As we shift gears into 2024, the horizon for the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driving industry is lined with promising developments and transformative trends.

But what changes and advancements do we anticipate, and how might they redefine the HGV driving industry in 2024?

Growth and expansion: a thriving client base

2024 is poised to be a landmark year for the HGV driving industry, with potential for growth and expansion. For instance, at HGVC, we expect a substantial increase in our client base, alongside the renewal of contracts with existing clients, due to us continuing to be able to offer subsidised training via the HGV Skills Bootcamp scheme. Such expansion is a testament to the industry’s resilience and adaptability in meeting the evolving demands of the logistics and transportation sector.

However, we must be cognisant of potential challenges, such as the possibility of a slowing UK economy or geopolitical events that impact global supply chains, which may affect the HGV industry.

Despite such uncertainties, we remain optimistic. Logistics and HGV businesses must focus on the controllable aspects, and we’re gearing up for higher revenue growth across our customer base.

Revolutionising training: continuous training

Looking forward, we expect logistics companies and those with HGV fleets to focus on continuous training this year. This follows a substantial increase in the number of instructors and the expansion of training programmes, led by the continued Department for Education Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving last year. These schemes have been critical for the industry over the last couple of years, helping train thousands of new drivers for the sector.

This year, companies will invest in external and in-house training to maintain high standards, reflecting a commitment to quality and the growing demand for skilled HGV drivers. This trend is not just about quantity but also about enhancing the quality of training to meet the sophisticated needs of the modern logistics sector.

For instance, this year, HGVC is investing in training and instructor seminars, which will standardise training and instruction across the board. This initiative will ensure a consistent, high-quality training experience for all HGV drivers. Moreover, it underscores our commitment to the continuous professional development of our instructors and team, ensuring they stay at the forefront of industry best practices.

Operational excellence: enhanced test availability and support

2024 will see enhanced test availability, following several years of limited capacity due to Covid and instructor strikes. However, government measures introduced in the last couple of years have begun to take effect, and the industry is seeing a return to pre-pandemic test availability and passes. We expect this to continue into and beyond 2024.

To help our candidates further, HGVC has invested in an agile operations team, which will process pinch points effectively, ensuring a smooth and efficient training experience for every candidate. Our cross-skill training initiative, set to roll out in the coming quarter, will further empower our team to deliver exceptional service.

Technological integration: the dawn of a new era in training

The integration of advanced technologies will be a game-changer in 2024. For instance, we expect to see increased automation and integration throughout the customer training lifecycle alongside greater adoption of self-service solutions, complemented by instant data insights for faster decision-making.

Given the rise of generative artificial intelligence, we expect HGV logistics and driver training businesses to use it to tailor theory questions to individual learners, enhancing the training experience.

We’ll also shortly release a revamped Portal, allowing all our clients to submit new driver training orders, view dashboards containing key metrics and generate reports at the touch of a button. This will help augment rather than automate a critical process.

Supply chain excellence: driving high standards

The supply chain will continue to be a critical driver of high standards in 2024. Last year, the HGV driver training supply chain responded to the new normal of increased demand while ensuring excellence.

Given the experience of increased demand over the last couple of years, we expect logistics firms and training providers to continue to deliver excellence throughout 2024. For instance, HGVC is developing sophisticated forecasting models and enhancing our information flow into the network to ensure high standards. This will bolster support for training schools, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the rising demands of the industry.

As we begin 2024, the HGV driving industry stands on the brink of a transformative era. With a focus on advanced training, technological integration, and strategic expansion, we are steering the industry towards excellence and efficiency. The road ahead is promising, and we are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that 2024 brings.