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HGV drivers play a significant role in keeping the country moving, ensuring goods of all kinds reach their intended destinations safely and on time.
Considering its importance, and with thousands upon thousands of HGV drivers on the road every day, the question must be asked: is HGV driving actually a good job? Or is it just another placeholder position to earn drivers a monthly wage?
In short, yes – HGV driving can be a fantastic career shift if you’re looking to improve certain aspects of your working life.
At HGV Training Network, we’re nationally renowned providers of HGV Training – including HIAB training, ADR training and several other qualifications – so if you’re looking to make the jump to HGV driving, click the link to learn more or get in touch with HGVTN directly!
Did You Know: HGVTN is home to over 50 professional training centres across the country? Click here to see a full list of our locations!
The benefits of being an HGV driver
Independence
One of the main factors driving so many people away from traditional nine-to-five jobs is the constant badgering from colleagues, other members of staff or the general public.
Since much of the country was forced to work from home back in 2020, many people discovered a newfound desire for peace and solitude in their jobs; something that’s not always present in many positions and industries.
But it is present in HGV driving.
HGV drivers enjoy great independence behind the wheel, often spending long hours in their own company between deliveries.
It may sound isolating, but this kind of self-reliant environment is something a lot of people are longing for in the modern working world. If you’re one of them, HGV driving might be the job for you.
Good pay
Surprisingly to some, HGV drivers enjoy very healthy paychecks for the work they do.
Those driving in the logistics industry in the UK have a typical starting salary of between £21,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on the vehicles they drive, the companies they work for and the areas of the country they cover.
For instance, those working in and around London can expect to earn more right off the bat than those in the North of England.
Either way, for a complete beginner in the trade, these figures are hard to turn your nose up at.
Transferable skills
Lorry driving is, in itself, an impressive skill that many drivers make a very good career out of. But that isn’t to say that you need to remain an HGV driver until you retire.
On closer inspection, you’ll find there are many desirable transferable skills one can obtain through HGV training and HGV driving.
Excellent hand-eye coordination, good timekeeping, road safety and working well in a pressured environment (out on the open road among other drivers) are just some of the skills you’ll pick up, which you could then take with you to other careers – driving or otherwise.
Speaking of more driving, you could also drive other vehicles and transport other items while applying the skills you learned behind the wheel of an HGV. Including ambulances, cars with trailers and many more.
To find out more about these options – and the training involved – get in touch with a member of the HGVTN team today.
Available roles
While HGVs are a common staple on virtually all British roads, there is a significant shortage of HGV drivers and a lot of roles that need to be filled.
According to data featured on BBC News, there are still approximately 40,000 lorry driver roles that must be taken if the HGV industry is to perform to the fullest.
This ongoing shortage is due to a number of factors, including the retirement of previous drivers and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.
It sounds daunting, but becoming an HGV driver represents a wealth of opportunity for those seeking a new and exciting career choice, as well as a higher level of job security, knowing qualified new drivers are well-valued at the moment.
So, if you’re keen to make a change, there could be a job ready and waiting for you as soon as you complete your HGV training!
Want to become a truck driver and enjoy a rewarding career? HGV Training Network is here for you!
Does HGV driving sound like the answer to your career woes? HGV Training Network is here to give you the tools, knowledge and confidence you need to operate these vehicles professionally.
With many training centres to choose from and assistance finding a job once you’re qualified, we’re your ideal partner to begin your HGV journey.
Sound good? Speak to a member of the team today to get the ball – and your wheels – rolling!
