New funding packages for lorry driving apprenticeships welcomed

An improved funding package for apprentices in the transport sector has been announced that will open up even more opportunities for smaller firms.

From April 2017, lorry driving apprentices will attract government support of £5,000, with an additional £2,000 depending on the age of the individual. Importantly, the funding obligation on smaller firms has been reduced to nil.

Road Haulage Association policy director Jack Semple welcomed the new scheme, and said: “The government has listened to what the industry has said and has given a very positive response. The RHA has been arguing for quality-based funding that will drive up levels of recruitment from within the UK and quality of skills training and that is what the Department for Education has now proposed.”

Alongside the package for new lorry drivers is increased support for traffic office and warehouse operative apprenticeships.

There is also assistance available for apprenticeships where the individual needs support with maths or English of £471 for each of the two subjects.

“This is a really exciting time for the industry,” Semple continued. “The RHA will be working actively to bring these opportunities alive, not only for our large and medium-sized members but for the many thousands of owner-drivers and smaller hauliers who want to introduce newcomers to the industry, often their friends and relatives, in a way that gives them a really strong foundation and transferrable skills.”

For LGV drivers:

£5,000 base funding (includes licence acquisition)
£2,000 for those aged 16-18 at the start of the year-long apprenticeship
Nil co-investment for employers with fewer than 50 employees
Co-investment of just 10% for those with 50+ employees who are not apprenticeship levy payers
Levy payers make no additional co-investment

For traffic office (‘logistics and supply chain operator’):

£3,000 base funding
£2,000 for those aged 16-18 at the start of the year-long apprenticeship
Nil co-investment for employers with fewer than 50 employees
Co-investment of just 10% for those with 50+ employees who are not apprenticeship levy payers
Levy payers make no additional co-investment

For warehouse operative:

£3,000 base funding
£2,000 for those aged 16-18 at the start of the year-long apprenticeship
Nil co-investment for employers with fewer than 50 employees
Co-investment of just 10% for those with 50+ employees who are not apprenticeship levy payers
Levy payers make no additional co-investment