Training company HGVC has seen 19 third-party logistic (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 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% 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.
James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “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.”
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.
