What exactly is an HGV Skills Boot Camp Course?
The HGV Skills Bootcamp is a government-funded training programme in the United Kingdom that provides free HGV training to truck drivers.
Drivers who complete the HGV skill Bootcamp course can drive professionally and obtain their Category C (Class 2) or Category C+E (Class 1) license. There will be a variety of courses accessible to about 4000 persons of various ability levels of HGV training in the UK.
Whether you have no experience driving an HGV but want to work in the transportation business, or enhance your current HGV license (from Category C to Category C+E) or include dangerous substances (ADR license), there may be a course on offer that interests you.
Similarly, if you have been out of the sector for a long time but want to get back into it, assistance is accessible.
An extra benefit of taking this route to acquire your license is that you will be offered a lot of help landing an interview for a job once you are qualified, with no strings attached, so expect great demand for this training.
Eligibility for HGV (LGV) Skills Bootcamp
The HGV Training programme has quite a lot of general qualifying conditions. You must be at least 19 years old and either employed, self-employed, or have just been laid off within the past 12 weeks.
You are also eligible if you are returning to work after a hiatus, according to the plan. You must have a full UK driving license, regardless of your present employment. It is vital to note that if you have a serious endorsement on your existing license, you may find it difficult to obtain work after completing the course.
Private Companies Provide Free Hgv (Lgv) Training
More and more private logistics firms are realizing that they can hire qualified HGV drivers by supporting them in obtaining their license. There are probably constraints associated with this, one of which is that you must commit to working for them for a length of time after qualifying and getting the license.
Some individuals are turned off by this, but remember that freshly certified drivers might often struggle to secure their first job due to a lack of experience. The old saying “you need the job to acquire the experience, but you need the experience to obtain the job” often rings true.
Being promised a job after your training is an ideal situation to be in, but there are a few hazards you should be aware of.
Things to Consider Before Accepting Free HGV (LGV) Training From a Potential Employer.
- Check the duration of the contract you’re about to sign – 2 years is very usual, but it might be longer, and you should think about where you want to be at the conclusion of that time.
- Are there any repercussions if you leave? If you quit before the conclusion of the contract time, you will be asked to pay back a portion of your training costs, but are there any additional penalties?
- What happens if you’re fired? Check to see whether you are responsible for training expenditures if you are fired from your employer. You may believe that you will always be a model employee, but there are many mistakes you may make while driving, from small accidents to not filling out paperwork properly.
- Will you be barred from working for any competitors of your current company in the future? Companies frequently impose a ‘cooling-off period’ after you leave their employment, during which you are not permitted to approach any of their competitors to offer your services.
Obtaining your HGV license through a private firm can be a win-win arrangement for all sides, but it’s critical to read the terms of the deal carefully.
It’s also worth approaching organizations you’re interested in working with and asking whether they have a similar programme. Let’s take a look at some of the companies that are now providing free HGV driver training.
Drivers can proceed directly to the Class 1 (Category C+E) test.
Previously, drivers had to complete their Class 2 license (Category C) before taking their Class 1 test (Category C+E). Still, at the beginning of November 15th, 2021, they will be able to learn and take their exam in Class 1 (articulated) car right away.
Both of these improvements have made truck driving a far more appealing career option, but the expense of obtaining your license remains an issue for many!
Most individuals will not have to break the bank to pay for the requisite theoretical exams, CPC certification, or practical and driving tests, which will cost roughly £250. The training necessary, on the other hand, is a different story, with the usual price ranges between £2,000 and £4,000.
Although many new drivers are eager to repay this when they begin earning, the uncertainty involved might be intimidating for some. However, paying for your HGV training is not your only choice; there are other methods to get some, or all, of your training paid for.