In an ambitious move to bridge the gap in the HGV driver sector, HGVC has successfully secured a staggering £10m from the latest government-funded extension, aimed at training hundreds more candidates in the North East. This initiative, part of the government’s extended Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving, is set to revolutionize the logistics and transportation sectors by providing up to 16 weeks of intensive training, specifically targeting the HGV driver shortage that has been a growing concern across the UK.
Launched initially in December 2021, the HGV Bootcamp have now been extended until February 2026, with the government committing an additional £50m in initial funding. This move not only demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling the driver shortage head-on but also opens up a plethora of opportunities for individuals looking to step into the HGV driving profession.
Under the auspices of HGVC, a leading specialist in HGV driver training, this programme is poised to train 1,828 candidates over the next two years, focusing particularly on the North East. This area is expected to see a significant uplift in skilled drivers, thanks to the maximum possible funding allocation of £10m awarded to HGVC.
James Clifford, the Chief Executive of HGVC, has welcomed this initiative with open arms, highlighting it as a “hugely positive initiative” undertaken by the government. Clifford’s remarks underscore the critical impact of the Skills Bootcamps on alleviating the driver shortage while pointing out the necessity for ongoing efforts to ensure a long-term solution to this industry-wide challenge.
For businesses, large and small, this funding scheme represents a golden opportunity to upskill their workforce with substantial government subsidies, thereby enhancing their operational capacity and contributing to keeping Britain moving. Over the past two years, HGVC’s collaboration with businesses in the North East has yielded great success, setting a positive precedent for the continuation of this impactful work.
The Department for Education (DfE) has been instrumental in facilitating this initiative, committing £50m towards the Skills Bootcamps for HGV drivers. This funding is particularly crucial for waste and recycling firms, providing them with up to a 90% subsidy to train existing employees as HGV drivers. With nearly 1,900 places currently available for training over the next two years, HGVC is at the forefront of this endeavour, offering targeted support for employers looking to upgrade their staff’s qualifications.
This support extends to offering three distinct pathways for upskilling: enabling novice drivers to acquire their Category C (rigid lorry) licence, a Category C+E (articulated lorry) licence, or assisting those with a Category C licence to upgrade to a Category C + E. The DfE’s funding model is designed to be inclusive, offering a lifeline to organisations regardless of their size. Companies with more than 250 employees will receive funding covering 70% of the HGV training programme costs, while those with fewer employees will benefit from a 90% funding rate, with employers expected to cover the remainder.
Clifford’s enthusiasm about the initiative’s impact on waste and recycling firms underscores the broader significance of this funding — not just as a remedy to the driver shortage but as a strategic investment in the future of logistics and environmental sustainability. As HGVC gears up to roll out these bootcamps starting 1 February 2024, the anticipation is palpable among prospective drivers and employers alike.
In essence, the extension of the Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving, spearheaded by HGVC with the support of the DfE, marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s effort to surmount the HGV driver shortage. It’s a clarion call to action for individuals seeking a rewarding career path and for companies aiming to fortify their logistical capabilities. As this programme unfolds over the next two years, its success will undoubtedly be a testament to the collaborative spirit between the government, training providers, and the logistics sector at large, all united in their mission to keep Britain moving.
Media ContactCompany Name: HGVCContact Person: Ernest P. LeeEmail: Send EmailCountry: United KingdomWebsite: https://www.hgvc.co.uk/
