The world of LGV driving has been changing in recent years due to a severe lack of drivers. Demand has been driven up for new and dedicated talent, meaning more money and opportunities for those looking to start a lucrative and rewarding new career. There are a whole host of benefits you may not know about that come hand in hand with becoming an LGV driver -whether you’re dynamic and young and trying to find the right path or you’re looking for the golden opportunity to get you out from behind the desk it’s time to start looking to the world of logistics.
An Aging Workforce Means New Opportunities
Studies suggest that around 16% of LGV drivers are currently 60 years old or above and taking the first steps towards retirement, this means within the next 5 years 16% of LGV jobs will be open, that’s an extra 50,000 new jobs that are expected to appear on the UK job market!
The majority of LGV driver are closer to retirement than they are to starting out. The fact of the matter is only 1% of LGV drivers are under the age of 25 so the intended silver lining of the driver shortage is that 50,000 young, enthusiastic and passionate individuals choose to seize the opportunity with both hands and take the plunge into an exciting new career.
New, Better Qualifications
The number of people taking on the challenges and thrills of a professional driving career has been steadily dropping year by year; many believe this decline is due to the increase in necessary qualifications needed to become licensed. Rather than seeing the new qualifications as a deterrent young drivers should see them as a benefit – the qualifications have been brought in to highlight the increased skills of the driver year by year and monitor expertise and experience which can result in financial benefits for those who work hard and make the grade.
All professional drivers, both new and existing, need to have obtained their Driver CPC by September 2014 but there is a large group of experienced drivers who are unfortunately choosing to forgo the training. Drivers who will be retiring in a few years’ time don’t’ want to undertake the training and costs of Driver CPC which means as early as 2014 there will be driver jobs to fill. With all this demand choosing to undergo LGV driver training is a fantastic way to open doors.
A Job To Suit Everyone
It might surprise you to learn that no two LGV driving jobs are the same. If you’re interested in entering the field there are different sectors that you can enter depending on your preferences:
- Long Distance Drivers – If driving off to far flung corners of the world is what excites you then long distance driving is perfect for you. You can hit the open road and drive all over the continent and beyond, seeing new places and meeting new people every single day.
- UK Wide Drivers – If you prefer to spend your time on the UK mainland then you can go the length and breadth of the country, still seeing new places but staying firmly on shore.
- Local Drivers – For the family man who likes to stay close to home becoming a local driver means you can usually stay within a hundred miles of your preferred location.
A Growth Industry With Great Benefits
In these harsh economic times jobs can be few and far between but there is always a demand in the logistics sector. What can you expect from a career as an LGV driver?
- Competitive Pay – Because of the huge industry demand new drivers can expect to earn an initial salary of around £20,000 to £25,000.
- Challenging And Rewarding – As an LGV driver every day is different, you have the opportunity to drive through different environments and terrains and over the course of your career you will drive with different companies meaning new challenges are never far off.
- Be Your Own Boss – Choose the times that work for you. As a driver there’s no 9-5, you can work weekdays, nights or weekends depending on your preferences and commitments so you’re free to tailor your career around your life.
There’s never been a better time to become an LGV Driver so make today the day you take the plunge and start your brand new career.
This post was written by Emma Smith on behalf of HG Training from The LGV Training Company, if you’re looking for expert LGV driver training they’re your one point of call for starting your career off on the right foot.
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