Local councils help create 30 HGV drivers for local businesses
HGV driver training specialist HGVC is helping Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils train 30 local people to become HGV drivers as part of its fully funded Skills Bootcamps scheme.
Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils are supporting 30 fully funded places to help local people get into work and higher-paid careers.
Qualified drivers may secure starting salaries of around £40,000, HGVC said. Experienced drivers can go on to secure salaries of around £70,000 if driving dangerous goods such as fuel.
The HGV Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, helping people build sector-specific skills. First launched in December 2021, the DfE has extended the programme into 2025.
The funds from Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils address one of the barriers to entry for aspiring HGV drivers: cost.
HGVC will focus on supporting novice drivers to gain their Category C (rigid lorry) licence. The courses have been available to anyone in the region with a car driving licence.
Trainee drivers are currently learning the theory and practical aspects of becoming an HGV and will have passed their tests by October.
Norfolk and Suffolk employers can take on these 30 drivers immediately and have them ready as drivers for the autumn.
James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “Funding is a significant barrier to entry for those looking to become HGV drivers. So, these fully funded places through Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils are essential to help local people secure a well-paid career.
“By providing these courses, we are training the new drivers that businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk need to meet customer demand, grow and support the regional economy.
“We have a tried and tested approach to managing HGV driver training that has resulted in thousands of new drivers getting good HGV jobs across the UK. At 80%, our pass rates are significantly higher than the national average. We’re encouraging local employers to contact us if they are looking for new HGV drivers.”
Local employers keen to employ any of these new HGV drivers should email: [email protected]