National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Since May 2010, the total number of apprenticeships has been approximately 5,596,530 (according to Education Statistics). This number is only increasing. This is due to the demand for “learning while working”.
As of August 2022-July 2023, there have been 53,100 Apprenticeship starts in the south East of England. Breaking this down further, approximately 12,700 of these apprenticeship starters, were on an intermediate Apprenticeship (level 2) and 23,700 were on an Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3).
These apprentices range from school leavers to university graduates, or individuals who are determined to move their careers on the right track for them. The options are endless as to why many look to begin their next chapter of learning, but why is it good for your business?
According to a CIPD report, hiring apprentices brings several benefits to employers, including:
- 80% of employers have maintained or improved future skills in the business.
- 70% of employers have seen improvements in the goods and services they offer.
- 66% of employers have experienced improved staff morale.
Apprentices in The Transport Sector
The Apprenticeships in England by industry characteristics report shows that in the transportation industry, the total number was 9,510. 6,690 of them were predominantly male, and a total of 6,380 of these were over the age of 25.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit exacerbated the shortage of HGV drivers, there has been a reoccurring issue regarding retention in the logistics sector.
According to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation many HGV drivers leave the workforce before reaching 45 years old. 40,000 over-45s left in the first quarter of 2021.
High Demand for HGV Drivers
By 2020, out of those individuals under the age of 45 years (who held HGV licences), only 19% were professional drivers and only 32% retained their licences and qualifications.
Although, before the pandemic, it was more manageable to meet national demand. This may have been due to the low wages HGV drivers were originally being offered. Now that demand is high, it has become apparent that these drivers are integral to the structure of the economy, as they are the forefront of transporting goods to many suppliers.
With wages increasing exponentially, it would be hard to turn down a salary that is very competitive.
The logistics industry is on the mend, with not only increased salaries, but more recognition for those who are in the industry themselves and looking to increase their fleet.
HGV Apprenticeships would be the way to go in this case, as apprentices working within a business are becoming more popular in the UK, many sectors are now looking to hire an apprentice to ensure retainment of the employee themselves, as well as urging them to “learn while they earn”.
However, the logistics industry is a niche section in the apprenticeship scheme, but like the engineering industry, there is hope that this will expand through demand. As more are looking at starting an apprenticeship, many may be asking themselves “how many people are interested in starting a career in the logistics sector?”
Apprenticeship starts by industry sector shows that in 2020/2021, the number of apprenticeships starts in the “transport and storage” industry was 9,510, as opposed to the 21,290 apprenticeship starts in “construction”, or 27,540 in “Wholesale & Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles/cycles.” Even though the number is still impressive, there is more that could be done to potentially entice more apprentices to this specific industry.
Why Won’t Businesses Hire Apprentices?
There may even be more that could be done to entice companies themselves to look at hiring apprentices. One setback could be that the companies may not be fully confident on hiring an apprentice, as this could be deemed as time consuming.
Others may be worried that an apprentice might not be as beneficial as intended, but there are many factors they may not be aware of that would give them a more objective point of view.
What are the benefits of hiring an apprentice?
Hiring an apprentice means that as an employer, you can potentially develop the employee’s abilities. This is also according to the skills required for your business. The employee will be more motivated to learn these skills, especially if the effort is put in by the employer.
Training a new employee can be rewarding, to say the least, as you can show them the capabilities of what they could learn. Because of the time and effort put into an employee via the apprenticeship scheme, they are more likely to take in all the knowledge you pass down to them.
You are their mentor, and you are supporting their progression in your sector.
Benefits for businesses include:
- 92% of companies that have taken on apprentices believe this has lead to increased motivation and a satisfied workforce
- 86% said that apprenticeships helped develop skills relevant to the business
- 80% have seen an increase in employee retention
There are many second-hand advantages to hiring an apprentice. The apprentice could hand down their knowledge to the remainder of the workforce, thus enhancing your whole fleet of staff. This can give many employees more confidence in their skills, bettering your company.
Of course, there is one factor that may be disconcerting for an employer. The potential the apprentice may move on to another company once they have completed their apprenticeship.
However, these aren’t necessarily negative factors. The apprentice may leave because they have gathered all knowledge and training they could obtain from you as a mentor. They may be looking for a challenge, or perhaps they have been offered a greater opportunity that would be paramount to their progression.
How do I choose the right training provider?
2 Start Ltd are an approved apprenticeship provider via the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR).
Nicky McMillan, 2 Start’s dedicated apprenticeship manager, is available to support all apprenticeship queries for your business. Nicky can also discuss the benefits this could bring to your team and business goals in 2025. You can get in contact by booking your very own apprenticeship discovery call on their website.
2 Start currently have four apprenticeships available within the logistics sector:
- ST0257 – Level 2 Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver – C+E
- ST0259 – Supply Chain Warehouse Operative (Level 2) Apprenticeship
- ST1025 – Urban Driver (Level 2) Apprenticeship
- ST0647 – Transport & Warehouse Operations Supervisor (level 3) Apprenticeship
- ST1394 – Traffic Operator (Level 2) Apprenticeship
- ST1393- Removals Operative (Level 2) Apprenticeship
Looking to onboard apprentices at your business?
Don’t hesitate. Simply book your discovery call, and find out if our apprenticeships are the right fit for your business.
Urban Driver (Level 2) Apprenticeship
Ideal for businesses looking to upskill or bring on new apprentices within their business looking to gain up to a Class 2 licence.
Enables an apprentice to qualify from their car licence up to category a C (rigid) licence.
Guided throughout by our dedicated apprenticeships team.
Can complete all of their licence acquisition tasks to get qualified to drive.
Supply Chain Warehouse Operative (Level 2) Apprenticeship
Ideal for businesses looking to upskill their warehouse staff or bring on new apprentices within their warehouse.
Provided with forklift training and become qualified ITSSAR operators.
Enables an apprentice qualify to work safely in a warehouse.
12-month training programme.
Transport & Warehouse Operations Supervisor (level 3) Apprenticeship
Ideal for businesses looking to upskill their warehouse staff or bring on new apprentices.
Managing the day-to-day operations in supply chain management.
Enables an apprentice qualify to work as a transport & warehouse supervisor.
12-month training programme.
Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver C+E (level 2) Apprenticeship
Ideal for businesses looking to upskill or bring on new apprentices within their business.
Enables an apprentice to qualify from their car licence all the way to category a C+E licence.
Complete all of their licence acquisition tasks to get qualified to drive.
All additional training required to reach the level 2 standard.
