Ahola Academy: a faster and more targeted route into the transport sector

Our Ahola Academy training program prepares drivers for the practical work in Ahola’s operating environment. At its fastest, the training program can be finished in 2–3 months.

 

Three years ago, Ahola conducted a comprehensive survey* to find out how 16–18-year-olds living in Finland view the transport industry. The objective was to survey young people’s knowledge about the logistics sector and their opinions about job opportunities in the sector.

 

The results revealed challenges in the sector’s appeal. One of the main problems was the length of the training: acquiring a vocational degree in logistics takes 1.5–3 years, and the focus is on theoretical studies. The student gets no practical experience until they enter the workforce.

 

The work of a driver is demanding, both mentally and physically. Spending long stretches of time on the road can be challenging for new graduates and calls for dedication to the task. It could be said that it is not just a job but a way of life.

 

Developing the training program

 

With these ideas in mind, in collaboration with Traficom, we began developing a shorter and more practical training route into the transport sector. It is now possible to become a qualified driver by attending approximately 200 lessons covering both theory and practical driving lessons and by passing the CE driving test.

 

On certain conditions, Ahola’s experienced employees can teach the students, but a qualified instructor is responsible for the practical driving lessons. Driving instructor Caj Björkskog, who has the qualifications to instruct, is primarily responsible for the training at Ahola Academy.

 

The program is supported by an application integrated with Traficom’s system that provides a varied online learning environment for deepening one’s skills.

 

Piloting and the future of the training program

 

The training program started with the first student in September 2024. The objective was to upgrade a B driving license first to a C license and finally to a CE license as well as become a qualified driver. The pilot program demonstrated that the training can be carried out efficiently in 2–3 months.

 

Ahola Academy is not designed for mass training but to instruct individual drivers when needed. Each student is assigned a mentor driver who supports them on the road as well as on the ships sailing between Finland and Sweden. This gives the students a comprehensive understanding of the practicalities of the job and access to the driver community right from the beginning.

 

In 2025, the objective is to train three new drivers. Those who complete the program can get a job as a driver at Ahola either as an employee or as a contractual partner. We also provide our students support in starting their own company.

 

Ahola Academy is a step towards more effective and more practical transport sector training and provides future drivers a fast track to the trade.

 

*Ahola’s survey on perceptions of the job of HGV driver among the younger population 2022 and Ahola’s driver survey 2022