Logistics provider XPO, has announced the launch of a new Female Driver Academy to help attract more women into the industry.

Female drivers who join the Academy will undertake a 12 to 16 week programme developing and sharpening their skills using the XPO Logistics internal driver training team.

XPO said the goal is to create a corps of highly skilled and professional female drivers who are intimately familiar with the company’s customers and products.

Lynn Brown, vice president, human resources—UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “We will be employing the candidates from day one so they can earn a living while training to become a vital part of our team.

“Our customer, Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland, has backed the initiative by offering roles in their British Gypsum and PAM operations. Our trainer will buddy our candidates, ensuring they can learn from someone who has first-hand experience of what they are going through and can provide the best possible support.”

The first Female Driver Academy candidates are expected to start driving HGVs full-time for XPO by August this year.

One candidate who will enrolling into the academy is current XPO DAF commercial vehicle parts delivery driver, Steph who said: This is a great opportunity to get more women involved in the HGV industry. There are other ways to achieve your license, but most HGV jobs require years of experience.

“The academy gives you more knowledge and experience. I’m particularly looking forward to getting more confidence and experience on the roads, taking advantage of wider opportunities at XPO Logistics, and exploring the country.”

The only requirement to be eligible to participate and enrol into the academy is that candidates must be aged at 18 to be able to drive an HGV.

The logistics provider said each Driver Excellence Academy trainee works towards receiving the relevant qualification for the type of vehicle they want to drive.

For example, a Cat B car licence can be upskilled to a Cat Class C (Rigid) or Cat CE (Artic). It is possible to go straight from a Cat B to a Cat CE licence.