London, UK: The Ministry of Defence is increasing the number of training places available for service leavers and veterans to train as HGV drivers from 100 to nearly 350 over the next 12 months as part of a move to ease the driver shortage.
The move will be carried out Under the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) – the MOD’s official scheme for those transitioning from the military into civilian life. The new training places are made possible because an exemption has been applied to allow veterans and service leavers to use their Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC[1]) to train as HGV drivers. Although an extra 240 training places are being made available, there is the capacity to increase places depending on interest, says the government.
Courses are available in Cat C, Cat C&E, Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) and ADR (dangerous goods).
Minister for defence people and veterans Leo Docherty said: “This fantastic initiative will provide service leavers and veterans with valuable skills and opportunities to help them find employment as they leave the military, while aiding a cross-government effort to increase the number of HGV trained drivers.”
Veterans who already hold an HGV licence, but have not undertaken the training to drive commercially, will be able to use Department for Education Skills Bootcamps to gain this qualification. The Defence School of Transport has been granted approval to train service leavers, with the first of these courses having already begun and 120 places made available throughout the year.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said: “I’m delighted that veterans and service leavers will be able to benefit from additional HGV driver training courses, which will enable more deliveries.
“This is part of our commitment to work across government to tackle the global pressures that have impacted our supply chains.”
