The UK is on the verge of a supply chain crisis. According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the country could be short of up to 200,000 HGV drivers within the next five years. That’s not a figure to ignore. Without a new generation of HGV driver, our food will reach our supermarket shelves later, vital supplies won’t make it to hospitals on time and businesses across the UK could slow down or even grind to a halt.
This is the reality facing the logistics sector right now — and at Surecall Driver Training we believe it’s time to do something about it.
The Problem: An ageing workforce and a lack of awareness
The average age of an HGV driver in the UK is now over 50. While these experienced drivers have long kept the country moving, many are reaching retirement with too few younger drivers entering the industry to replace them.
So, why aren’t young people joining the sector?
- A lack of career education and exposure to logistics in schools and colleges.
- Misconceptions about the job being ‘just driving’ or low-skilled.
- Perceived barriers to entry such as training costs and outdated industry image.
The Reality: HGV driving is a career with lifelong value
Contrary to the myths, HGV driving is:
- A respected and essential profession.
- Well-paid, with opportunities to earn upwards of £40,000+ with experience and by working overtime as soon as you start work.
- A gateway to travel, independence and even self-employment.
- A lifelong skill — even if not used immediately, it’s always there to fall back on. That is exactly what happened to Chris, our Lead Trainer and Driving School Manager. He has returned back to his skill of driving to help others obtain the skills he knows can change lives.
At a time when many young people are struggling to find their place, this is a secure and empowering career path worth exploring.
What needs to change?
To solve this crisis, we need to inspire and inform. That starts with training providers, businesses and educators coming together to show young people what’s possible.
At Surecall Driver Training, we’re doing our best to:
- Offer modern, supportive training tailored to all learning styles.
- Help trainees understand funding and licensing options.
- Make the journey into driving accessible and build confidence within our students.
- Build relationships with schools and colleges to improve awareness.
We’re not just running training sessions — we’re shaping careers, supporting futures and keeping the UK moving.
If you’re a young person, a parent, a career advisor or even just someone looking for a new path — now is the time to consider becoming an HGV driver.
The country needs you.
The industry welcomes you.
And Surecall Driver Training is here to help you take the first step.
Contact us today to find out about our driver training programmes and how we can help you or someone you know start their career on the road.