The Road Haulage Association has joined forces with Jobcentre Plus to encourage more people into the truck driving sector.

Following a successful pilot scheme in Hampshire, a national work experience scheme will be launched this summer. In the pilot, 20 individuals in the Southampton, Portsmouth and Eastleigh areas completed a two-week placement with RHA members, in which they were shown what truck driving is all about – along with other aspects of the haulage industry.

The scheme also got strong support from RHA members in the Southampton area who took part in the pilot.

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “The pilot has given us the confidence to take the scheme nationwide, working through JCP local offices and RHA area managers.

“It will be a really significant project in promoting the industry and in strengthening our members’ understanding of what JCP can contribute to the success of their businesses. The scheme will also get some of the candidates into employment in the industry.”