HGVC, a leading HGV training specialist, has seen 19 third-party logistics (3PL) firms sign up to train more than 35 new drivers so far this quarter as part of its majority-funded Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving scheme.
3PL firms of all sizes can take advantage of the Skills Bootcamps, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks that help people build sector-specific skills.
First launched in December 2021 by the Department for Education (DfE) in response to a chronic shortage of HGV drivers, the Skills Bootcamps have proven so successful that the DfE has since extended the programme. For businesses with fewer than 250 employees, the Skills Bootcamps are 90% funded by DfE. Employers pay the remaining 10 per cent of the course cost. For larger employers, the Skills Bootcamps are 70% funded by DfE. Finally, firms of any size can access 100% funding by enrolling new recruits on the training scheme before they are employed.
The early figures for this quarter show an increase from previous months; between July and September this year (Q3), 18 3PL firms trained over 20 drivers through the Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving. This suggests that more 3PL businesses are learning about the opportunities offered by the Skills Bootcamps.
Image: HGVC
James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “For many years, UK employers have struggled with a chronic shortage of HGV drivers. An ageing driver population and stiff competition for skilled drivers has made it really challenging for many 3PL firms – and the cost of training was proving to be a real barrier for young people wanting to enter the profession. While things have improved since the launch of the Skills Bootcamps, there is still a need for more HGV drivers in the UK, and it’s great to see that more 3PL firms are learning about the opportunities that the Skills Bootcamps can offer them.”
Adrian Gray, Compliance Manager at James Kemball, one of the 3PL firms that benefitted from a fully funded training place in October, said: “Ensuring we have enough trained drivers is crucial for our business and securing a fully funded place on one of HGVC’s Skills Bootcamps was an incredibly cost-effective and efficient way to solve this problem. We know that our new drivers will have the right skills for the job from day one and it means we can respond to new business opportunities much more easily.”
HGVC’s scheme is open to any employer looking to upskill existing staff or train new employees. The training courses are available at 60 locations across the country.
