The Urban Driver Apprenticeship Standard develops the skills required to transport goods by road to an agreed destination, quality and time standard, and contribute to their organisation’s contracts or services. Staff learn how to ensure a vehicle is correctly loaded, adapt their driving style, plan delivery routes, complete reports, resolve complaints, and comply with laws, regulations and procedures. It is a Level 2 standard typically linked to job roles like Customer Delivery Driver, Delivery Driver, Urban Driver and similar. Urban drivers often work in-house or as part of the supply chain, ranging from small, independently owned companies to large organisations. Sites include retail, removals, construction, pallet, laundry, recycling, agriculture, and manufacturing.

What skills do staff develop?

Staff develop professional competence in many areas by completing the Urban Driver Apprenticeship Standard. These include:

  • fueling, preparing and monitoring the urban vehicle;
  • Selecting and operating the correct machinery, tools and protective equipment;
  • Coordinating activities to meet the needs of the business;
  • Driving a fixed axle vehicle from over 3500kg in weight to deliver or collect goods;
  • Designing or following a route plan, taking into account delays, incidents and route constraints;
  • Contributing to environmental and sustainability objectives;
  • Upholding corporate values with considerate driving;
  • Managing a changing load and adjusting accordingly;
  • Manoeuvring the vehicle in tight spaces;
  • Performing dynamic assessments on work progress against plans;
  • Processing goods in line with procedures;
  • Performing dynamic risk assessments;
  • Working compliantly at all times;
  • Exhibiting the correct corporate image with quality customer service standards;
  • Adjusting customer contracts;
  • Completing required reporting;
  • Completing additional services such as assembly;
  • Following continuous professional development.

As part of the apprenticeship, the candidate will achieve their Cat C or Cat C1 licence.

Also, candidates can improve their maths and English skills if they have not already achieved level 2 standards. They will develop their understanding of safeguarding, wellbeing and professional behaviours.

Duration

Typically, 12 months

Structure of Apprenticeship

Phase 1 Initial assessment

The initial assessment is a pre-course session to plan the candidate’s training programme. Specifically, it provides the scope to assess the candidate’s existing skills, and to develop a tailored programme allowing the candidate to acquire and practice the particular skills of the job role.

Phase 2 Training

Here, the apprentice undertakes a programme of on and off-the-job training, which develops the skills of a competent urban driver. Training fits round around working routines. TRS trainers are on hand to offer ongoing support.

Phase 3 Gateway

The Gateway is a review stage towards the end of the apprenticeship when apprentice, employer and TRS trainer get together to see if additional training or skills practice is needed.

Phase 4 End Point Assessment

The apprentice is assessed by an independent organisation to see if they have reached the required standards.

Progression options after an apprenticeship

After completion, the staff member can effectively carry out the tasks and responsibilities of an urban driver. If appropriate, they can continue to improve their skills with an Apprenticeship in Team Leading/Management.

Funding

For small and medium businesses that do not pay the apprenticeship levy, the Government funds 95% of the apprenticeship.  The employer pays the other 5% plus the apprentice’s wages.  Larger firms that pay the levy can meet 100% of the costs using their levy funds.

Why choose apprenticeships?

  • Address skills shortages
  • Increase staff loyalty, motivation and productivity
  • Tap into available funding
  • A way of ensuring quality standards in your business

Why choose TRS?

  • Approved by Government to deliver apprenticeships
  • Expert advice for businesses on apprenticeship funding
  • Niche manufacturing and logistics industry expertise
  • Many years experience of successfully delivering apprenticeships
  • Our trainers can be located onsite at employer premises
  • Free recruitment service

Further information

If you have staff you want to enrol on the Urban Driver Apprenticeship, or you want to recruit apprentices, please contact Andy on 07719 031203 or complete the blue form to the right of this page.

View more information on the Institute of Apprenticeships website