The Freight Transport Association has voiced its disappointment at the news that the Minister for Skills has rejected the training standard for LGV drivers.
Despite the Government making a pledge at the spring budget that it would work with road haulage firms on an industry-led solution to the driver shortage (including looking at the right level of access to, and funding support for, training), Nick Boles MP has outlined the decision of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and rejected the idea.
Sally Gilson, FTA Skills Development Manager said she was “desperately disappointed” at the announcement.; “It appears the Government has gone back on its pledge to find an industry-led solution to solve the driver crisis, with the Minister for Skills deciding to reject the proposed standard for large goods vehicle drivers,” she said. “This diminishes the value of the existing apprenticeships that are successfully bringing much-needed young people into the industry.”
The average age of a professional lorry driver is 52 and the freight and logistics industry is desperate to engage with young people. Without access to apprenticeships, this issue will exacerbate. The Association added that with Government focus for vocational funding firmly on apprenticeships, without this option the industry will be left bereft of funding options for driver training.
“If Government is rejecting driver apprenticeships,” Sally Gilson asked, “then what alternative funding will it be providing? The freight and logistics sector has a major shortage of drivers with companies desperate to fill vacancies and professionalise the role. FTA urges BIS to rethink its decision and work with industry to find a solution as a matter of urgency.”
Our dedicated Parts Delivery service is now operating across Central Scotland, offering multiple deliveries throughout the day to get the parts you need, when you need them.
Whether it`s planned maintenance or an unexpected repair, our team is on hand to help minimise downtime and keep your vehicles on the road.
Contact our Eurocentral Parts team today to place your order. 📞 01698 681970
We`re incredibly proud to announce that Jordan, Technician at Ciceley Bolton has been crowned UK & Ireland BusTech Challenge Champion 2026, taking 1st place in this year`s prestigious OMNIplus BusTech Challenge.
The competition recognises the very best bus technicians across the Daimler Buses service network, celebrating outstanding technical expertise, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
As UK & Ireland Champion, Jordan has now qualified for the BusTech Masters Europe Final in Germany, this October, where he`ll represent the UK & Ireland against the top technicians from across Europe.
This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to Jordan`s dedication, professionalism and technical excellence.
Please join us in congratulating Jordan and wishing him the very best of luck in the European finals! 👏🌍
🦖 Welcome to Ciceley Commercials! Where you can buy: 🚗 Cars 🚐 Vans 🚛 Trucks 🔧 Parts Need servicing? We’ve got you covered too. Bring us your: 🚗 Cars 🚐 Vans 🚛 Trucks 🚌 Buses Our expert technicians will keep your vehicles running at their best. Disclaimer: We don’t sell dinosaurs… 👀🦖#mercedesbenz #familyrunbuisness #awardwinning #jurrasicpark #dinosaur
Our new Eurocentral Truck site is really starting to take shape, and we’re delighted with how the development is progressing.
Dealer Principal Andy Heys recently visited the site to take a look at the latest progress and give us a tour of what will soon become our state-of-the-art Truck facility, designed to support customers across Scotland and beyond.
With construction moving forward at pace, it’s fantastic to see our vision becoming a reality. We can’t wait to welcome customers and colleagues through the doors when the site opens later this year.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to completion! 👀🚛
