Employers across the country are struggling to recruit enough qualified LGV drivers for the vacancies they have. So, it’s an excellent time for anyone considering a career as a lorry driver. But don’t worry if you don’t have an LGV licence. The TRS LGV/HGV Apprenticeship includes LGV driving lessons and test, alongside a range of other training. What’s more, the apprenticeship is free, AND you get paid, AND it’s open to any age over 18! But before you apply for one of our many LGV vacancies, please go through the TRS Training LGV Apprenticeship Five-Point Checklist to see if this opportunity genuinely meets your needs
1. The LGV Apprenticeship is a full-time employment role
The LGV/HGV Apprenticeship isn’t just a training programme. It’s a full-time job. That means if you are in employment currently, you would have to leave your job and take up a post with one of the employers we work with. TRS Training helps these employers recruit apprentices, and then our tutors train these apprentices. The apprenticeship lasts about 13 months. You train on the job, working towards achieving the LGV Apprenticeship Standard, a level of skills and competence set by the road haulage industry. In other words, achieving your LGV/HGV Apprenticeship Standard means all employers will recognise you are qualified to work as a professional LGV/HGV driver.
It’s important to note that as LGV/HGV Apprenticeships are essentially training positions, the pay rate will usually be lower than if you were already a qualified driver with an LGV licence. However, once you obtain your licence as part of the apprenticeship, your employer will generally increase your pay rate.
If you are already working in a company that employs LGV drivers, you can stay in your job and still do an LGV Apprenticeship with TRS Training. In this case, we would need to speak to your employer to explain precisely how this would work.
2. You need a full, current UK car driving licence
The LGV apprenticeship requires a full UK category B driving licence (for a car or vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes). You can also apply if you hold a provisional category C licence. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a full category B licence, you aren’t eligible to do an LGV apprenticeship. In these circumstances, you may want to consider applying for our Porters Apprenticeships which sometimes includes the opportunity to gain your car driving licence.
3. Don’t be discouraged if you have points on your licence
You can still apply for an LGV apprenticeship if you have no more than six penalty points for minor speeding offences.
4. LGV driving is a physically demanding job
LGV driving positions can be physically demanding. For example, if you are working as a removals driver, you can expect to be doing loading and heaving lifting. Our apprenticeship includes essential training to ensure you can carry out the physical aspects of the role safely. While TRS Training is keen to support anyone to complete their LGV Apprenticeship, this opportunity may not be for you if you don’t want a physically demanding job.
5. You must undertake other training aside LGV driving lessons
Although doing an LGV apprenticeship means you are employed, it is also very much a training position. In other words, you will be undertaking training and studying throughout the apprenticeship, which usually lasts about 13 months. This is not just about gaining your LGV licence; it’s about training in areas such as safe loading and unloading, understanding roadworthiness, fuel efficiency, and many more. So to apply for an LGV Apprenticeship, you must be prepared to participate in training and commit to finishing the programme.
LGV apprenticeships also require an understanding of maths and English. If you don’t already have your GCSEs, don’t worry. TRS Training will provide a structured learning programme for you to achieve Level 2 in both subjects as part of your apprenticeship.
You will undertake your LGV driving lessons with one of our partner specialist driving schools. All the other training you undertake as part of the apprenticeship, including English and maths, will be provided by your TRS tutor. Training sessions take place during working hours via online classes, or your TRS tutor will deliver face-to-face lessons in your place of work. You will also have a mentor at work, and you will learn many skills on-the-job.
LGV driving is a physically demanding, yet rewarding career choice. A TRS Apprenticeship is an ideal way to start a career in this industry.
