Skills Bootcamp delivers 600 new HGV drivers

Hundreds of trainee drivers have now passed or booked their practical training, following a Government-funded HGV Skills Bootcamp.

Nearly 30% of Bootcamp trainees are well on their way to completing their training, according to data from the Driver Academy Group.

The Driver Academy Group, led by HGV training specialist HGVC and comprising workforce solutions group Manpower and trade body Logistics UK, has drawn trainees from across England, where the funding is available. The data shows that every region in England has candidates that have completed their training.

The East of England tops the list, with 94 drivers in the region who have passed or booked their practical test, or 17% of the total. The South East is a close second with 91 drivers (16%) completed or booked onto their practical training. London is third with 87 drivers (15%).

James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “As we celebrate National Lorry Week, these numbers indicate a small but significant achievement for the HGV driving industry.

“Funding has been a major barrier to entry for those looking to train as HGV drivers, especially when they may not get a job at the end of their course. So, these government-funded Skills Bootcamps are making a big difference in helping to attract people into the industry, getting them trained and into good jobs.

“With further funding, those 8,000 people on our waiting list can help plug the HGV driver shortage and keep the UK’s supply chains moving.”

The Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving are open to anyone with a car license aged 19 and over. The training courses are available at 60 locations across the country. The flexible courses help people build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer. The Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping everyone gain skills for life. The Department for Education funds the scheme.