HGVT Lands 10m Boost to Train Thousands of New Drivers

In a significant development, HGVT, a leader in HGV training, has been entrusted with a key role in the Government's expanded Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving.

A Windfall for Workforce Development

The newly secured 10 million funding is set to transform the landscape of HGV training in England. Over the next two years, this initiative aims to significantly upscale the skill set of thousands, preparing them to take the wheel as proficient HGV drivers.

The Skills Bootcamps offer flexible training courses lasting up to 16 weeks, where participants can acquire specialised skills pivotal to the HGV sector. Originally kicked off in December 2021, this programme has received continual extensions, the latest pushing the end date to February 2026. Initially backed by 50 million from the Government, there's a clear indication of further financial injections down the line.

Targeted Training for Essential Services

HGVT is poised to use this funding to train 1,828 candidates, focusing primarily on enabling employers to elevate the skills of their existing workforce. Training pathways include acquiring the Category C (rigid lorry) licence, the Category C+E (articulated lorry) licence, or upgrading from Category C to C + E licences. The training will be inclusive, covering sectors such as transport and logistics, retail, waste and recycling, agriculture, construction and engineering, local government, utilities, and more.

The financial framework provided by the Department for Education (DfE) offers crucial support to employers. Under the new arrangement, HGVT will deliver courses that are partially funded: large organisations will receive a 70% subsidy, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will benefit from a 90% contribution towards the training costs.

A Proven Track Record

Since its inception, the Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving have equipped approximately 1,800 drivers with new skills, with over 1,121 successfully transitioning into employment. These newly qualified drivers are entering the job market with potential starting salaries of up to 40,000.

HGVT's commitment to diversity is also evident in its recruitment. Since April 2023, over 7% of trainees have been women-- a stark contrast to the 1% national average. Additionally, the programme has seen a participation of over 25% from Black, Asian, and other ethnically diverse backgrounds, compared to just 4% across the industry.

Enrolment and Opportunities

The extended Skills Bootcamps will commence on 1 February 2024 and are open to all businesses interested in upskilling their staff. Eligible candidates must have held a driver's licence for more than three years. The courses are accessible at 60 different locations nationwide.

Prath Kamat, Head of Marketing at HGVT, expressed his enthusiasm about the programme: "This is a tremendously positive initiative by the Government and we are honoured to be a part of it once more. The Skills Bootcamps have already made significant inroads in addressing the driver shortage, but much remains to be done. This problem requires a sustainable, long-term approach and this funding allows us to contribute meaningfully towards that goal."

"Furthermore, for both large and small businesses, this represents a significant opportunity to enhance their workforce capabilities with substantial government support. We look forward to another productive period working alongside diverse sectors to boost the supply of skilled HGV drivers and keep Britain on the move."

COMTEX_451047753/2850/2024-04-18T16:03:41