UK LGV drivers must improve training course choices

“In order to keep the drivers of the future engaged, it is critical that employees consider which training subjects bring the most value to their specific operation”, says Laura Nelson, Managing Director of RTITB, the leading Driver CPC consortium.

Recent data on Driving Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) compiled by RTITB, has shown that LGV drivers are repeating the same CPC training topics, posing what Nelson believes could be a considerable risk the future of the industry.

This comes in a current industry where the most recent Labour Force Survey statistics continue to show that the UK is facing a future driver shortage.

In actual fact, there are more LGV drivers of the age of 45, with more drivers aged between 50 and 54 than in any other age bracket.

The data from RTITB shows that “employers and drivers are treating the training as a ‘box-ticking’ exercise and wasting this valuable opportunity,” says Nelson.  

Out of the current ten most popular subject areas, seven topics are the same as in the previous five-year Driver CPC training cycle. First Aid, Modular and Driver Hours are within the top five most popular subject areas.

Amongst the number of training courses that are being repeated are Drivers Hours, WTD and Tachographs, Health and Safety, Safe Loading and Customer Service.

“To attract and retain the drivers of the future, Driver CPC needs to offer genuine continued professional development,” says Nelson.

RTITB, a cross-sector global organisation, develops and applies training standards for workplace transport training.

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