Driven by the need to tackle driver shortage in the metal recycling and logistics industries, EMR has developed a driver apprentice scheme.

EMR has now seen its first successful candidate and first female driver apprentice, 20-year-old Sian Smith (pictured), complete the practical training. Smith was one of many applicants who applied for the apprenticeship when EMR’s apprenticeship programme was launched last year.

 EMR’s logistics director Simon Wood said: “We launched the apprenticeship programme due to the shortage of drivers in our industry. This is the first driver apprenticeship programme in our industry and we are already seeing the success from our first set of candidates.

“The commercial driving industry is clearly one dominated by men and there is no reason why it has to be that way, as men and women are equally capable when it comes to driving LGVs. 

"We hope that this apprenticeship scheme and our success so far will bring more women into this industry.”

Smith said: “Once I passed my test it felt amazing but it still doesn’t seem real. From the start of my apprenticeship, everyone has been friendly and welcoming. The help and support I have received from the other drivers has been amazing.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all my trainers who helped me through the programme and who supported me with words of confidence all the time.”

EMR Midlands’ transport manager John Bate said: “I am immensely proud of what Sian achieved in such a short time during her apprenticeship with EMR.

“I am more than confident that Sian will be a great asset to the company with her bright personality and natural driving skills - the first of many apprentice drivers.”

“When someone thinks of a LGV driver they would typically imagine a middle aged man, I am glad that this trend is changing as more and more women are joining the industry.”

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