Transport is a key part of the United Kingdom’s economy and is essential in making sure goods travel around the country. However, the lack of qualified HGV drivers has become a growing shortage and has put supply chains under pressure, which is why HGV training courses are needed to build a resilient workforce.
Addressing the HGV Driver Shortage
HGV driver shortage has been a problem in the UK for a long time. The shortfall peaked at 100,000 drivers, leading to delivery delays and empty supermarket shelves. The issue is still present, but it has been improved upon. Figures from the past year show that between April 2023 and March 2024, the number of HGV drivers had fallen to 266,000, or around 20,000 fewer than in the pre-pandemic period. And with 55% of drivers aged 50 or older and not enough young recruits coming into the profession, action is needed now.
The Role of Comprehensive HGV Training
High quality HGV training is a key solution to this shortage. Training of drivers properly enables them to possess some necessary skills, which make the occupation secure, efficient, adhering to industry’s rules and make it able to appeal to new talent.
The CPC training is not just a legal requirement, but echoes the manifesto of a safety first culture that endorses drivers, businesses and general public says James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, the leading UK HGV training provider.
HGVC’s Commitment to Training Excellence
Fully managed HGV training courses have been a huge part of HGVC’s efforts to combat the driver shortage. The company boasts of more than 400 centres across the country, making it easy to get access to the best training. In addition, HGVC candidates are 75% more likely to pass their test on the first attempt than the industry average.
Government Support and Industry Collaboration
Taking note of the urgency, the UK government has started taking action such as the HGV Skills Bootcamp which can fully subsidise up to 70% of Category C and C+E training costs. HGVC assists in the process of securing this funding for individuals and businesses with ease.
Furthermore, HGVC’s partnership with the Driver Academy Group, Logistics UK, and Manpower is expanding industry diversity. The programme, which has launched and is ongoing, has received over 1,500 submissions from women and 5,000 from the ethnic minority group, moving towards an inclusive workforce. These numbers are continuing to grow as efforts to build an inclusive workforce are top on the priority list for HGVC.
The Road Ahead
HGV training courses are vital to the future of the UK’s transport. If the industry improves working conditions and career prospects, it would attract and retain skilled drivers.
HGVC’s CEO James Clifford says, “Drivers are the backbone of logistics. Beyond compliance they are equipped with the skills to keep roads safe and supply chains smoothly running.”
There’s much more to HGV training than certification—having a robust, prepared workforce is vital for the economic growth of the country. With training providers like HGVC stepping up alongside government initiatives and working in collaboration with industry, the UK is set to build a more resilient transport sector.