New data from the Driver Academy Group, a consortium of road transport groups which provides training to HGV drivers, reveals that 600 of its current trainees have either received their HGV licence or have booked a practical test.
Launched in December 2021, the Driver Academy Group is a government-funded scheme aimed at encouraging more people to train as HGV drivers.
The group was established with the ambition of reducing the shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, with data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing that there were 39,000 fewer HGV drivers in 2021 compared with 2019.
The Driver Academy Group is led by HGV training specialist HGVC.
James Clifford, chief executive of HGVC, said: “Funding has been a major barrier to entry for those looking to train as HGV drivers, especially when they may not get a job at the end of their course.
“So, these government-funded skills bootcamps are making a big difference in helping to attract people into the industry, getting them trained and into good jobs.
“With further funding, those 8,000 people on our waiting list can help plug the HGV driver shortage and keep the UK’s supply chains moving.”
According to the consortium, the scheme has seen almost 1,950 trainees take part in HGV Skills Bootcamps, with reportedly more than 8,000 waiting to enrol on a course.
