Up to 1,828 places available for construction firms to upskill existing employees.
Construction firms can now access up to 90% subsidy to upskill existing employees to become HGV drivers. Securing a lead role in the Government’s Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving, HGV training specialist HGVC has nearly 1,900 places available to train up HGV drivers over the next two years.
The HGV Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills. First launched in December 2021, the Government has committed a further £50 million until February 2026.
HGVC will focus on supporting employers looking to upskill existing staff, via three pathways: helping novice drivers gain their Category C (rigid lorry) licence, a Category C+E (articulated lorry) licence or helping those with a Category C licence upgrade to a Category C + E.
The DfE funding offers a lifeline for construction firms large and small dealing with budget constraints. For organisations with more than 250 employees, the DfE will fund 70% of the HGV driver training programme. For those with fewer than 250 employees, the DfE will fund 90% of the course cost. Employers will fund the remainder.
James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “For construction firms, this is a major opportunity to upskill their staff with a significant subsidy from the Government. We’ve had great success over the past two years working with construction firms across England and we’re looking forward to continuing to do so. With this funding, we can get even more drivers behind the wheel and keep Britain moving.”
HGVC’s scheme is open to any construction firms looking to upskill their existing staff. The training courses are available at 60 locations across the country. Employers can apply at www.hgvc.co.uk/bootcamp.
