Skills for life in the Supply Chain: Why HGV Driver Training Must Keep Pace

We released our report ‘Lorry Drivers: the vital link’ last week which outlines why we need more young people to get behind the wheel to future-proof the industry and drive economic growth.

There has never been a more crucial time to get more drivers on the road, and apprenticeships can be part of the solution to this growing issue. They’re a great choice for young people which allow them to earn while they learn and get valuable on-the-job experience.

To keep pace with industry needs there will be a huge number of job openings available in driving positions – and similarly transport managers, technicians, warehousing specialists and more – each filling their critical roles in the UK economy. Skills learned in apprenticeships can give people talents they can carry with them throughout their working lives.

Firms need more support to attract and train new blood which is why we must prioritise training to future-proof the sector for the long term.

This is against a backdrop of an ageing workforce, narrow diversity, and poor driver retention. These are key themes in our report as we set out our vision for the future to attract 40,000 new HGV drivers in each of the next five years to service demand.

The current HGV skills bootcamps are due to end within a year and no new funding has being announced. That is why it is crucial to consider multiple options to enter the workforce, such as through apprenticeships.

Sustained investment in training is crucial to ensure that people continue to develop skills for life – keeping the industry resilient and adaptable.

We continue to call on government for the reforms needed to the Growth and Skills Levy (previously known as the Apprenticeship Levy); employers need the flexibility to use available funds for courses and training that work for them.

Working with insurance companies to reduce the financial burden for businesses taking on newly qualified drivers would also help.

Meanwhile, work between industry and government is making inroads into improving roadside facilities for truckers but there’s still a long way to go.

There are lots of structural issues we need to address to support people into our industry which we’ve set out in our new report.

It’s vital we talk up our industry in National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February) that it offers a wealth of aspirational career choices offering skills for life.

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