Can You Get HGV Training If You Claim Universal Credit?
By
HuutiMoney
If you are wondering whether or not you can get HGV training if you claim Universal Credit, you will find the answer to your question in the following blog post. In addition to this, we will also discuss the eligibility criteria for HGV training and courses available for interested applicants.
Can You Get HGV Training If You Claim Universal Credit?
Yes, you can get HGV training if you claim Universal Credit. In fact, the UK Government offers free training courses in England if someone is unemployed, on a low income and/or claiming welfare benefits such as Universal Credit.
These courses which are termed Skills Bootcamps are designed to run through a period of 16 weeks and are suitable for:
- new drivers who wish to learn how to drive a Heavy Goods Vehicle
- someone who is returning to driving
- if you need to upgrade their driving qualification
If you qualify for a Skills Bootcamp for free HGV training under the Government funded program, you can avail of the following as part of your training course:
- appearing in 4 Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests; with one re-sit permitted per test
- a provisional licence; this includes a medical exam
Once you are trained under the Skills Bootcamp course for 16 weeks, you can expect to appear for a job interview as well. If you are self-employed, you will be assisted with the provision of new work opportunities.
To apply for the Skills Bootcamp for HGV Drivers, you can speak to an adviser at the National Careers Service by placing a call at Call 0800 100 900 between 8 am and 8 pm from Monday to Friday or between 10 am and 5 pm on a Saturday.
Who Is Eligible To Get HGV Training Under A Skills Bootcamp?
The eligibility criteria to receive free HGV training under the Government funded Skills Bootcamp include the following:
- the applicant must be at least 19 years old
- they should live in England
- they should have the right to work in the UK
- They should meet the residency requirements
- they should hold a Category B (full car) driving licence
Depending on the provider who runs the HGV training course, there could be additional criteria to be met. You can learn more about this once you finalise the training course provider. You can find a Skills Bootcamp online based on the area that you live in.
How Else Can You Get HGV Training?
In addition to the Government funded Skills Bootcamp in England, you also get HGV training through the following options:
- apprenticeships
- vocational qualifications
There are a number of apprenticeship options to learn HGV driving whether you are in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. In the case of an apprenticeship, not only will you get free training but will also be paid a salary.
Vocational qualifications are currently only available in England and are not entirely free of cost unless the applicant is either unemployed or has an annual income of less than £17,374.50. However, you may be able to get help for funding the course.
In addition to this, there are certain businesses that provide free training for HGV drivers. Some of these include the following:
- Aldi
- Co-op
- DHL Supply Chain
- Gist
- Moody Logistics and Storage
- Translink Express Logistics
Conclusion:
With the UK Government’s aim to have 11,000 HGV driver training positions for qualifying individuals, Universal Credit claimants can avail of free HGV training under this £34 million Government funded program; as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for the course of choice and are able to commit to a job after the course completes.
References:
Find training to become a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver: Overview – GOV.UK
How can I train to become an HGV driver? Your questions answered – The Education Hub