Everything you need to know about the HGV Skills Bootcamps and how to apply

Following the nation’s pressure to save Christmas and combat the LGV Driver and Supply Chain issues, the government recently announced that they are investing in new Skills Bootcamps to train up to 5,000 people to become HGV drivers so new drivers can acquire their license as quick as possible.

Once the bootcamps are operational, it is expected that new drivers have their license by week three and the total course will take around 16 weeks. Participants who are also guaranteed a job interview with a local employer and will be available to the unemployed, employed, and those who wish to gain additional licenses. The bootcamps are free of charge to those who are eligible. The one caveat is that you must hold a full UK driving license.

Some Skills Bootcamps have additional eligibility criteria, so check with your local Skills Bootcamp provider.

According to the government website, this is how you can apply for the HGV Skills Bootcamp:

Information on where the courses will be running across the country and how you can apply to take part will be available from mid-November on gov.uk: List of Skills Bootcamps – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

You can contact the National Careers Service for advice on the options open to you, stay up to date on course availability and register your interest in Skills Bootcamps: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/contact-us.

Skills Bootcamps in HGV driving will then begin from around the end of November or early December, depending on the timings of your local training provider.

So far so good, right?

The Government is currently in the process of selecting training providers for the LGV bootcamps, so keep your eyes peeled! See below for an overview of what the programme will equip participants with:

Medical test and provisional license
Theory, hazard perception, and case studies training and official tests
Industry-specific knowledge training
Practical driving training and practice
Official practical driving tests (including 1 re-sit if required)
CPC training and certification
Full Cat C or Cat C and C+E licences, ADR and PDP Qualifications where applicable depending on the Pathway the individual is on