RHA chief executive Richard Burnett applauded the efforts of Colin Snape of Nagel Langdons who headed the logistics lobbying group, saying: “Without his invaluable help, I doubt if we would have these trailblazers.”
Snape said: “The trailblazer LGV driver apprenticeship gives a really solid platform and encouragement to employers of all sizes – not just the big logistics fleets.
“These trailblazers could be game-changing for the industry. For the first time, employers have funded apprenticeship schemes that have been designed with strong industry involvement and will be of real practical use.
“The LGV Driver Trailblazer scheme allows a government funding contribution of up to £4,900 per apprentice and includes the acquisition of an LGV licence and full driver CPC qualification.”
The FTA said it was pleased that “common sense has prevailed”, having previously criticised the lack of clarity from government
Sally Gilson, FTA skills policy manager, said: “Although the funding cap is lower than we hoped for, this is still a positive step by government to help industry grow the HGV drivers of the future.
“This will enable companies to capture a younger driver and gain funding for the licence acquisition training that will make apprenticeships a viable training solution.”