Trailblazer LGV Driver Apprenticeship funding allocation – a step in right direction says FTA.

The news that a funding cap for the Supply Chain and Logistics LGV Standard has now been agreed has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association today who described it as “a step in the right direction.”

An announcement was made in a letter today from David Sampson of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

FTA added that it was pleased to see that common sense has prevailed, with the Government allowing the logistics sector to include licence acquisition training within the funding allocation for the Trailblazer LGV Driver Apprenticeship.

Sally Gilson, FTA Skills Policy Manager commented: “Although the funding cap is lower than we hoped for, this is still a positive step by Government to help industry grow the HGV drivers of the future. This will enable companies to capture a younger driver and gain funding for the licence acquisition training that will make apprenticeships a viable training solution.”

There had previously been a lack of clarity from Government which led to considerable lobbying by the logistics sector; this decision is welcomed by industry which now has an official funding route.

Ms Gilson added: “Now that businesses have this confirmation, they can prepare for the introduction of the levy and work with training providers to start their Apprenticeship Schemes.

“With the announcement of the Apprenticeship Levy last summer, it was crucial that industry had a usable LGV Driver Apprenticeship. This is excellent news and will finally provide a funded route for driver training.”