme. When will training start? We are working with Eddie Stobart to recruit 8 apprentices a month during 2012. Your application will be considered for the next available intake, closest to the date that we receive your completed application and copies of both parts of your driving licence. When will I be fully trained as a driver? The programme is designed to ensure that you are supported to acquire your licences and adequate experience within 26 weeks. If you successfully complete the 26 week programme you could be employed as a driving with your own vehicle within 6 months of your start date. Assuming you have successfully passed all your tests and obtained all licences and qualifications required. Page 2 of 5
Will I be paid while I am training? Yes, you will receive a standard training wage for an apprentice for the duration of the 26 week apprenticeship programme. Eddie Stobart have set the current apprentice weekly wage as 95. What qualifications will I receive? You will receive the following qualifications: QCF Driving Goods Vehicles Level 2 CIEH Health and Safety IOSH Working Safely Manual Handling First Aid Environmental Pollution Key Skills Where Applicable Where will I train? The Eddie Stobart Training Academy in Widnes, WA8 8TZ. Does it matter where I live? You will need to live within a reasonable travelling distance of Widnes or be willing to do so for the duration of the training. There are currently no other opportunities outside the Widnes/Warrington area. Where will I work when my training is complete? It is expected that you will initially be based in Widnes and it is expected that you may work in other areas in the Widnes/Warrington area as required to suit business needs. What happens if I don t get my licences? You will have the opportunity to take your test more than once and full support and training will be provided but you cannot work without these it is a condition of employment as a driver. Page 3 of 5
What happens if I don t pass my apprenticeship? You will have to successfully complete your apprenticeship it is a condition of employment. Full support and training will be provided by experienced professional staff but you must be prepared to work hard and put real effort into your own success. If you part-achieve you will be able to use this to help you obtain training or employment elsewhere. My maths and English skills aren t great does that matter? We will assess your skills during the selection stages. If we feel you have the potential to reach the levels required to obtain your apprenticeship and you perform well in other selection criteria then we will provide you with full qualified support to achieve the levels needed for your work. You will have to reach the levels required to obtain your apprenticeship. I am not 18 yet can I still apply? You will have to be 18 by the start date of the programme in order to allow us to train you to obtain your LGV licences. Am I supposed to have any previous experience? No previous professional driving or other specific work experience is required however you will be expected to have experience of driving a car on a regular basis as a minimum. I don t have my car licence how important is that? This is an essential requirement. If you don t have your car licence yet, you might want to consider working towards this and applying when you have passed your test and when you are a confident driver with a few month driving experience. You cannot be selected without a car licence and we will require copies of both parts of your licence as evidence before selection. I have some points on my licence does this matter? You cannot be selected if you have more than 3 points on your licence. We will require your original licence as evidence before selection. Anyone who has previously been banned for driving will not be accepted on the programme. Page 4 of 5
I already hold my provisional LGV licence will this be recognised? This is desirable and it would be advantageous in your application but does not guarantee you a place on the programme. Do I have to supply a reference? Who should I ask? You must be able to supply a character reference. We will also ask to see a work or voluntary experience reference if you can provide one. You just have to provide the contact details needed on the application form and we will do the rest. A character reference could be provided by your school or college (by a teacher who has known you for at least the last 12 months) or by a leader of a sports or youth community group to which you may belong. You cannot use a family member as a reference. References will be taken up in writing before selection and will be checked without exception. If you are not sure who to ask, please get in touch and we will advise you. Will I have to pass a medical? Yes, you will have to successfully pass a medical in order to be able to obtain your LGV licences and a medical will be arranged for you. If you have any questions or concerns in this regard, please ask your GP. Page 5 of 5