HGV apprenticeship starts are at their highest level in five years, following a sharp decline during the pandemic, according to research from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
This latest analysis from IMI paints a positive picture for the HGV technician talent pipeline.
Analysis of data from the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals an “encouraging” increase in the number of apprentices joining HGV pathways, IMI said this week.
More than 1,500 learners started HGV apprenticeships in the 2024/25 academic year, with 80.6% of these on the Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician pathway.
The research also found that the total HGV pathways starts reached 1,507 in 2024/25, an increase of +1.8% year-on-year and, over five years, starts have increased by 47%, rising from a pandemic low in 2020/2021 to a peak in 2024/2025.
In addition, the statistics revealed that HGV pathways have a higher proportion of over 25s compared to the wider automotive sector, indicating a stronger reliance on those already with experience.
IMI analysis also found that ASA levy funding drives the HGV engineering pipeline, supporting the majority of starts across both pathways.
Nick Connor, IMI chief executive, said: “Our latest analysis shows steady growth in HGV apprenticeship starts after a sharp decline during the pandemic.
“HGV apprenticeship starts are now at the highest level for the last five years.
With the IMI analysis also identifying that HGV apprenticeship pathways attract a higher percentage of older learners over 25 compared to the wider automotive sector, this presents both an opportunity and a risk for HGV operators.
Whilst there are clear career change and development opportunities for those with existing experience, the reliance on older workers risks less focus on attracting new entrants, IMI is warning.
Connor added: “The current reliance on older than average trainees, together with the high proportion of ASA levy funding, means the security of adult learners and therefore the HGV workforce supply is sensitive to policy or funding changes.
“This highlights the need to support flexible training routes and protect adult learner funding to sustaining growth and meet future HGV workforce needs.”
