In an effort to address the shortage of qualified drivers across the haulage sector in Ireland, dairy processor Dairygold and the Cork Education Training Board have launched a new haulage course.

Speaking about the programme, Billy Cronin, head of supply chain at Dairygold, said: “As the dairy industry continues to expand, there is an ever-growing need for skilled and qualified drivers to support the logistics of milk collection and feed delivery.

“This programme, in collaboration with Cork Education Training Board, is designed to ensure that we have the drivers available to meet current and future demand.

“A career in HGV driving is financially rewarding, secure and sustainable, and we expect the training programme to attract significant interest,” he said.

Enda McWeeny, centre manager at Cork Education Training Board, also commented on the course creation: “Industry and learners are the key stakeholders of Cork Education Training Board. This partnership with Dairygold fulfils the dual strategy of CETB, ie providing learners with skills that make them ‘job-ready’ and ensuring that we close any skills gaps identified by industry."

Course details

An open evening for hauliers and prospective participants will be held at the Springfort Hall Country House Hotel, Mallow, on Thursday 11 October at 7.30pm.

The course will begin in November and will involve a 15-week training programme, which will be based in Mallow. Applicants must be over 24 years of age and be in possession of a current Learner Permit C Licence.

Those interested are asked to email a short cover letter and their CV to transport@dairygold.ie. The closing date for applications is 17 October.

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