The DfE has just published the results of its recent HGV Driving Skills Bootcamps procurement. In the event, the DfE selected 21 providers, Independent Learning Providers and Colleges, across the country to deliver the programme.
Five of our members, Mantra Learning, System Group, City of Liverpool College, NW Education and Training and TRS Training Ltd, are delivering the programme, not just locally but nationally. Congratulations to all of those organisations as, undoubtedly, the procurement will have been very competitive.
The HGV Skills Bootcamps are a response to a vast shortage of lorry drivers nationally, and the Bootcamp programme, initially promoted in September, hopes to train 11,000 people to become drivers.
The Bootcamp programme seeks to offer training and remove barriers to employment. Learners will acquire a range of HGV driving licences through the bootcamps. It is open to those who are unemployed and those already in the sector, i.e. providing upskilling to enable them to progress and achieve additional qualifications, enabling them to work in different areas of the lorry driving/logistics sector, i.e. fuel transportation.
DfE is investing some £34 million in the programme. Anyone aged 19 or over who is employed, self-employed, has become unemployed in the past year or is returning to work after a break can apply for a place on HGV Driving Skills Bootcamps.Â