National Logistics Academy becomes first provider to launch Level 3 professional driver assessor apprenticeship

The National Logistics Academy has introduced a professional driver assessor level 3 apprenticeship, becoming the first training provider to launch an apprenticeship focused on an increasingly important job role for the sector.

Designed to help employers tackle skills shortages, improve driver performance and create new career pathways for experienced HGV drivers, the apprenticeship will develop the next generation of driver trainers, coaches and assessors from within existing workforces.

The National Logistics Academy, part of the Mantra Group, has supported the logistics sector for more than 50 years and trained over 1,000 HGV drivers across the country last year. Working with leading own-account and third-party operators, the Academy plays a key role in helping businesses attract, develop and retain the skilled drivers and supporting transport talent needed to keep the UK’s supply chains moving.

 The UK’s HGV driver shortage remains a concern. In November 2025, the RHA estimated that the UK needed to recruit and train 60,000 HGV drivers annually over the following five years to meet demand and support growth. It also reported that 100,000 drivers had allowed their Driver Qualification Cards to lapse in the preceding year, with a significant proportion in their 30s and 40s.

Structured induction, coaching and ongoing support can help new and returning drivers settle into their roles. Skilled driver assessors, developed through the new apprenticeship, can support this transition, helping drivers build confidence and develop their professional skills.

An ageing workforce presents a further challenge, as experienced HGV drivers leave the profession through retirement, ill health or the demands of the job.

The driver assessor apprenticeship offers experienced drivers a route into training, coaching and assessment roles, helping employers retain their expertise and pass it on to new recruits. It also shows newer drivers that a career in logistics can offer progression beyond driving.

The programme equips learners with the skills to assess driver performance, deliver coaching and support colleagues through targeted training, helping employers develop safer, more skilled and higher-performing driver workforces.

An apprentruice already taking the driver assessor apprentice, Michelle Crowther, said: “The apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to build on my experience as a professional driver and develop the skills needed to support and train others. I am learning alongside drivers who have been in the industry for over 30 years, which is great because we share a lot of our industry knowledge and experience as a team. It’s also exciting to be part of a programme that not only supports my own career progression but also helps shape the future of the industry.”

The apprenticeship was developed in consultation with more than 10 national logistics operators across retail, construction, aviation and third-party logistics, drawing on expertise in driver training and learning and development within these organisations.

The employer-led programme combines adult learning and coaching skills alongside the technical capability required to assess drivers within high-performing logistics operations. This includes how to engage with increasingly important tools such as telematics and AI cameras within assessment.

Over the 12-month level 3 apprenticeship programme, learners develop the knowledge and confidence to assess, coach and train commercial drivers effectively, while achieving an Award in Education and Training. This goes beyond traditional assessor training by creating professionals who can not only assess drivers but actively support their development and ongoing success.

Sam Currie, commercial director of the National Logistics Academy, said: “Our employer network are leading the way on programmes to induct new drivers into the sector, and we are really excited to now offer a recognised qualification for the lead drivers and assessors looking to develop in their own careers whilst supporting others.”

Pete Thornton, group talent development partner at Bidfood, added: “From an industry perspective, I think this apprenticeship provides a great opportunity to give people within the driver community a more rounded and recognised development pathway. It builds beyond the technical aspects of driver training by developing the coaching, assessment and presentation skills needed to give individuals the confidence to support others effectively.

“For wholesale distribution businesses, this apprenticeship also provides another way to recognise and develop experienced drivers, create progression opportunities and build greater consistency in how people are trained and assessed across an operation. The same principles have much wider potential too. Any sector relying on experienced employees to train, coach and assess others could benefit from developing those people with a more structured combination of occupational expertise and learning and development skills.”

As employers continue to recruit new HGV drivers, the need for skilled driver trainers and assessors has never been greater. The driver assessor apprenticeship helps address two major industry challenges: retaining experienced drivers and improving the experience and development of new entrants. By keeping valuable expertise within the sector and creating clear career progression opportunities, the programme supports the long-term sustainability of the UK’s driving workforce.

Robin Mills, regional manager at Serco, welcomed the new apprenticeship: “At Serco, we know that some of the best people to develop the next generation of professional drivers are those who have spent years behind the wheel themselves. This apprenticeship gives those experienced drivers the opportunity to build on that knowledge and develop the coaching and assessment skills to help others become safer, more confident and capable drivers. It also creates new career opportunities for our people, helping us retain valuable experience, raise standards across our operations and build the skills our people and the wider industry will need for the future.”

Paul Wilde, apprenticeship director at the National Logistics Academy, concluded: “Building on our success partnering with employers to deliver HGV driving apprenticeships, this represents a next step in our commitment to developing the next generation of professional drivers.

“This new programme creates a valuable progression pathway for experienced drivers, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to share their expertise and inspire others. By developing the trainers and mentors of tomorrow, we can harness invaluable industry experience, raise professional standards and help shape the future of the HGV workforce.”