Waste and recycling staff celebrate gaining licence to drive collection vehicles
Staff from Lichfield District Council’s Joint Waste Service are now licensed to drive collection wagons after passing the required qualification.
Eight current operatives – Andy Dunn, Ryan Edwards, Ed Gooch, Chris Shubrook, Steve Yardley, Gary Eaton, Sam Johnson and Dan Morgan – have each gained their HGV Class C licence, increasing both their individual skills and the team’s flexibility.
Although now qualified to drive the Refuse Collection Vehicles, the new drivers will follow a support programme which includes being accompanied on rounds by experienced colleagues before they are given control of a vehicle themselves and an ongoing development programme where they will be monitored by the JWS supervisory team.
Last week Lichfield District Coucil's Chief Executive Simon Fletcher and Chief Operating Officer Kerry Dove visited the de[ot in Burntwood to present certificates and congratulate the new drivers.
Simon Fletcher said:
“I’m thrilled we have been able to invest in and grow our own drivers from within the service. These staff were all working as loaders on our Recycling and Waste Services and have undertaken training to become HGV drivers. I wish to congratulate them all on their achievement and look forward to seeing them driving our waste vehicles across the district for many years to come.”
“This is a substantial undertaking involving a driving test together with theory and practical exams. It’s an excellent example of LDC investing in our people to ensure we have the right workforce for the future.”