In-house centre focuses on driver training

ALAN PEAT
ONE OF the freight subsidiaries of the Bidvest group, Rennies Distribution Services, has established a full-scale in-house training centre primarily for employees in the group – and specialising in driver training and freight handling. Based at the company’s KwaZulu-Natal headquarters, the Rennies Distribution Services Academy is one of only 10 training facilities in SA specialising in this field, according to academy GM, Rodney Ford – and is applying to the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) for the annual enrolment of 80 previously unemployed learners a year. Courses to be offered include: materials handling equipment training; computers and radio frequency scanners; skills programmes; safety induction; diploma in freight logistics (two-year learnership); certificate in freight handling (one-year); and a certificate in professional driving (one-year). The academic theory will be supported by practical training, Ford added.