So, what FREE HGV training is available and how can I apply?
This is a question many people are asking themselves after the press coverage over the summer of 2021 highlighting the demand for HGV drivers.
Some people are looking to pivot from their current career path to a new career in logistics.
The government announced plans via the Department for Education, which is looking to invest up to £17 million in funding for a programme called “Skills Bootcamps” that will launch across the UK in the coming weeks and months ahead.
The Skills Bootcamps will provide free government-funded HGV training for anyone who meets the entry criteria.
To join any of the skills boot camps you must:
- Hold a full car (Category B) driving licence.
- Must be 19 years of age or older.
Some providers of the skills bootcamp courses may require additional entry requirements not outlined here.
Each bootcamp will provide free courses across England that will each last 16 weeks. The “Skills Bootcamps” are free as they are funded by the government and the best approach to getting your HGV licence for FREE as part of this government-backed programme to increase the number of HGV drivers in the UK.
Before the Skills Bootcamps, free HGV training was a bit of a myth, like most things in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
What other funding options for HGV training are available?
There are a couple of options that could be applicable depending on your situation. The simplest ways to obtain free HGV training are:
Have You Thought About Logistic Apprenticeships?
Logistic apprenticeships specifically are a relatively new avenue for employees and employers to gain the proper qualifications, without the big cost! In most cases, no cost at all!
2 Start Ltd, the south coasts leading APAR (previously RoATP) approved logistics apprenticeship training provider are here to help small, medium and large-scale business provide valuable training to their team to progress both the individuals career prospects while growing the businesses value and capabilities at the same time.
Not only does the employee receive free training to gain their licence required, but an employer also gets upskilled staff. for a fraction of the cost if done via the commercial route, plus this demonstrates continued investment in the team which also boost morale and self-worth with your company.
Approved by the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR) 2 Start apprenticeships are 95%-100% government-funded. So If you are looking to complete our Urban Driver Level 2 apprenticeship in order to gain your Category C (Rigid) licence, all you would need to contribute is approximately £250. This is also dependent on whether you are levy-paying or not. Our Level 2 Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver – C+E apprenticeship which would allow students to gain their Category C+E Articulated lorry licence would only require an employer to contribute £400 per candidate. – It just makes total sense to go this route as an employer of staff you are looking to upskill.
This means that as an employer, you could put 10 employees forward for the cost of one individual completing a full Category C course through the typical commercial methods for example.
Who are the apprenticeships targeted at?
The incentive is to get businesses to push their staff (whether experienced or novice) to upskill. It is also incentivised towards employers to invest in their staff for a small contribution at most.
This benefits both the employer and the employee as well as the UK logistics sector, as the initiative behind this is to upskill your staff, so that they get the training they need to become a valuable asset to the business, while the employer gets to invest in their team for a fraction of the cost. Not to mention that investing in your staff will increase employee retention, boost morale and will likely increase safety in the workplace.
Most Logistic Apprenticeships will consist of day release for the employee. This is where they will complete both practical and theory-based learning, which further builds their competencies for the qualification or licence they are working to obtain.
If you are looking to invest in your teams self-worth and capabilities, speak to our dedicated apprenticeships manager by booking your discovery call.
If you are an employee interested in a Logistics Apprenticeship or would like to find out more regarding the opportunities through this avenue, discuss this with your line manager and ask them to arrange a discovery call.
You can also read about apprenticeships, and why they are good for your business in our recent article.
Sponsored training
Some companies will pay to put you through your HGV training course; however, this investment would require a return from you. The return would normally be a contract signed for a two-year period, where you would pay back your training cost should you leave within that time.
Funding through the Job Centre
If you’re unemployed and looking to get back into work, this could be an option for you. This funding is becoming harder to obtain, but if you had a guaranteed job upon successful completion of your course, the likelihood of you getting funding would dramatically increase. For more information visit your local Job Centre and talk with your career adviser.
Free HGV Training Skills Bootcamps
The Department for Education is to spend up to 17 million pounds on new Skills Bootcamps to “ease the risk of shortages” of HGV drivers as mentioned above.
HGV bootcamps are a more practical way for those who are looking to upskill, but do not have the funds to do so. This type of HGV training can help those begin a career in the logistics sector without having to pay for the cost of the training and tests.
In a package of measures announced, the government wants 3,000 new HGV drivers to enter the industry through the boot camps route and a further 1,000 new drivers to be trained through the adult education budget.
A lack of drivers has been blamed for a range of distribution issues across the retail sector for several weeks, including supermarkets and petrol forecourts. The Pandemic, Brexit and chronic workforce issues are all believed to be contributing to the current crisis.
How can I drive a fuel tanker to help with the fuel crisis?
Once you have completed your LGV training, you can then complete your ADR course. The qualification will allow you to drive tankers and dangerous goods on the road.
How can you fund your driver training?
Sponsored training – For employer-sponsored training, you will need to discuss your options with your employer if they offer this option.
Funding through the Job Centre – This will very much depend on your own individual circumstances and is looked at on an individual basis.
It is advised you arrange a meeting with your local JobCentre Plus to discuss your options, you can find your nearest JobCentre plus online.
Deposit scheme – You can pay a deposit on your chosen package.
This will enable us to get the ball rolling, booking your medical, theories and Driver CPC course whilst you continue to save for the outstanding balance. The remainder would then only be due 1 week before your course starts.
This is something that 2 Start currently provide, a simple deposit option for all our LGV & HGV driver training courses, which allows you to make the initial payment when booking and then finish paying the full balance anytime up to one week before your course is due to commence. – This must be paid in full at least one full week prior to your course starting!
Step by step – If you need a bit of saving time in between, you can book step by step.
For example, you would just pay for the medical, then when you’re ready you could contact us and pay for your theories. This way you would only be booking for what you can afford at the time. However please be aware that your theory tests only last for 2 years.
Free HGV Bootcamps – The scheme is very much in its infancy and if you meet the above outlined criteria you can look to apply online and find your nearest skills bootcamp and apply.
What next?
So, you want to train to become an HGV driver, you have your plan for funding the training and now you need to book the training?
Firstly, plan ahead, as spaces are filling up fast and, in some cases, we are booking tests months in advance, so book today to get your training scheduled as early as possible.
Don’t forget the other tasks you need to complete that our team can help you with as part of a package that includes your theory tests, driver CPC training, and medical and planning suitable dates.
Below is the selection of HGV training courses 2 Start offer that covers both Category C or upgrades from Cat C to Cat C+E, or our new fast-track artic options for Car to Category C+E that you can book online today.
Alternatively, you can contact our team to discuss your options and book.
Call: 02392 123 555 today to discuss your options.
View our fast-track car-to-C+E packages!
Comments (48)
Hi I have done my medical and passed my theory can you please give me a price to do my CPC and test for class one with you please.
Hi,
Thanks for your comment on this post, I have arranged for one of our team to contact you by email to provide the answer to your question.
Our team of friendly advisors are also on hand if you would rather speak to someone directly at 02392 123 555
I would like to become an hgv driver I only have a car license but have been driving for over 30 years all in
Hi,
Our Car to C+E Fasttrack courses is what you will be looking for.
Alternatively, you can call our advisors on 02392 123 555 who are available to discuss your requirements and advise on teh best option for you.
I’m a taxi driver doing 30/40 hours per week tgat unfortunately barely cover my expenses hence why I get universal credit.
I was wondering what do I have to do in order to get into hgv driving on a government founded courses
Hi,
I would recommend speaking with one of our training advisors who will be able to provide you with the correct information and options.
Our advisers are available on 02392 123 555 Monday – Friday.
Hi I’m looking for free courses is available?
Hi,
Unfortunately, we do not offer any free courses.
You could take a look at the Government’s Skills Bootcamps, you can learn more on the Government website.
Hi
I’ve done my cpc course and have the licence I have been driving for over 30 years I was wondering what courses are open for me thanks
Hi,
I would recommend you speak with one of our training advisors who will be able to clarify which courses are applicable to your licence and CPC hours.
Feel free to call our team of advisors on 02392 123 555 and they will be able to assist you further.
Is this fully funded ? And will help to find a job?
Hi,
Our team of friendly advisors can discuss all of the available options for funding your training, you can contact them by calling 02392 123 555.
As for finding a job upon successful completion of one of our courses, we do not directly get involved with this but we do however have a dedicated jobs section on our website where companies advertise available job positions within the logistics sector, you can view this here: https://www.2start-training.com/job-vacancies/
I hope this helps.
Could u please send me some booklets on your courses please with prices thank u
Hi,
Unfortunately we don’t supply booklets on our courses. Any information regarding our courses is available on our website.
Should you require further details, feel free to call our friendly advisors on 02392 123 555 and they will be able to assist you further.
WY you say free hgv training wen it’s not like that
Our article covers multiple factors surrounding the subject of FREE HGV training options, including the government’s Skills Bootcamp schemes, that many have chosen to apply for to gain their HGV licence at little to no cost to them.
I hope this helps.
I am interest doing my HGV What do I need to do
Hi, please call our team of advisors on 02392 123 555 who will be able to answer any queries you may have and they will also be best to advise which course is most suited to your requirements and the next steps.
Hi, My name is Joe, I use to be a class 1 HGV driver, but I left the UK in 2012 to live in the Philippines, I’m now 51 and would like to return back to the UK, I know my licence has expired due to not having my D4 medical for passing 45 years of age and my digital card has also expired. Do you know of companies that would be willing to give employment and help cover the medical CPC and digi card. I’m sure this would help others in similar situation ??
I would recommend you speak with one of our training advisors who will be able to clarify any queries you may have. Feel free to call our team of advisors on 02392 123 555 and they will be able to assist you further.
I am interested at the free Hgv training I really wanna become a Hgv driver plz help
Hi,
I suggest speaking with one of our advisors on 02392 123 555 who will be able to best advise, but you may also want to look into Governments Skill Bootcamps for becoming a HGV driver.
Wanna b a Hgv driver really interested
Hi,
I suggest speaking with one of our advisors on 02392 123 555 who will be able to best advise, but you may also want to look into Governments Skill Bootcamps for becoming a HGV driver.
Pcv training
Hi,
Our Minibus D1 Courses are possibly what you are looking for.
Alternatively, you can enquire online or call our team of advisors on 02392 123 555 and they will discuss your specific requirements and help you choose the right course for you.
Iam deaf I need learn driving about motorhome RV how u tell me how much I need know
Hi,
Our team of advisors are on hand to help answer your requirements, but I would suggest initially sending an email to office@2start-training.com with your requirements, the team will review this and be able to advise based on your goals.
Hi, I googled about free hgv training and your website came up so just wondering if you do free hgv training
Thanks
Hi,
Unfortunately, we do not offer any free courses directly.
You could take a look at the Government’s Skills Bootcamps, you can learn more on the Government website.
Hi I’m looking for hgv free courses is available?
Hi,
I would suggest researching the government Skills Bootcamps.
Hello,
I’ve passed my theory test and hazard and cpc case study now I need just a practice
Excellent news! Our team of advisors can help with booking you in for your class 1 or class 2 practical training. You can call our team on 02392 123 555 and they can help you complete your practical training.
Hi I’m British currently living in Canada with a Canadian AZ truck licence. I will be returning to the Uk in September, what is the best way to get a UK truck licence?
Hi,
You would first require a full UK driving licence for Category B (Car) and then proceed to complete the full lorry test to obtain your Category C (Rigid) or Category C+E (Articulated) licence which would also require the relevant elements completed such as medical, theories and Driver CPC.
I just came in from Nigeria. I would love to get trained in HGV. How do I go about it since I don’t have much cash but I have passion for truck driving.
I recommend speaking with our advisors as you will require certain elements before you can train for your HGV licence, you can contact our advisors on 02392 123 555 to talk through all your options.
Hi I would like to become a hgv driver am I still able to take the free training In the Leicester area?
Hi,
Our training depots are located along the South Coast in Reading, Theale, Worthing, Southampton, Portsmouth and Havant.
I would suggest looking at the links for the Free HGV Bootcamps and if you meet the outlined criteria you can look to apply online, however spaces are very limited and wait times can be very long.
Hi.
Please advise how I can apply for hgv training with government funding.
I have a clean grandad licence and I’m working part time. I’m very interested in getting booked to get trained for a hgv driver
Hi,
The Government funded courses currently available include, Apprenticeship Courses or the Skills Bootcamp options. Both require your employer to apply, but you can certainly begin the process for them. Call our team on 02392 123 555 or submit an enquiry form in the area that interests you the most. To complete the courses yourself would require booking one of our standard logistics courses.
Hi. I am in receipt of Universal Credit. Is it possible to acquire free HGV training, and if so how do I go about it? Thank you.
Hi,
Government funded courses that are currently available include, Apprenticeship Courses or the Skills Bootcamp options. Both require your employer to apply, but you can certainly begin the process for them. Call our team on 02392 123 555 or submit an enquiry form in the area that interests you the most. To complete the courses yourself would require booking one of our standard logistics courses.
If I’m not mistaken, this is available for self employed too?
Hi,
You can view the entry requirements for an employer here: https://find-employer-schemes.education.gov.uk/schemes/skills-bootcamps
You can also see the entry requirements as an individual here: https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/training-choice/skills-bootcamp#:~:text=Entry%20requirements%20for%20Skills%20Bootcamps
Alternatively you can speak to our team of advisors on 02392 123 555 who will talk you through your options.
Hi I’m looking for hgv free courses is available?
Hi,
Government funded courses that are currently available include, Apprenticeship Courses or the Skills Bootcamp options. Both require your employer to apply, but you can certainly begin the process for them. Call our team on 02392 123 555 or submit an enquiry form in the area that interests you the most. To complete the courses yourself would require booking one of our standard logistics courses.