Waste management firm aims to plug driver shortages with new driving academies

A waste management company has opened several driving academies across the UK to combat driver shortages.

Keenan Recycling has introduced driving academy at sites in Manchester, Leeds, Guildford, Shrewsbury and Newcastle, as it seeks to fill some of the 100,000 reported shortages in HGV drivers across the UK.

The recycling firm claims it has been “inundated” with applications for drivers, amid the on-going driver shortage which has been reported by a range of sectors including supermarket retail and hospitality.

More than 1,000 people have applied for the Academy which includes paid-for training and employment following training with Keenan. In addition, the waste management company is also offering accommodation for those who need to relocate to undergo training.

Claire Keenan, collections director said: “We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed with the response to our new Driving Academy which has allowed us to place our own vehicles across the length and breadth of Britain.

“Last year saw us make significant investments into England, that allowed us to serve a wealth of new customers south of the border including colleges, restaurants and fast food chains.

Keenan Recycling plans to more than double its headcount, increasing by around 230 per cent in the next two years, and invest in another 200 high-tech trucks.

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