Ongoing road transport projects across Europe

Apprenticeships in the logistics sector have long provided a pathway for young people and career changers to gain experience in the industry while still earning a wage. However, for a long time, the industry has been calling for urgent reform after it had seen a decline in apprenticeships since the rollout of the Apprenticeship Levy and other challenging factors. A concerning trend is that, according to the RHA, the industry will require new truck drivers over the next five years to meet demand and support growth.In February 2025, the Government announced it would enforce changes to the apprenticeship scheme, allowing up to more apprentices to qualify yearly. We look at the key changes and what it means for the industry.• Businesses will be able to decide whether adult learners over 19 will need to complete level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) to pass their apprenticeship (Effective immediately).• The duration of an apprenticeship has been reduced from 12 months to eight months (Effective from August 2025).• With a shorter apprenticeship duration, fleet companies can quickly train new drivers and logistics staff improving workforce availability. • Companies now have more say in determining whether English and Maths qualifications are necessary A change benefitting the haulage industry, where practical skills are more relevant. • By changing the educational requirements, a barrier has been removed for many potential apprentices looking to get into the industry. • Skills England, a new government body, will give businesses a stronger voice in shaping apprenticeship standards and funding. Fleet operators will benefit from more tailored training programs that meet industry needs. • A shorter apprenticeship duration combined with more employer flexibility will result in a more attractive process for everyone involved.There are several steps employers must take to employ an apprentice, and the steps vary depending on the country. This guidance is for employers in England guidance for other UK countries can be found • for your business.• for this apprenticeship.• Check to see what • to manage funding and recruit apprentices.• • Make an with your chosen apprentice.Employing apprentices provides fleet companies with a cost-effective way to train skilled workers. Government funding for apprenticeship schemes can reduce training costs, making it a viable long-term investment for fleet operators. Companies can benefit from new employees who bring fresh energy into the workplace and who are keen to learn. Apprenticeships in the haulage industry offer the opportunity to earn while gaining valuable skills in logistics, vehicle operations, and safety regulations. Currently, the industry is in demand for skilled drivers, and apprentices will benefit from good opportunities for career advancement.

Anyone working in the haulage industry is no stranger to the term; 'Driver Shortage' a phrase all too common since COVID-19 and Brexit disrupted the sector. The UK was hit hard during this time, with many EU drivers leaving the country a big loss as European drivers made up a significant portion of its truck driving workforce.Six months after our on this topical issue, we examine where the sector is now. Figures published by showed an increase of almost 55,000 HGV Drivers employed over the last year a 21% rise. Several initiatives have come to fruition to try to ease the driver shortage in the UK. • The government has implemented 33 initiatives aimed at easing the shortage. These include but are not limited to, relaxing the rules for late-night supermarket deliveries, driver training boot camps, and increasing the number of available driving tests. • Truck drivers have been across the UK, with 55% wanting improved facilities. The has provided £16 million to truck stops to improve facilities. Influencers have played a significant role in changing public perceptions regarding the industry. Drivers like and use their platforms to highlight the highs and lows of working in the sector.Logistics UK also reported that the number of drivers under the age of 35 rose by 31,630 between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024. Despite this, the industry still relies on older drivers with more than 53% across the sector aged 50 and over. A report from the RHA, titled , suggests initiatives to attract younger people into the industry by:• Fully implementing the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks to provide an effective career guidance system to all school-age students to boost awareness. • Increasing collaboration with schools and colleges.• Developing a formal school or college-based qualification such as a T-Level.• Incorporating logistics modules in the current curriculum.• Leveraging government-supported initiatives incorporated within the Make Work Pay programme, showcasing logistics as an accessible and rewarding career path.Although work has already begun to tackle the driver shortage, more work needs to be done to avoid a repeat of 2021:• More government funding must become available for truck stops to improve facilities. • Providing ongoing support for aspiring drivers, including boot camps to reduce training costs.• Offering greater flexibility within the new Growth and Skills Levy.• Collaborating with schools and colleges at a local level to promote careers in the industry. HGV drivers are leaving the industry for a multitude of reasons:• Ageing workforce: With many truck drivers over 50, the industry has seen an influx of drivers retiring. • Working hours: Trucking is a lonely profession, with drivers working long, irregular, and antisocial hours behind the wheel. • Working conditions: There have been significant concerns regarding the state of facilities, long hours, and unpredictable schedules.

On 22nd January 2025, it’s HGV Drivers Day. Established by NN1 Personnel (recruiters and suppliers of truckers in the logistics industry), the day aims to celebrate drivers and all they do for the economy and society. Without truckers, who often experience various difficulties in the role (including being away from their families and home, long working hours, and travelling in extreme weathers), we would be without our necessary products and convenience. They truly have been heroes over the last few years as well as prior to that – the pandemic was only one example of this. How you mark the day is up to you. , for example by providing drivers with a hot drink or chatting with them. Here at SNAP, we’re always keen to give truckers a voice. And so, for this HGV Drivers Day, that’s exactly what we’re doing. Following a recent post on our asking about the and how to ensure young people have the enthusiasm to join the industry, we’re highlighting some of the commentary from truckers that show their real-life experiences – from the challenges they face to what they love about their job. A key talking point for drivers is how the role impacts their personal lives, such as not being there for important moments in life, having to sleep in their cab, and the money not being worth the sacrifices they make. Statistics back up the feedback. For example, it’s been found ) – compared to 37.5 hours for all employees, this is a substantial 28% higher. And so, it’s not surprising . Nor is it shocking that such a significant number have left the sector, including . For some who commented, they’ve moved on from the industry and into other roles that make them happier. But for others, they reflected on the good memories of riding in lorries with their dads as children, along with the value of it and how this experience led them to join the sector themselves after finishing their education. On a similar note, many disagreed with trucking not being the ideal job – whether it was for the money or just their love of driving a lorry. All these comments make it clear that while truckers certainly face challenges, there’s still a lot to love and for some it’s a career they’re happy to do for life – so it makes sense that around . We think it’s crucial everyone acknowledges all truckers do for us. Unfortunately, some drivers pointed out that they experience a significant lack of respect. This shouldn’t be the case – they should be recognised for what they do to give us all the bare necessities in life. As one trucker put it: So, this HGV Drivers Day – and every other day, in fact – we ask everyone to acknowledge those out on the road for us. Truckers deserve praise, respect, and so much more.