New career opportunities with fully funded HGV training

Coleg Gwent, in collaboration with the Welsh Government and Heads of the Valleys Training, is offering fully funded training courses through Personal Learning Accounts (PLA) to support adults looking to advance their careers as heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.

Personal Learning Accounts provide free courses designed to equip adults with new skills and qualifications, enabling them to progress into better-paying jobs and more fulfilling careers.

Meeting the growing demand for HGV drivers

We spoke with Ollie Dunstall, Operations Manager at Heads of the Valleys Training, a family-run training centre in South Wales. He shared insights on the current industry landscape.

“Since the pandemic, there has been a huge demand for (HGV) drivers across the UK, as well as for industrial machinery operators needed in distribution centres. The Welsh Government recognised this demand and has allocated funding for Personal Learning Accounts to help thousands of individuals overcome the financial barriers that often stop them from entering the industry.”

Courses with Heads of the Valleys Training include a range of HGV driver training, from Category C1 (7.5 tonne) to C (Class 2) and CE (Class 1). Additionally, the business offer training in industrial machinery operation, such as Lorry Loader (HIAB) and Counterbalance, Reach and Telescopic Forklift Truck training.

Ollie continued: “Over the last two years, in partnership with the fantastic team at Coleg Gwent, we have successfully delivered training to hundreds of candidates. The results can be life-changing and it is great to see so many using their new qualifications to find better employment.”

Paige and Rhobie Journey

Sisters Paige and Rhobie are shining examples of how PLA funding can transform lives. Paige shared her experience:

She said: “Before training through the PLA Scheme, I was working as a production operative in a factory. I took the job to earn a wage, but I knew that it wasn’t a career or industry that I wanted to stay in forever. I had always considered getting my LGV licence but the costs and time commitments were barriers for me.”

“My sister, Rhobie, had already completed her LGV CE (Class 1) course with Heads of the Valleys Training via a PLA course. She encouraged me to apply for the grant which I did through the Coleg Gwent website.

“I really enjoyed my course with Heads of the Valleys – the office team and instructors were so friendly and made me feel comfortable. They took care of everything, from booking my medical, to arranging my provisional theory tests. Once this was done it was into the practical training, which was really enjoyable.

“After passing my test I have secured a job with a large haulage firm in Llantrisant as a tipper driver. It is a job I have always wanted to do and I absolutely love it. It is much better than my previous factory job in so many ways – better pay, much more job satisfaction and freedom. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner!

“I would definitely recommend the PLA initiative to anyone thinking of changing their career!”

Ben’s success with PLA funding

Another learner, Ben, also benefited from PLA funding.

He said: “PLA funding has had a huge impact on my working life – it has launched me into a new industry with more opportunities for progression and a better salary.

“Since completing both my LGV Category C (Class 2) and CE (Class 2) driver training, I’ve also completed my ADR Dangerous Goods course, and my Lorry Loader (HIAB) course, which gives me a far wider scope of work available with my new HGV entitlements.

“From here, I secured a job with Owens, a large haulier in South Wales. I was partnered with another driver for a few weeks to learn the ropes before they were happy to leave me alone. The work consisted of curb-side pallet deliveries around Cardiff and the surrounding valley areas.

“I would like to thank the team at Coleg Gwent and Heads of the Valleys who have supported me throughout my training.”

Take the First Step Towards a New Career

If you’re interested in transforming your career through fully funded courses with Heads of the Valleys Training, visit our PLA page for more information.