🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
Driver Academy Group helps 1,300 new HGV drivers get behind the wheel
New data from the Driver Academy Group, the consortium leading the government-funded HGV driver training comprising workforce solutions group Manpower and Logistics UK, has revealed that more than 1,300 HGV driving trainees have passed their practical test since the scheme was launched and are ready to drive.
Nearly 650 drivers are already in jobs with employers, including logistics businesses, retailers, and supply chain firms. Another 150 have secured job offers and expect to be in employment by September. Qualified drivers are securing starting salaries of up to £40,000.
“The government’s Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving have been a lifeline for the industry, helping both individual candidates and employers get the funding they need to help get behind the wheel,” said James Clifford, CEO of HGVC.
“As the long-term driver shortage continues, the government’s Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving show that there continue to be thousands of people in the UK who want to become lorry drivers and many employers who want to develop their people.
“With the recent extension to the scheme, we’re training even more and helping keep Britain moving.”
The Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving are open to anyone with a car licence aged 19 and over. These Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving were extended in April this year for a further year.
Training courses are available at 60 locations across the country. The flexible programme helps people build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer.
The Skills Bootcamps are part of the government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping everyone gain skills for life. The Department for Education funds the scheme.
Interested employers and candidates can apply here: www.hgv.academy. 
Published On: 21/09/2023 15:00:00
Comments Section
If you are a Logistics UK member login to add comments.
In brief
Carousel Logistics and Varamis Rail to electrify cargo route between Brimingham and Glasgow
The partnership was formed in February of this year and, following a successful trial, the new electric route has officially become part of Carousel Logistics’ pan-European operation.
Varamis Rail, the UK’s first electric-only express rail freight operator, is converting former passenger trains to carry cargo at speeds of up to 100mph between the Midlands and Scotland.
“The introduction of this zero-emission route out of Birmingham, our primary UK hub, is a real win-win for us” said Andrew Lowery, Managing Director UK, Carousel Logistics.
“Not only does this high-speed electric train drive our journey toward carbon neutrality, it is also faster than the diesel-fuelled alternatives.
“We’re looking forward to expanding our partnership with Varamis Rail as they add more capacity to this route, and sustainably connect more British cities.”
Varamis Rail says the electric route will save 1,350 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year under the current schedule of a return journey between the cities five nights a week.
The service, which connects the cities in around four hours, is currently running Monday to Friday.
Latest articles
Van Policy Working Group discusses the Non-Zero-Emission Van Registration Trading SchemeÂ
The Van Policy Working Group met this week (Tuesday 25 June) under the new chairmanship of Colin James, General Manager Compliance and Risk at DPD Group UK, to discuss the impact of the new Non-Zero-Emission Van Registration Trading Scheme (VRTS) on vehicle acquisition plans.
Read time: 2 minutes
View article
June 2024 - A month in the media for Logistics UK
Media interest in logistics has continued to be high during June, with the Logistics UK press office busy providing comment on a variety of issues to ensure the views of its members maintain a significant presence in the headlines.
Read time: 2 minutes
View article
Generation Logistics Case Study
Betsy Porter - Customs Processing Administrator, MaerskÂ
Read time: 2 minutes
View article