Fully Funded HGV Training Scheme: A Major Boost for Driver Recruitment

The government’s fully funded initiative to train new HGV drivers and address the UK driver shortage has been extended until February 2026. The Government Skills Bootcamp in HGV Driving provides a comprehensive 16-week training programme with minimal disruption to participants’ existing commitments.

This scheme is available to anyone aged 19 or over living in England, whether employed, self-employed, or unemployed, as long as they hold a full UK driving licence. The programme offers the opportunity to gain a Cat C or C+E licence at no cost.

For employers wanting to upskill their staff, the scheme offers significant financial support, covering 90% of the training costs for SMEs with fewer than 250 employees, or 70% for larger businesses with a turnover exceeding £50 million or more than 250 employees.

Impact and Success of the Scheme

HGVC, one of the key training providers, has played a crucial role in this initiative. They have been allocated £10 million to train 1,828 new candidates over the next two years. This initiative has already seen great success, with HGVC training thousands of new drivers. The focus is on supporting employers to upskill their existing staff, helping them acquire new qualifications and enhance their career prospects.

The scheme has also succeeded in diversifying the HGV driver workforce. Since April 2023, over 7% of HGVC’s trainees have been women, compared to just 1% in the industry overall. Additionally, more than 25% of trainees have been from Black, Asian, or other ethnically diverse backgrounds, significantly higher than the current 4% industry average.

Gary B, chief executive of HGVC, stated, “The Skills Bootcamps have made a big difference to the driver shortage, yet there’s more that needs to be done. This is a long-term issue that requires an equally long-term solution.”

Expansion and Additional Training Providers

Other training providers are also expanding their efforts. Jacksons Training, under a multi-million-pound two-year government contract, offers HGV and ADR training at several locations. Premier Fleet Solutions has upgraded its facilities to meet the increased demand for Skills Bootcamp training.

South Council has secured over £3.7 million in government funding to run free, flexible courses, including HGV driving, for up to 16 weeks. These courses are designed to address identified skills shortages and offer interviews with local employers upon completion.

Councillor Jane Carter highlighted the importance of equipping residents with the skills needed for the growing green industries in the Borough.

The expansion of HGV Bootcamp funding is a significant step forward, providing drivers with the skills and qualifications necessary to thrive in the logistics industry and helping to alleviate the long-standing driver shortage in the UK.