Skills Bootcamp in HGV Training

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Entry Requirements

What you'll be studying

The Skills Bootcamp in HGV Driving is a comprehensive training program designed to equip learners with the essential skills and knowledge required for safe, efficient, and professional driving. This intensive course covers a wide range of topics, including understanding and adhering to Health and Safety regulations, correctly loading and securing cargo, and maintaining driver health and fitness.

Introduction to HGV Driving

Learners will learn about the importance of the weight and dimensions of heavy goods vehicles and how they are regulated. Learners will participate in activities that will help them understand the different types of weight and dimension regulations, including a discussion of the various enforcement measures that are in place to ensure compliance with the regulations. Different types of driving techniques used when carrying different loads and the dangers some loads pose when driving.

We’ll explain the EU’s regulatory framework on driver’s hours and describe how these regulations impact the daily, weekly and fortnightly driving limits, mandatory breaks, and rest periods. Learners will gain a full understanding of the exceptions and exemptions allowed under certain circumstances, such as emergency situations.

The impact will be measured through learner analysis of drivers’ hours impact on road safety, driver health, and the transport industry. Learners will discuss the consequences of non-compliance with EU drivers’ hours regulations, including legal, financial and practical implications.

In this unit, learners will gain the essential knowledge required to drive safely alongside vulnerable road users. You will learn about the relevant organisation policies and procedures that guide safe driving practices. Additionally, you will understand who is considered vulnerable on the road and the reasons behind their vulnerability.

The unit will also cover the restricted views that Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) have and the measures being implemented to enhance road safety. By the end of the unit, you will be able to confidently identify potential problems that can arise when driving in the city, ensuring a safer environment for all road users.

In this unit, learners will learn about the health and safety regulations essential for working as an HGV driver. The unit covers your responsibilities for maintaining health and safety at work and identifies the main causes of workplace accidents.

Additionally, you will become familiar with the various types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for daily tasks and understand the importance of working safely at heights. This comprehensive knowledge ensures that you can perform your duties while prioritising safety for yourself and those around you.

Learners will gain a knowledge of of a daily walkaround vehicle check and why it is important. This will include discussing different parts of the vehicle and why they need checking, focusing on tyres and wheels. The importance of a vehicle checklist will be discussed as well as the outline of the procedure for reporting defects. The legislation around vehicles checks, role and responsibilities for everyone involved, and the documentation surrounding vehicles conditions.

The learners will be provided with a range of scenarios in which they are required to identify what is wrong with the vehicles condition and how this can be reported. The learners will also be required to identify the procedure if a defect is not correctly reported.

In this unit, learners will understand how to load an HGV correctly. You will learn to explain the relevant organisational procedures and policies, and identify essential information such as load restrictions, and the proper distribution and redistribution of loads.

Additionally, you will be able to demonstrate how to check axle weights and understand the importance of this practice. The unit also covers the specific requirements for the transportation of animals. Finally, you will learn to identify potential problems that may arise during loading and understand how to rectify them, ensuring safe and efficient HGV operation.

In this unit, learners will understand the principles of driver health and fitness. You will learn how to maintain a healthy diet while on the road and discover effective ways to keep fit during your travels.

Additionally, the unit will cover the various facilities available for HGV drivers, ensuring you have the knowledge and resources to support your health and well-being while on the job.

In this unit, learners will gain an understanding of driver fatigue and mental health concerns, exploring concepts such as “highway hypnosis,” a phenomenon where drivers can fall asleep with their eyes open and continue steering, as suggested by Walter Miles’ 1929 study “Sleeping with the Eyes Open.” This idea gained traction in the 1950s and was further examined by G. W. Williams in 1963 and through the theories of Ernest Hilgard on altered states of awareness.

Additionally, the unit aims to educate learners on safe and fuel-efficient driving techniques to reduce collisions and environmental impacts. Learners will learn how to implement better driving practices to enhance fuel efficiency and understand the technology HGVs employ to support this goal.

Career Progression

HGV Driver Salary

hgv salary

Your learning journey: comprehensive support at every step

We’re committed to your success throughout your learning journey at Think Employment. We provide comprehensive support tailored to your unique needs and aspirations, ensuring you have the guidance and resources to thrive in your new career. 

Before you begin:
finding your perfect path

Flexible study options

We understand that life can be busy. We offer part-time and full-time study options to fit your schedule and commitments.

Personalised assessment

To ensure you’re on the right track, you’ll complete a questionnaire and take maths and English assessments. This helps us understand your current skills and identify the best course for you.

One-on-one Success Coach interview
If you’re eligible, you’ll have a personal interview with one of our dedicated Success Coaches. They’ll discuss your experiences, current situation, and future goals, helping to craft a personalised Career Action Plan just for you.

Your personalised
Career Action Plan

Our Success Coaches work with you to create a roadmap for your future:

Short-term goals:
Immediate steps to kickstart your learning journey.

Medium-term goals:
Milestones to achieve during your course.

Long-term aspirations:

Actions to take to attain your ultimate career goals.

This plan is uniquely yours, designed to guide you from where you are now to where you want to be in your new career.

During your course:
ongoing support and guidanceand Support

We’re with you every step of the way:

Employment Coach support:
We provide ongoing employment support to help learners transition smoothly into their new careers.

Regular check-ins:
Benefit from mid-course and end-course reviews with your Employment Coach, ensuring you’re on track and addressing any challenges.

After your course:
launching your new career

Our support doesn’t stop when your Skills Bootcamp course ends. You’ll continue to benefit from tailored guidance designed to help you transition smoothly into your new career:

Six months of extended support:
We’ll be by your side for up to six months after you complete your course, helping you polish your CV, prepare for interviews, and apply for job opportunities that align with your career goals.

Guaranteed job interviews:
As part of the Skills Bootcamp initiative, you’ll be guaranteed at least one job interview upon completing your course. This gives you a direct route to employment and aligns with the government’s Plan for Jobs, ensuring you have tangible outcomes to build your future.

At Think Employment, we provide a course and a comprehensive journey towards your new career. From your first inquiry to your first day on the job, we’re here to support, guide, and celebrate your success every step of the way.

Why Choose Think Employment?

We’re committed to your success. We provide comprehensive education and employment support tailored to your unique needs and aspirations, ensuring you have the guidance and resources to thrive in your new career.

Personalised Learning Journey

Experience a tailored curriculum designed to develop practical skills, explore real-world scenarios, and encourage reflective learning—preparing you for real workplace challenges.

Flexible Online Study Options​

Study anytime, anywhere, with 24/7 access to our e-learning platform. Balance learning with work or family, progressing at your pace for complete flexibility

Expert Mentorship

Receive expert guidance from seasoned adult education professionals who provide personalised feedback and help you bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Comprehensive Careers Guidance

Our career advisors support you with CV writing, interview preparation, and portfolio building, helping you excel in your future job roles.

HGV Driving Role Overview

HGV drivers are the backbone of the UK’s transport industry. They operate large vehicles to transport goods over long distances, ensuring timely and safe cargo delivery across the country and sometimes internationally. This role combines skilled driving with critical responsibilities in route planning, vehicle maintenance, and cargo management.

Safe and efficient driving​
  • Operate large goods vehicles on various road types and conditions
  • Adhere to traffic laws and maintain a safe driving record​
  • Practice fuel-efficient driving techniques​
  • Plan optimal routes considering traffic, weather, and delivery schedules​
  • Use GPS and mapping tools to navigate efficiently​
  • Adapt routes as needed to avoid delays or road closures​
  • Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections of the vehicle
  • Perform basic maintenance tasks and report any issues​
  • Ensure the vehicle is roadworthy and compliant with safety regulations​
  • Oversee or assist with the loading and unloading of goods​
  • Ensure proper securing of cargo to prevent damage during transit​
  • Verify load against shipping documents for accuracy​
  • Maintain accurate logs of driving hours, rest periods, and deliveries​
  • Complete necessary paperwork for customs and border crossings (if applicable)​
  • Record any incidents or accidents according to company procedures​
  • Interact professionally with clients at pickup and delivery points
  • Represent the company positively through appearance and behaviour​
  • Handle any delivery-related queries or issues promptly and courteously​

Skills Bootcamp in HGV Skills and Qualities

Excellent driving skills​

Clear and effective handling of large vehicles.

For thorough vehicle checks and accurate documentation.

To meet delivery schedules and comply with regulations.

For effective interaction with clients and colleagues.

To handle unexpected situations on the road.

For dealing with traffic and long hours.

For minor repairs and maintenance.

To manage long driving hours and potential loading tasks.

Take The First Step

Begin your journey towards a fulfilling career in the transport industry. Our Skills Bootcamp HGV Training provides the skills, knowledge, and confidence to positively impact the UK’s logistics sector.

Join Think Employment and start your path to becoming an essential part of the transportation network, keeping goods moving and supporting the UK economy.