Regular readers of HGVC blogs will know the work we’ve been doing to address the UK’s ongoing HGV driver shortage. We’ve covered the lead role we’re playing as part of the Driver Academy Group consortium that also includes Manpower and Logistics UK, with our government-funded HGV Skills Bootcamps proving popular across the country. 

Today, we’re very proud to say our latest data shows that 568 new HGV trainee drivers have either booked or passed their practical test. Launched last year, the initiative was designed to address the growing dearth of qualified drivers and welcomed candidates over the age of 19 with a car licence to apply. 

HGV Skills Bootcamps at 60 Nationwide Locations 

The Skills Bootcamps, which have been made available at 60 nationwide locations, not only help to train students but also assist successful trainees in gaining interviews with employers in their local area. Of the 1,950 drivers currently on the scheme, the figure is a healthy one, with around ⅓ potentially joining the UK’s HGV workforce in the near future. 

Since introducing the scheme alongside our Driver Academy Group partners, we’ve received over 30,000 applicants. This huge demand is also ongoing, with 8,000 further applicants from all around the country sitting on a waiting list to join. The East of England has proven a particularly rich source of new talent, with 17% of the total number being from the region. 

Starting Salaries of Up to £40k For Successful Trainees

Trainees participating in Driver Academy Group Bootcamps are able to gain their Category C license, as well as having the opportunity to be upgraded to the C+E category. It’s also possible to train for specialist licenses such as ADR & PDP licences that allow the owner to drive fuel truck and lorries that transport hazardous goods. 

The popularity of our Bootcamps is perhaps not surprising when you consider the financial and job satisfaction rewards that await those who successfully complete them. Salaries of up to £40k per year are up for grabs, with drivers of specialist vehicles being amongst the highest earners. Our CEO, James Clifford, had this to say:

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

Making Real Headway Against the HGV Driver Shortage

At HGVC, we’re committed to doing our part in addressing the ongoing UK HGV driver shortage, and we’re proud to be seeing results like this already. While the figures may be relatively small at present, they still demonstrate that with the right application and structure, the HGV driver crisis is something that can be overcome. 

Alongside these Bootcamps, we will continue to strive to deliver more qualified drivers for the UK haulage sector through our industry-leading HGV driver training programs that can be scaled to any size of requirement. To find out more about how we do things, take a browse around our website, which tells you everything you need to know. 

Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to us directly about how our driver training can help your business, click on ‘contact us’ or call us on 0330 818 8888 today.