An improved funding package for apprentices in the transport sector has been announced that will open up even more opportunities for smaller firms.
From April 2017, lorry-driving apprentices will attract Government support of £5,000, with an additional £2,000 depending on the age of the individual. Importantly, the funding obligation on smaller firms has been reduced to nil.
According to the Road Haulage Association, this transforms the whole recruitment and training landscape of the road haulage and logistics industry for those who are willing to invest in the drivers of the future.
“The Government has listened to what the industry has said and has given a very positive response,” the Road Haulage Association’s Policy Director Jack Semple said. “The RHA has been arguing for quality-based funding that will drive up levels of recruitment from within the UK and quality of skills training and that is what the Department for Education has now proposed.”
Alongside the package for new lorry drivers is increased support for traffic office and warehouse operative apprenticeships. There is also assistance available for apprenticeships where the individual needs support with maths or English of £471 for each of the two subjects.
For LGV drivers:
- £5,000 base funding (includes licence acquisition)
- £2,000 for those aged 16-18 at the start of the year-long apprenticeship
- Nil co-investment for employers with fewer than 50 employees
- Co-investment of just 10% for those with 50+ employees
who are not apprenticeship levy payers
· Levy payers make no additional co-investment
For traffic office (‘logistics and supply chain operator’):
- £3,000 base funding
- £2,000 for those aged 16-18 at the start of the year-long apprenticeship
- Nil co-investment for employers with fewer than 50 employees
- Co-investment of just 10% for those with 50+ employees
who are not apprenticeship levy payers
- Levy payers make no additional co-investment
For warehouse operative:
- £3,000 base funding
- £2,000 for those aged 16-18 at the start of the year-long apprenticeship
- Nil co-investment for employers with fewer than 50 employees
- Co-investment of just 10% for those with 50+ employees
who are not apprenticeship levy payers
· Levy payers make no additional co-investment
“This is a really exciting time for the industry,” Jack Semple continued. “The RHA will be working actively to bring these opportunities alive, not only for our large and medium-sized members, but for the many thousands of owner-drivers and smaller hauliers who want to introduce newcomers to the industry, often their friends and relatives, in a way that gives them a really strong foundation and transferrable skills.”
