We’re pleased to announce that we have our first Copart Driver Academy graduate at our Operation Centre in Bristol, helping to secure the future supply of highly skilled Copart drivers!
Joining our already extensive range of training and development opportunities, Driver Academy forms an important part of our Copart Cares commitment to caring about our teammates, which includes providing pathways towards industry recognised qualifications and progression opportunities within our business.
We launched our Copart Driver Academy programme in January 2022 in partnership with HGVC. As well as being the leading provider of commercial licence acquisition training courses in the UK, they are also the only one to offer carbon neutral training.
In addition to external candidates, we also recruited internally with existing Copart teammates from a variety of roles and locations joining the programme.
With our Copart Driver Academy we are aiming to deliver 100 new fully trained drivers in the first year as part of our wider expansion plans to continually enhance our vehicle collection and delivery capabilities across the UK.
As part of the programme, trainees start by focusing on theory. They spend time in a Copart Operation Centre learning about the yard processes and shadowing an experienced Driver mentor to observe their daily duties, including safely loading and unloading vehicles from our multi-car transporters.
This is followed up by the practical elements of the course, in association with HGVC, with further training in Copart transporters and off-site tests and assessments.
We’re very proud to announce that our first teammate to pass our Copart Driver Academy with flying colours is Luke Geach from our Bristol Operation Centre.
Luke joined Copart in March 2022 as a Trainee Transporter Driver, having wanted to gain his Class 1 licence for some time. When he saw our advertisement for Driver Academy, he knew this would be the perfect opportunity to achieve his ambition.
Luke’s Manager David at Copart Bristol, said:
“After being successful with his interview, Luke started in the Bristol yard learning all of the Copart procedures which he will carry over as a driver.
“Whilst studying and practicing for his test he also accompanied other drivers so that he had knowledge of how different driving for Copart is than most other companies and trades, and this has already built great relationships with the team as a whole.
“When Luke called to tell me the news he was over the moon and couldn’t wait to resume his training. He is now in the final training stages with the Driver Trainer before he takes his first solo steps out as a fully-fledged and qualified Copart Class 1 driver.”
Luke added:
“My training was both varied and at times challenging. With hard work and support from my management and teammates, I have been able to achieve my goal of obtaining my C+E HGV licence.
“Now the real learning begins as I embark on a new career as a car transporter driver, and I can’t wait to get started!”
We’re very excited to see the first of many new highly skilled and quality assured drivers joining our transport fleet, as part of an ongoing investment into our logistical capabilities and operational excellence!
