To tackle the ongoing shortage of professional truck drivers, there are now multiple learning pathways into the sector and multiple pathways for existing drivers to improve their skills and remain legal.

SECTOR-BASED WORK ACADEMY PROGRAMMES:
The sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) supports you to create a skilled workforce for your business. Sector-based work academies help prepare those receiving unemployment benefits to apply for jobs in a different area of work. Placements are designed to help meet your immediate and future recruitment needs as well as to recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow your business. SWAP is administered by Jobcentre Plus and available in England and Scotland.
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BOOTCAMPS:
The Government invested £34.5m in skills bootcamps. The HGV driver skills bootcamp was introduced in December 2021 to train 11,000 people as HGV drivers. Skills Bootcamps are free and include the cost of getting a provisional licence, your medical exam and driver CPC tests.
Merlin Supply Chain is an approved Skills Bootcamp Training Provider.
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APPRENTICESHIPS:
Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver C+E
Level 2 apprenticeship
Merlin Supply Chain is an approved Apprenticeship Training Provider.
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LICENCE ACQUISITION:
Multiple DVSA approved training depots from Hampshire to Derbyshire and supportive driver trainers and driver mentors.
Cat C1, C1+E, CAT C, CAT C+E
Merlin Supply Chain is an approved Training Provider.
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DRIVER CPC PART 3A test: Off-road exercises:
Must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3A test.
Test depots: Islip Northamptonshire, Belper Derbyshire, Luton Bedfordshire, Fareham Hampshire
Merlin Supply Chain is an approved CPC part 3A test provider.
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DRIVER CPC PART 3B test: On-road driving:
Must have passed the Driver CPC part 3A (off-road exercises) test before you can take the part 3B test.
Test depots: Islip Northamptonshire, Belper Derbyshire, Luton Bedfordshire, Fareham Hampshire
Merlin Supply Chain is an approved CPC part 3B test provider.
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DRIVER CPC:
Must do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to drive a lorry, bus or coach. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC. You only need to complete one set of training every 5 years if you drive both lorries and buses professionally.
Merlin Supply Chain Solutions – RTITB accredited.
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SAFED TRAINING:
Safe and fuel efficient training (SAFED) designed to reduce vehicle accidents, improve road safety, improve driving standards, reduce vehicle operating costs and C02 emissions.
SAFED training – delivered by Merlin.
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Contact: If you need to discuss training options please call 01536 533 696 and ask to speak with Michelle, or email: info@merlinsupplychain.com