The Freight Transport Association has voiced its disappointment at the news that the Minister for Skills has rejected the training standard for LGV drivers.
Despite the Government making a pledge at the spring budget that it would work with road haulage firms on an industry-led solution to the driver shortage (including looking at the right level of access to, and funding support for, training), Nick Boles MP has outlined the decision of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and rejected the idea.
Sally Gilson, FTA Skills Development Manager said she was “desperately disappointed” at the announcement.; “It appears the Government has gone back on its pledge to find an industry-led solution to solve the driver crisis, with the Minister for Skills deciding to reject the proposed standard for large goods vehicle drivers,” she said. “This diminishes the value of the existing apprenticeships that are successfully bringing much-needed young people into the industry.”
The average age of a professional lorry driver is 52 and the freight and logistics industry is desperate to engage with young people. Without access to apprenticeships, this issue will exacerbate. The Association added that with Government focus for vocational funding firmly on apprenticeships, without this option the industry will be left bereft of funding options for driver training.
“If Government is rejecting driver apprenticeships,” Sally Gilson asked, “then what alternative funding will it be providing? The freight and logistics sector has a major shortage of drivers with companies desperate to fill vacancies and professionalise the role. FTA urges BIS to rethink its decision and work with industry to find a solution as a matter of urgency.”
