Government Funds 11,000 HGV Driver Training Places
The Driver Academy Group, a consortium led by HGV training specialist HGVC, and including workforce solutions group Manpower and trade body Logistics UK, has won the lead role on a government scheme to train and place 11,000 HGV drivers across England, helping to address a nationwide shortfall of almost 100,000 HGV drivers.
Logistics Manager reports that the Driver Academy group aims to train and place 2,160 candidates into HGV driving roles as part of the government’s ‘Skills Bootcamp’, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks that provide an opportunity for people to develop sector-specific skills, and a fast track to interviews with local employers.
HGVC will oversee the training of 750 new drivers in England, while Logistics UK will provide drivers with soft skills training, and Manpower will support qualified drivers in their search for suitable roles in the industry.
The Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving is open to anyone with a car license aged 19 and over. The consortium is keen to help underrepresented groups, such as women, people from ethnic minorities, and younger drivers, as well as those who have found themselves unemployed, ex-offenders, who are encouraged to apply.
James Clifford, the chief executive of HGVC said that finding has become a major barrier for those looking to train as an HGV driver, so the funding from the Department for Education will make a positive impact.
“By providing these courses, we are training up the new drivers that the UK needs to ensure the economy keeps growing while helping existing drivers into more critical and higher-paid roles,” he said.
The Government-funded training is provided via nine pathways, and courses range from novice drivers looking to gain their HGV licence, to refresher courses and upgrades for current licence holders.
Companies looking to upskill existing drivers can also apply for government funding of 70 per cent of the scheme’s cost.
If you’re looking for haulage equipment, visit our online store today.
