The FTA (Freight Transport Association) and RHA (Road Haulage Association) respectively describes the decision as “common sense” and “a victory for our campaigning and lobbying work”.
However, both are pressing for clarification that the full cost of the driver’s licence acquisition will be funded so that operators can make full use of the new apprenticeship.
“It was vitally important for the freight and logistics sector that quality training for HGV drivers was recognised and that a formal route existed for young people to come into the role,” comments FTA skills development manager Sally Gilson.
“I would like to mention the hard work and time that Colin Snape of food transportation and distribution company Nagel Langdons has put into bringing together this apprenticeship,” she continues.
“FTA has been stressing the importance of the HGV driver apprenticeship for a long time now, particularly in light of the Apprenticeship Levy, so we are pleased that this standard has now finally been approved.”
“The approval of the HGV apprenticeship scheme is good news,” agrees RHA chief executive Richard Burnett (pi8ctured).
“However, it is essential that the apprenticeship includes the costs of licence acquisition... An HGV apprenticeship that doesn’t cover the cost of the licence is like having a truck without an engine,” he continues.
“The approval of an LGV apprenticeship Trailblazer scheme is certainly a step in the right direction, but we need bold strides if we are to tackle the driver shortage.”