New scheme gears up for better HGV technicians

The scheme offers individuals with at least three years of mechanical experience a direct route into the industry with full-time employment, on-the-job training and IRTEC inspection technician qualification.

“Pullman is proud to be leading the way in addressing one of the industry’s biggest challenges – the shortage of skilled HGV technicians,” said Dave Jones, managing director at Pullman Fleet Solutions. “Technicians are the backbone of this industry. If we want the UK’s fleets to keep moving, we need to invest in the people who keep them roadworthy. With GearUp, Pullman is setting the benchmark for how our industry addresses this challenge.”

GearUp is structured around full-time employment, not classroom theory. Trainees work alongside experienced HGV technicians at Pullman sites nationwide, gaining practical skills and progressing toward their IRTEC accreditation – a benchmark standard for technicians.

The programme is also paid from day one, with GearUp graduates continuing into permanent HGV roles at Pullman, where average salaries for fully skilled technicians range between £40,000 and £55,000 per year, depending on location and shift pattern.

“We’re opening the door to meaningful, long-term careers,” said Sean Derrig, HR manager at Pullman Fleet Solutions. “GearUp appeals to people with real mechanical ability who’ve hit a ceiling in their current role. They want to step up, build new skills, and get properly qualified. We’re here to make that possible.”