People starting the HGV technician apprenticeship has increased by almost half in four years, according to analysis from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
Driving that 47% increase between 2020/21 and 2024/25 has been older trainees and Apprenticeship Services Account (ASA) levy funding.
The IMI’s latest analysis paints a positive picture for the HGV technician talent pipeline, with more than 1,500 learners starting HGV apprenticeships in the 2024/25 academic year. Of these, 80.6% were on the Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician pathway.
The HGV pathways have a higher proportion of over-25s compared with the wider automotive sector, indicating a stronger reliance on those already with experience.
Nick Connor, CEO at the IMI, said: “Our latest analysis shows steady growth in HGV apprenticeship starts after a sharp decline during the pandemic. HGV apprenticeship starts are now at their highest level for the past five years.
“In particular, it is interesting to see a shift in demand, with Bus and Coach Engineering Technician apprenticeships now the fastest-growing pathway. This is likely to be driven by investment in public transport, as well as fleet changes and the transition to zero-emission vehicles for the growing e-commerce marketplace.”
The IMI analysis also identified that HGV apprenticeship pathways attract a higher percentage of learners aged over 25 compared with the wider automotive sector, presenting both an opportunity and a risk for HGV operators.
While there are clear career-change and development opportunities for those with existing experience, the reliance on older workers risks reducing the focus on attracting new entrants.
“The current reliance on older-than-average trainees, together with the high proportion of ASA levy funding, means the security of adult learners — and therefore the HGV workforce supply — is sensitive to policy or funding changes,” he said.
“This highlights the need to support flexible training routes and protect adult learner funding to sustain growth and meet future HGV workforce needs.”
