HGVC, a leading HGV driver training specialist, is helping Gedling Borough Council train 30 local people to become HGV drivers as part of its fully funded Skills Bootcamps scheme.
The HGV Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, helping people build sector-specific skills.
The camps were first launched in December 2021 by the Department for Education (DfE) in response to a chronic shortage of HGV drivers, they have proven so successful that the DfE has since extended the programme into 2025.
Organisations of any size can access 100% funding by enrolling new recruits on the training scheme before they are employed. For organisations with fewer than 250 employees, the Skills Bootcamps are 90% funded, with employers paying the remaining 10 per cent of the course cost. For larger employers, the Skills Bootcamps are 70% funded.
Gedling Borough Council is supporting 30 fully funded places on Skills Bootcamps to help local people get into work and secure higher-paid careers.
The Skills Bootcamps will also help employers across the region to find the HGV drivers they need to keep their businesses growing and support the local economy.
Six of the 30 candidates have already completed the Skills Bootcamps training and secured employment.
Nick Norman, who lives in Arnold, secured one of the fully funded places made available by Gedling Borough Council.
He completed the HGV Skills Bootcamp (class 2) course with HGVC Training in September 2024 and was offered a job at Mobile Services in Ellistown as a car transporter driver the same month.
Describing his experience, Nick said: “I’ve always wanted to drive lorries ever since I passed my car driving test in 2004 but unfortunately, I was never able to afford it. When I came across the HGVC training, through a friend, I applied and was accepted. It was a dream come true that I could finally get my lorry licence.
“I’m so happy I passed everything first time.”
James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “The Skills Bootcamps have been crucial in helping remove the financial barrier that can deter entry into this profession for new drivers.
“Traditionally, 12-month apprenticeships were a common route into the industry. Now candidates can secure a high-paying HGV driving job in 16 weeks. It’s wonderful to hear stories like Nick’s and to see the real impact that the Skills Bootcamps can have.”
The Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving have been such a success that Gedling Borough Council has asked HGVC to deliver an FLT (Fork Lift Truck) Bootcamp, providing further valuable skills and employment opportunities for local people.
