Apprenticeship changes will support our sector

Apprenticeship changes in England will support our sector – RHA

The RHA has welcomed a Government announcement today (Tuesday 11 February) that makes some apprenticeships in transport and logistics more viable for the industry.

The minimum length of an apprenticeship in England will be reduced from 12 months to eight months.

Businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 when they start their apprenticeship course will need to complete a level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) in order to pass it.

The RHA has long campaigned for the moves and said firms will have more choice on courses and it will remove barriers to the successful completion of some apprenticeships.

Sally Gilson, RHA Policy Manager – Skills, said:

“We’re delighted at today’s announcement which will ensure we can get more people behind the wheel and into other roles in our industry.

“This is particularly pertinent given that our industry will need 200,000 new lorry drivers in the next five years to service demand and drive growth.

“There are many instances where apprentices have got through the technical aspects of their courses but were held back because they didn’t pass the Maths and English elements. We’re therefore pleased that this move will remove those barriers and support people into rewarding new careers in our industry.”

The RHA will continue to campaign for greater flexibility for short courses to be added alongside apprenticeships within the Growth and Skills Levy, she added.

The RHA last week launched its Lorry Drivers: the vital link report, setting out its vision to future-proof the industry and drive economic growth through HGV driver recruitment, training and retention.