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Funded HGV staff upskill opportunity for logistics firms in Cheshire

  • Post category:News

The UK logistics industry is facing a significant challenge, with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) predicting a need for over 200,000 new HGV drivers within the next five years to meet rising demand. This crisis impacts businesses of all sizes, as 81% of all freight in the UK is transported by road. Yet, many companies are struggling to recruit qualified drivers, often receiving few or no suitable applications.

There is, however, a cost-effective solution that’s available to help forward-thinking employers in Cheshire: upskilling current employees to fill HGV driver roles using funded skills bootcamps.

If your business is feeling the strain of the driver shortage, read on to learn how this innovative approach can not only solve your recruitment headaches but also enrich your workforce and improve employee loyalty.

Why is upskilling a great option?

When businesses think about addressing HGV driver shortages, recruitment often comes to mind as the default solution. But sourcing external candidates can be time-consuming, expensive, and result in mismatches.

Upskilling your existing team is a smarter, more effective approach for several reasons:

  • Cost Savings: Training costs are heavily subsidised through with funding provided by Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington, with 90% of the fees covered for small businesses and 70% for larger firms. For example, the HGV Cat C+E licence, usually costing £4,200, can be accessed for just £420 + VAT for eligible candidates.
  • Loyalty Building: Investing in your employees strengthens their connection to your business, enhancing retention and morale.
  • Fast Impact: Trained employees already know your business operations and culture, making them quicker to integrate into their new roles.
  • Added Value: These programmes don’t just train employees to drive. They also cover essential topics like safe fuel-efficient driving, tachograph use, theory test preparation, and more—so your new qualified HGV drivers are road-ready from day one.

Key features of the funded HGV Skills Bootcamp

The bootcamps offer intensive training tailored to the needs of businesses in Cheshire. Here’s what you need to know about what’s included:

  • Licensing and Training: Candidates will complete their Cat C+E licence, which covers driving articulated vehicles.
  • Theory Test Preparation: Employees will receive structured support to help them pass their theory tests, with retests included if needed.
  • Practical Training: A dedicated two-week hands-on driving course equips candidates with the skills they need for efficient, safe driving on the job.
  • Additional Online Learning: Topics such as fuel efficiency, digital tachographs, and driver hours are covered to ensure your team works effectively while maintaining compliance.
  • Affordable Pricing: Small businesses pay only £420 + VAT (90% subsidised), while larger businesses pay £1,260 + VAT (70% subsidised). This is much cheaper than the commercial cost of the course which is £4200 plus VAT.

Not only does this eliminate much of the heavy lifting involved in training, but it also ensures your team members are well-prepared to step into their roles from day one.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for a funded place, any employees who enrol on the course must meet the following requirements:

  • Be aged 19 or over.
  • Hold a valid car licence with no more than 6 penalty points.
  • Live or work within the Cheshire and Warrington area.

Upcoming course dates

Time is critical as places are limited and in high demand.

  • First Bootcamp: Starts 12th May, with only 13 spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Second Bootcamp: Starts 5th June, but half the seats are already filled.

Don’t miss the chance to secure this incredible opportunity to future-proof your business.

Build your team and business for the future

The challenge of hiring qualified drivers won’t go away on its own. By investing in the long-term development of your existing team, you can address this issue head-on while building loyalty and streamlining operations.

Employers in Cheshire and Warrington have a unique opportunity to take advantage of these highly subsidised courses and create a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.

Act now

To secure one of the limited spots or to learn more about the programme, contact us at info@trstraining.net or leave your details via our webform. Invest in your team’s growth and take a proactive step towards solving the driver shortage.