Food and grocery delivery platform Deliveroo has said it will help train up to 15,000 UK riders with new skills as part of a new partnership.

Deliveroo has teamed up with City & Guilds to give riders taking part in the scheme access to online courses to help them reskill and move into new careers with recognised qualifications for hospitality, care, and construction.

The company says the move could help alleviate nationwide staff shortages in these sectors.

“For the last ten years, Deliveroo riders have been the beating heart of our business, and we are proud to launch a number of new initiatives off the back of our partnership with the GMB that will support those looking to learn new skills and seeking new and exciting career opportunities,” said Will Shu, co-founder and chief executive, Deliveroo. “This is about setting riders up for success, supporting their growth, and giving them access to the advice and tools they need to train and upskill for their futures.”

Deliveroo has worked with GMB on the training offer following a partnership with the trade union launched in May last year. As part of the collaboration, Deliveroo has recognised that Deliveroo riders are self-employed and promised collective bargaining and consultation rights for riders.

"As a Union we support the riders to get the best from their role with Deliveroo and part of that is about equipping them with the skills necessary not just to develop in their current role but to explore opportunities for those who want to move in new directions," said Andy Prendergast, national secretary, GMB Union.

This latest initiative is part of Deliveroo's £2.5 million investment into rider skills. The scheme was first announced last year following a consultation with riders in which 71 per cent said that access to educational tools or courses to support qualifications would appeal to them.

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