HGV apprentice numbers on upward trend
New analysis of government data has revealed a significant increase in HGV apprentice numbers.
According to figures from the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), more than 1,500 learners started HGV apprenticeships in the 2024/25 academic year, with 80.6% of these on the Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician pathway.
This is 1.8% higher than 12 months ago and 47% higher than a pandemic low in 2020/2021.
Nick Connor, IMI CEO, said: “Our latest analysis shows steady growth in HGV apprenticeship starts after a sharp decline during the pandemic. HGV apprenticeship starts are now at the highest level for the last five years.
“In particular, it is interesting to see a shift in demand, with bus and coach engineering technician apprenticeships now the fastest growing pathway. This is likely to be driven by investment in public transport as well as fleet changes and the transition to zero-emission vehicles for the growing e-commerce marketplace.”
Government support
However, with growth being driven by a strong reliance on Apprenticeship Service Account levy funding and a rising number of over 25s joining the industry, Connor has warned that continued government support is critical to maintaining the pipeline of new talent.
He concluded:
“The current reliance on older than average trainees, together with the high proportion of ASA levy funding, means the security of adult learners and therefore the HGV workforce supply is sensitive to policy or funding changes. This highlights the need to support flexible training routes and protect adult learner funding to sustaining growth and meet future HGV workforce needs.”
