SPECIALIST recruitment company Drivers Direct has put a landmark 1,000 drivers through their NVQ training.

The Runcorn-based company, which recently moved to larger headquarters in the town, has promoted the training side of the business in addition to specialising in the recruitment and placement of temporary and permanent drivers of all classes.

NVQ level 2 training delivered by Drivers Direct is vocational training, which is the equivalent standard to GCSE grades A to C. The Driving Goods Vehicles course includes safe and efficient driving techniques, security awareness, how to load and unload vehicles correctly and how to manoeuvre in a restricted space. The ‘Carry and Deliver Goods’ course for van drivers follows the same format but also includes customer service training.

Managing director Gethin Roberts said: “Quality training of people is a key element in the success of any business. In our industry it is essential and that is why we place such great importance on developing top quality drivers. There can be a bit of a stigma regarding agency drivers so for us, it’s important that our drivers have all the right tools to make them safe.”

Drivers Direct also delivers DCPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence) training for HGV drivers where the law dictates anyone driving a vehicle above 3.5 tonnes must complete 35 hours of approved training within five years and every subsequent five years.

Mr Roberts added: “Delivery of DCPC training is another important part of our business and we are one of the first agencies to offer it, if not the first.”

Drivers Direct was set up in 2002 and employs 28 staff and has branches in Runcorn, Nuneaton, Northampton, Feltham, Sutton, Preston and Eastleigh. It has been listed as a Fast 50 company in the recruitment sector for the last two years.

It has also has also been developing the franchise side of the business with new franchises in Kent and Leicester and has recently joined the British Franchise Association.