In recent years, the number of women obtaining HGV licences has surged significantly, outpacing growth in the bus and coach sectors. This development highlights a successful governmental and industry strategy addressing driver shortages.
- A 144% increase in female HGV licences contrasts with a 105% rise in bus and coach licences over the past decade.
- The government’s initiatives are making a positive impact, with record applications from women and ethnic minorities.
- Skills bootcamps play a pivotal role in overcoming training barriers, boosting female participation.
- There is support for improved facilities to further encourage women’s involvement in the HGV driving sector.
In a remarkable trend spanning the last decade, the number of women securing HGV licences has risen by a staggering 144%. This increase dwarfs the 105% rise in the bus and coach sectors, indicating a distinct shift in female participation preferences. The data, sourced from a freedom of information request made by a training firm, underscores the effectiveness of targeted initiatives in the haulage industry aimed at mitigating driver shortages.
The figures reveal that, between 2013 and 2023, 27,200 category C and C+E trucking licences were awarded to women. This is in stark contrast to the 11,506 new category D and D+E licences for buses and coaches issued over the same period. The statistics suggest a tangible outcome of the government and industry’s concerted efforts to appeal to a more diverse workforce, particularly women. This success is further evidenced by a record number of applications from women and ethnic minorities to the training company, signalling a significant shift towards inclusivity.
Of particular note is the role of skills bootcamps in this endeavour. These initiatives have been identified as instrumental in breaking down fundamental barriers to entry, which historically deterred various demographics, including women, from pursuing a career in HGV driving. This has resulted in a trainee cohort at the training firm where women comprise 7%, a notable increase from the industry average of 1% female participation in HGV driving within the UK. Moreover, the firm reports that about 25% of their trainees hail from black, Asian, or other ethnically diverse backgrounds, far surpassing the industry average of 4%.
James Clifford, the chief executive of the training organisation, has emphasised the necessity for both the HGV and PCV sectors to expand their driver training initiatives to include a more diverse candidate pool. “Both the HGV and PCV sectors need to train more drivers and attracting a more diverse pool of candidates is crucial to this strategy,” he stated, highlighting the evident strides the HGV sector is making in attracting new female recruits. Despite the progress, Clifford acknowledges that more work is needed to maintain momentum.
Further supporting this shift, a survey by SNAP, a social listening platform, reflects robust support among existing HGV drivers for increasing female representation in the sector. However, it also stresses the need for enhanced facilities to support this transition, underscoring a crucial area for future development.
This trend reflects a positive shift in diversity within the HGV sector, though further improvements are essential.
