The benefits of becoming a HGV/LGV driver

Choosing any career path is a big decision. To make an informed choice, it is best do your research and consider things such as what the role will realistically involve, what opportunities there are and what training or preparation you will have to do to gain employment. In this article, we will be considering the role of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV)/large goods vehicle (LGV) driver, and what some of the benefits of this role are.

Driver shortage

There is currently a massive shortage of licensed, qualified HGV/LGV drivers in the UK. Job openings for such drivers are, at any given time across the UK, often in the tens of thousands. In part, this shortage is due to an aging workforce of drivers, with those reaching retirement age substantially outnumbering new recruits.

To be able to legally drive a HGV/LGV vehicle, and take advantage of the many job opportunities, you need to first get an appropriate driving qualification. There are different options according to the type of vehicle you wish to drive. Two popular licence options are a Category C+E (previously known as a Class 1) and a Category C (previously known as a Class 2):

  • A Category C licence allows you to drive a LGV with a trailer which has a maximum weight of 750kg – examples include some home delivery trucks, fire engines, home removals trucks and gritters.
  • A Category C+E licence is an upgrade on the Category C licence which allows you to drive a LGV with a trailer which has a weight over 750kg – examples include many retail delivery trucks, fuel tankers and car transporter trucks.

Good training providers, such as Euro 1 Training, should be able to provide you with both of these options.

Logistics sector is growing

The demand for readily available products across the country, and further, is increasing. This means that the need for drivers of HGVs/LGVs to transport these goods is also increasing. When combined with the previous issue of a driver shortage, there is a definite problem within this sector of demand outstripping supply. This has resulted in there being many jobs available for HGV/LGV drivers, and there only looks to be an increase in this demand in the future. This is a definite positive if you are looking to find a career for the long haul.

Not your typical work

Not everyone will enjoy working 9-5 in an office environment and becoming a HGV/LGV driver certainly won’t be that! Driving work has no resemblance to mundane, monotonous office work and none of the other potential downsides such as office politics and micromanagement either. You get a sense of freedom when driving, whilst also being occupied and engaged the whole time.

Variety

Not only will you be transporting goods to a variety of locations, which for some is a perk in itself, but you also have variety in the type of jobs available to a HGV/LGV driver. For example, you may enjoy helping people move home, being responsible for getting all their belongings from A to B safely, as a home removal truck driver. Alternatively, you could find work transporting brand new, off-the-production-line cars to dealerships – there really are many options. Different companies and types of driving work can offer different workloads, hours and driving distances; with all the diversity of work, there is sure to be something that is suited to you.

Progression

As with any job, the more qualifications and the more experience you have, the more money you can earn. Even if you only carry out temporary/agency work initially, this is great experience to add to your CV. If you have a Category C+E licence and a good amount of experience under your belt, you can be looking to earn a very respectable figure of around £35,000 – £40,000 a year.
If you think that being a HGV/LGV driver is the job for you, Euro 1 Training can help you get the qualifications you need. We provide a range of certified training courses for machinery such as forklifts, construction equipment and HGVs/LGVs. Our courses are carried out by experienced professionals and can be organised to fit around your current commitments, with evening and weekend classes possible. If you would like further information about our services, or have any general enquiries, get in touch today – we are happy to help.