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Apprenticeships are a ‘learn while you earn’ way of becoming qualified in a vocational or practical skill. In the road transport industry, apprenticeships are available for becoming an automotive technician, a fork-lift truck driver or a truck driver, and in traffic management, postal work or warehouse skills. Apprentices’ time is typically divided between working alongside more experienced colleagues and time off work to attend courses. These usually lead to National Vocational Qualifications or NVQs (usually level 2). NVQs are recognised by colleges and universities as well as employers, making them a basis for career progression.
Traditionally apprentices were young males leaving school at 16 with few academic qualifications but this is changing. Adult apprenticeships are becoming more common, and the contribution of women to male-dominated professions is becoming widely recognised. There are Basic, Advanced and in Scotland, Skillseekers Modern Apprenticeships. See Skills for Logistics for details. Many truck manufacturers offer apprenticeships including Daf, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volvo, and MAN. Typically these can open a career into the design, engineering, or maintenance and repair of LGVs.
Acquiring an HGV licence needs to be undertaken through a formal course of instruction. However the Young Drivers Scheme allows employers to take on 18-year-olds and train them in road transport operation while they work towards their HGV licence. This is advantageous because outside this scheme young people cannot drive a truck before the age of 21. Fork-lift truck drivers also require training but this can be achieved through a conventional apprenticeship since they are not driving on the public highway. The Fork-Lift Truck Association runs a scheme for apprentices employed by association members.
There are dedicated automotive academies which provide training for would-be truck mechanics such as Skillnet. Courses at general colleges and universities can be found at Learn Direct which also provides general careers advice and guides to the content and salary expectations of many jobs.
Employers may be able to get funding through the local Learning and Skills Council (if in England), ELWa (if in Wales) or Local Enterprise Company (if in Scotland). Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) can also give funding information. For contact details of ATOs, contact Skills for Logistics on 0870 242 7314. Note that the Learning and Skills Council will be replaced in 2010 by the Skills Funding Agency.
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