🕒 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
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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.
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