Careers Spotlight: HGV Driver

What does a HGV driver do?

A Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver is sometimes also known as a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driver or lorry driver, as they drive vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes. They collect, transport and deliver goods between suppliers, distributors and customers. There are different types of HGV drivers, including shunters, trunkers and trampers.

HGV drivers can be licensed to drive different types and dfferent sizes of lorry.

In addition to driving different vehicle categories, HGV drivers can specialise in driving specific types of vehicles, such as tankers, flatbed lorries, refrigerated trucks, curtainsiders, livestock trucks, vehicle transporters, etc. They can also specialise in transporting specific cargo, such as dangerous goods (ADR), foodstuffs, live animals, cars, etc. Therefore, what an HGV driver does will depend on the type and category of vehicle they drive and the goods they transport.

Main aspects of the job

An HGV driver’s main aim is to ensure the goods they transport and deliver reach the intended destination intact, efficiently and safely. They will carry out many tasks, including collecting goods from depots, planning delivery routes, ensuring loads are safe and secure, driving to various destinations, loading and offloading goods, etc. The role will also include administrative work, such as completing vehicle checks, delivery paperwork and logbooks.

HGV drivers work alone for most of their working day, as they will be driving in their vehicles, but they may work with colleagues, such as drivers’ mates, transport managers and support staff. They will also liaise with external stakeholders, including suppliers, distributors, customers (business and private), warehouse/distribution centre staff, other road users, other HGV drivers, mechanics, etc.

HGV drivers will mainly work for transport and logistics companies and hauliers but can also work for other employers, such as major retailers, manufacturers, recovery companies, waste management firms, etc. They can work for small, medium or large-sized companies locally, nationally, in mainland Europe and internationally. Many drivers work for recruitment agencies on a temporary or contract basis. There are also options to become a self-employed HGV driver.

Some examples of their duties can include (this list is not exhaustive):

•  Collecting goods from depots.

•  Driving safely and legally between destinations.

•  Following traffic reports and adapting routes where necessary.

•  Delivering goods efficiently and safely to customers ensuring they meet deadlines.

•  Planning delivery schedules and routes.

•  Ensuring loads are safe and secured.

•  Loading and offloading goods (or supervising and helping).

•  Keeping vehicles clean and tidy.

•  Carrying out basic vehicle maintenance.

•  Checking vehicles to ensure they are safe, legally compliant and roadworthy.

•  Ensuring they give the best possible customer service.

•  Completing various paperwork, such as vehicle checks, delivery records and logbooks.

•  Reporting any issues with vehicles or goods.

Working Week

Being an HGV driver is not a 9–5 job, and those looking at entering this profession must be committed to working varied hours, e.g. early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Some drivers, such as trampers, will sleep in their cabs overnight if driving over longer distances.

There is a maximum number of hours HGV drivers can work during the day and week, and they cannot legally work longer that.

The hours an HGV driver works must be legally tracked and recorded in a tachograph.

What to expect

There are many positives to being an HGV driver, especially if individuals love driving and travelling to different places. It is also a good fit for more introverted individuals, as drivers will spend long periods on their own during their working day. If an individual is a good driver, they can become fully trained and start earning within a matter of weeks in some cases.

There is no shortage of HGV driver roles. In fact, there is a shortage of drivers, so there are plenty of jobs available nationally and internationally, and there are different vehicles and goods in which to specialise. The salary is also competitive compared to other career choices. However, it does reflect the level of risk when driving such a heavy vehicle.

Boredom will never be a problem for HGV drivers, as the role allows them to travel and see other areas, including overseas. Some goods can be more challenging to transport, and tasks can vary depending on the job.

The number of women HGV drivers is relatively low, and approximately 1–3% are female. However, it should not put off women who want to enter the profession.

When considering whether to be an HGV driver, individuals should look at the pros and cons. They should also ensure they have the right personal qualities to carry out the role and responsibilities required.

Personal qualities needed to be a HGV driver

•  Confident, patient, determined and assertive.

•  Physically and medically fit, including good eyesight.

•   Excellent driving skills.

•  Communication skills, both written and verbal.

•  Problem-solving skills.

•  Interpersonal skills.

•  Time management, planning and organisational skills.

•  Being thorough, accurate and having attention to detail.

•  The ability to concentrate and focus while driving for long periods.

•  The ability to work alone using own initiative and to work well with others.

Qualifications

There are many different routes to becoming an HGV driver. Individuals could apply for an apprenticeship, a Skills Bootcamp, go on an HGV training course or apply directly. They could also do work experience to help them enter the role.

Apprenticeships

There is an apprenticeship route to help individuals become an HGV driver, e.g. large goods vehicle (LGV) driver C and E intermediate apprenticeship. Individuals will usually need some GCSEs, including English and maths, or equivalent.

Skills Bootcamps

In England, there are Skills Bootcamps, which can last up to 16 weeks. These are free training courses for individuals new to HGV driving or those returning to the profession. There are also courses for those looking to transport specialist loads or drive different vehicles.

To apply, individuals should contact applicable training providers directly. They must be 19 or older and hold a full car (category B) driving licence. There may be other entry requirements, depending on the course provider.

Vocational HGV training courses

Individuals based in England can take a vocational qualification to become an HGV driver, and there may be help towards costs. 

Applying directly

Some companies advertise trainee HGV driver roles, and individuals could apply directly to them or via a job site. The company will put individuals through the training. However, they will usually require a full current UK driving licence and some knowledge and experience in transport or picking orders.

Work experience

Having relevant work experience can help individuals become HGV drivers, especially driving practice. A full car (category B) driving licence allows individuals to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. They could get experience by driving larger vehicles, such as vans, and also attach a trailer.

Learning does not stop with experience or once someone becomes qualified. Attending relevant training courses and having additional certifications can help individuals enter the profession, enhance their employability and give them a competitive edge. Many colleges and accredited private training providers can provide relevant training courses.

If you want to learn more about becoming a HGV driver click on the links below

Boosting your CV

So what is a CV?  CV is short for Curriculum Vitae and is a short document which summarises your unique skills, character, experience and achievements.  

For students it can feel difficult to know what to write as you haven't had the time to build up the experience that employers always seem to want.

In this section we will look at ways of making your CV stand out for future employers so you can get that dream job.  So far we have looked at  ideas such as attending after school clubs and work experience placements.  This month we consider professional and industry organisations

Professional organisations:

Most specialisations and industries have a professional body, normally an association or institute, which people with the appropriate background, experience or qualifications can join. What can you gain by joining such a body?  Is it worth the membership fee? Will it help your job search? Here are some of the potential benefits that membership can offer.

Professional Recognition

Most institutions have an assessment process that applicants must pass before they are granted membership. This means that, once you have demonstrated that you have the requisite experience, qualifications and skills, you may join the institution and add the appropriate letters to your CV and business card. Membership shows that you have reached a certain level of expertise in your profession, and adds to your credibility.  It also shows that you are serious about your career and professional development. But remember just being a card carrying member of an organization doesn’t mean that this will automatically produce results for you – and you need to analyse the different types of professional bodies or institutes and chose carefully – simply collecting post nominal accreditation when taken to extremes can work counter-productively too!!

Information and Advice

Many institutions have web sites offering members password protected access to industry news, surveys, reports, updates, career information, jobs, and details of events. Some, like the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), offer a comprehensive on-line research facility, with downloadable documents and publications, and a facility for answering questions you may have.

Networking Opportunities

Institutions may have regional networking and professional development events that you can attend, which can be useful for making new contacts and learning more about what’s happening in the sector. National expos and conferences also offer excellent networking and research opportunities. If you wish to raise your profile you can volunteer to join committees and help organise events.

As a recent school leaver you may be able to get a discount on joining these organisations.  Even if you do not join the organisation if you are able to refer to it in your application letter or interview it will show the interviewer that you care about the job and have researched the industry you want to work in, making you a more attractive candidate. 

The link below will help you put together your CV

Unifrog

What is Unifrog?

Unifrog is a one-stop-shop where students can easily explore their interests, then find and successfully apply for their next best step after school. All of our students can login to Unifrog using the school login details.

Help for Parents and Carers

When it comes to education and careers, parents and carers have a large influence on a students choices. As an adult you are expected to have all the answers, but in a constantly evolving world it can be a struggle to keep up with the latest options out there.  In this section we will highlight resources that will help keep you up to date with careers and the choices available to young people.

Last month we looked at applying to post 16 colleges, this month we consider what else we can do to help our child become established in the world of work.

The job market is changing so fast - how can we help our child be prepared?

Though good qualifications are central to being successful in the job market, soft skills are also important and will always be in demand.

The soft skills most valued by employers are:

• • Teamwork - With effective teamwork, teams are more productive, deadlines are met, relationships with your team members are stronger and knowledge is shared

  •  Problem solving -  No matter how smooth of a workplace we have, hurdles will appear, which is why knowing how to work towards the best possible solution to new and complex problems will ensure more successful outcomes

  • Communication - Good communication skills means you are able to actively listen to, and understand other perspectives, while also being able to share your own effectively

  • Adaptability - If you’re adaptable, you’ll make sure to completely understand an impending change and keep an open mind.

  • Critical thinking - Critical thinking skills are valued in the workplace because they allow you to effectively analyse information given to you and make informed decisions

  • Time management  - With only so many hours in the working day, time management is a process whereby you intentionally allocate your time productively and effectively

  • Interpersonal - Interpersonal skills are those that allow you to build relationships and communicate well with others.

The National Careers Service offers ideas on how to develop soft skills, click on the image below for more information.

Careers in Hertfordshire: Health & Social Care

Health and social care is about providing physical, emotional and social support to help people live their lives. For various reasons and at different stages in their lives, some people need support to develop and maintain their independence, dignity and control. Health and social care provides a wide range of services to support children, adults and older people.

Working in social care means supporting people with their non-clinical needs, although there is an important crossover between working in health and working in social care. Your work could range from anything to providing medication and personal care to helping someone with their shopping or making their lunch for them.

Working in health care is about helping people to stay healthy and protecting them from threats to their health. While medicine and nursing are vital for helping and supporting people when they fall ill, working in health contributes to reducing the causes of ill-health and improving people's health and wellbeing.

If you work in health or social care, you could help people in hospitals, clinics, in their own homes, in residential homes or in a number of other places such as day centres or supported housing.

PERSONS EMPLOYED IN HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

From art therapists to anaesthetists; and from social workers to surgeons; there are hundreds of opportunities in health and social care. In fact there are over 350 different roles across the sector. Every day is different and rewarding with many roles to choose from. They all play a vital role in looking after people’s health and well-being

57,000 people currently work in the Health and Social Care sector across Hertfordshire and West Essex, providing care and support to a population of 1.5 million.

Health and care services are continuing to improve to ensure people live healthy lives for longer, but this also means that more people will be needed to fill crucial health and care jobs.

Health & Social Care employers in Hertfordshire

Across Hertfordshire there are;

• Over 700 private, voluntary and independent care providers

• 3 hospital trusts

• 2 community providers delivering services such as school nursing, health visiting and community nursing

• 1 mental health and learning disability provider

• 1 County Council delivering a number of adult and child social care services

• 1 Integrated Urgent Care (NHS 111) organisation

• 1 Ambulance provider

For more information please go to www.hopinto.co.uk/ 

Current Opportunities

This month we have some amazing opportunities to learn about future careers.  The NHS Health and Social Care is coming up in April.  Also students have the opportunity to learn about careers at the world renowned Rothmated Research Centre in Harpenden.  The Careers and Enterprise Company, who we work closely with, are running an event to help parents and students learn about T-levels and apprenticeships.  There are also opportunities to investigate apprenticeships within the finance industry and the logistics industry.

NHS Health and Social Care Careers Fair at Middlesex University

We’d like to invite your students to our upcoming event NHS Health and Social Care Careers Fair at Middlesex University Campus in Hendon.  

NHS Careers Fair 

Thursday 6th March 2025, 4.30pm-7.00pm, at Middlesex University, Hendon. 

Aimed at Year 10 and above, this fair is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn more about the 350+ careers available within the NHS. On the day, your students will be able to: 

• chat with healthcare professionals and receive personalised advice 

• learn about the NHS and social care in live talks and career panels 

• ask questions about the routes into the sector during talks with healthcare workers 

Exhibitors include representatives from a number of professions, including GPs, nurses, pharmacists, opticians, paramedics, dentists, Allied Health Professionals (including Occupational, Speech and Physiotherapists) and social workers as well as colleges and further education institutions offering a variety of health-related courses. Last year's careers fair had over 100 exhibitors.  

I hope this will be of interest to your students and you will encourage them to join us. 

Please encourage your students to book their place here Nhs Social Care Careers Fair | Middlesex University  Please also see the link to a video from last year's careers fair NCL Careers Fair 2024 

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with Ama Smith at ama.smith1@nhs.n

Rothamsted Research - Harpenden

I’m getting in touch from Rothamsted Research, an agricultural research centre based in Harpenden, to let you know that applications for our work experience programme are now open (closing March 2nd). ‘Experience Rothamsted’ takes place from the 7th-10th April and gives sixth formers (or college equivalent age) with an interest in science a taste of what it is like to be an agricultural research scientist. Students accepted onto the programme will follow a varied timetable of activities, workshops and skills sessions.

The application form and more information about the programme can be found here: https://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/work-experience-rothamsted

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Grace Shirley

Communications Officer

Discover Extraordinary Career Paths with an EY Apprenticeship!
Applications for 2025 are now open!

Do you know a young person eager to start their career journey? If they’re curious, analytical, and love solving problems, an EY apprenticeship could be their gateway to success! 

Why an EY Apprenticeship?

At EY, we believe in setting young people up for success. Our apprenticeships in Assurance, Strategy and Transactions, or Tax offer:

 Real-World Impact: Experience working with clients, from local businesses to global brands.
Top Qualifications: Earn industry-recognised professional qualifications equivalent to a master's degree.
Faster Progression: Start earning and developing skills immediately, often advancing quicker than university students.
Practical Learning: Gain real-world experience, backed by expert mentorship and support.
Strong Connections: Join a cohort of peers, building friendships and networks from day one.

Applications are now open.

Browse our programmes and unlock a world of opportunities! 

Explore EY Apprenticeships

Support Their Next Step

Help them shape their future with confidence. Visit the Career Heights zone on our immersive Adventure Awaits platform for resources on:

• Guiding them through the application process

• Helping them prepare for interviews

• Ensuring they make the most of their EY apprenticeship

HOPINTO APPRENTICESHIPS AND T-LEVELS 

Taking place on Wednesday 29th January from 17.30 - 19.00, this free of charge event is specifically for parents, carers and students. Who would like to explore apprenticeship and T Level options available.

The HOP into Apprenticeships and T Levels Virtual Careers Fair is in its third year and has been a successful way for employers and training providers to showcase apprenticeship and T Level opportunities to hundreds of parents, carers and students across Hertfordshire.

The event is a collaboration between Hertfordshire Careers Hub, Amazing Apprenticeships, Hertfordshire Employers and the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Provider Network.

Last year's event had 600 parents sign up and over 30 employers and providers.

 Who should attend?

This event is for parents and carers but will be particularly useful for those supporting students in year group year 10 to 13. Students in these year groups are welcome to attend.

Why attend this event?

• Free of charge to attend (fully-funded by Hertfordshire Careers Hub).

• Meet local training providers and colleges to hear about their apprenticeships and T Level programmes.

• Hear from employers about local vacancies available for talented young people seeking their next steps.

• Ask questions and gather information from the comfort of your own home.

• Discover more about the skills and training provision being offered within Hertfordshire.

Young People, Parents and Carers please sign-up here

Currently attending already are:

•        Warner Bros. Discovery

•        Bam UK & I

•        Morgan Sindall Construction

•        MBDA

•        Hertfordshire Building Control

•        Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

•        Computacenter

•        Eisai Ltd

•        John O'Conner

Training providers

•        HRC

•        iSales

•        Institute of the Motor Industry

•        North Hertfordshire College

•        Skillnet Ltd

•        Educational and Sporting Futures

Apprenticeships with DHL

DHL are the global leader in logistical solutions.  DHL have sites around the UK and are currently offering a variety of apprenticeships in the South-East.  If this sounds interesting please click on the link below to find out more

DHL Apprenticeships