Qualification level: 2 – Equivalent to GCSE
Typical duration: 13 Months
Apprenticeship category: Transport and logistics

National and international transport and logistic organisation’s in a very wide range of sectors. Employers range from large organisations with their own in-house operations through to specialist contractors through to small businesses.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to drive large goods vehicles, which are vehicles with a Gross Combined Weight of over 7500kg and include Articulated and Draw Bar vehicles, in a safe and fuel-efficient manner, ensuring that the right products are delivered at the right time, location, condition and temperature (if required), with the correct documentation and within the shortest lead times. LGV drivers deliver to a range of settings, such as warehouses, shops and private homes. Their customer base ranges from large global organisation’s to sole traders, private customers and the military. They may work within one or more sub sectors, including shipping, removals, import/export, freight, hazardous goods, and food. They may be required to work shifts, unsociable hours and will usually work alone.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of people and customers including transport planners, transport managers, freight loaders, yard marshals, goods in personnel, other drivers and end users. LGV drivers strive to meet expectations by providing a quality service that encourages repeat business and customer satisfaction, showing drive and energy even when challenges arise. Individuals in this role are highly competent in using industry-recognised systems (such as systems for reporting defects) and associated services e.g. customer specifics on packaging or labelling, and are able to work under pressure to tight deadlines.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the load and vehicle by applying correct procedures for load restraint, performance and conduct on the road, fuel efficient driving, vehicle defect checks, complying with all traffic legislation, working time and high way code rules whilst delivering first class customer service at all times.

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a legal requirement for those driving LGV’s professionally. The LGV driver will receive the Driver CPC card as a part of their (C+E) license acquisition, the driver must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years in order to maintain the ability to drive LGV’s professionally.

Duty 1: Drive the vehicle safely and in accordance with the law (tachograph law and drivers hours limits).

Duty 2: Carry out deliveries in a timely and safe manner ensuring that the most efficient route is planned and followed at all times, taking into consideration the additional characteristics of an articulated vehicle.

Duty 3: Provide excellent customer service through the timely and safe delivery of goods, efficient off loading, and the effective handling of any customer queries or concerns whilst always respecting the customers property.

Duty 4: Work with the transport manager and loader to ensure that the load is correct as per the customer’s orders.

Duty 5: Supervise the loading of the vehicle so that products are safely loaded and secured to minimise chances of damage.

Duty 6: Check the vehicle is roadworthy taking care to prevent damage to the vehicle or trailer, maintain the cleanliness of the driving cab (internally and externally) and the load area to ensure no cross contamination of goods.

Duty 7: Comply with fuel directives to ensure that fuel efficiency is paramount in the delivery of goods.

Duty 8: Report any accidents as soon as possible and in compliance with all legal requirements and the company’s accident reporting procedure.

Duty 9: Perform daily vehicle checks to ensure that the vehicle is safe to use and complete the daily defect report whilst being aware of the vehicle inspection rota for servicing and MOT.

Duty 10: Attend essential continuation training in order to carry out the driver role, awareness of new methods and changes in legislation.

Duty 11: To provide support in the yard performing other driver related roles when not driving for example: loading vehicles, checking vehicles, deep cleaning vehicles, cleaning the yard and general maintenance of the yard.

Duty 12: Attend workshop in order to understand the importance of wellbeing, self care and mental health awareness.

Duty 13: Safeguard the vehicle and self when not driving.

Contact: If you need to discuss apprenticeship options please call 01536 533 696 and ask to speak with Stuart, or email: info@merlinsupplychain.com