SPAR Scotland operator CJ Lang & Son Ltd is investing in its talent base with a new driver apprenticeship scheme. The company has recruited new drivers and warehouse operatives and has welcomed Graeme Findlay from GTG Training to start module 1 of the Driver Apprenticeship Scheme.

The new scheme allows SPAR Scotland logistics colleagues to demonstrate their competencies in carrying out their roles to the best of their abilities with a range of flexible skills.

Alan Brown, CJ Lang Distribution Centre Manager, said: “CJ Lang is delighted to be working in partnership with GTG Training. As part of our development programme, we believe that, with the right skills, a few of our colleagues can be our HGV drivers of tomorrow.”

“The scheme facilitates this progression from warehouse to distribution, plus all our HGV Class 2 drivers will be upskilled to HGV 1. All colleagues on the scheme will have the opportunity to apply for a nationally recognised vocational qualification.”

The CJ Lang & Son Logistics division is working in partnership with GTG Training on a Modern Apprenticeship Scheme in Driving Goods Vehicles (Level 3) to help fill the future skill-shortage of HGV drivers in the logistics industry.

GTG Training provides high-quality training courses and education in various areas, including Transport and Automotive Technical. It has cemented its position as one of the UK’s most innovative, experienced and qualified training establishments in Scotland.

The Apprentice Scheme is available to colleagues aged between 18 – 24 years.

Boosting talent base

“We recognise that within our internal workforce, we have an existing talent base. We are delighted to have the opportunity to invest and develop their skills to be our drivers of tomorrow”, said Alan Brown.

“Our vision for the future is for our multi-drop drivers to have a flexible range of logistics skills and upskilled to HGV 1 with a nationally recognised qualification in Driving Goods Vehicles (Level 3). This will demonstrate the capability and competence of our CJ Lang drivers”, he added.

Source: SPAR UK

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About SPAR UK

The UK became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. There are now five regional partners in the UK. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. 

SPAR has led the highly competitive convenience market in the UK for many years. Always innovative, the five regional partners have continued to grow the brand. SPAR UK comprises independently owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores. These include forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres, and local neighbourhood stores.