The National Logistics Academy has launched a Professional Driver Assessor Level 3 Apprenticeship, described as the first programme of its kind in the UK, giving experienced HGV drivers a route into coaching and assessing new recruits.

The 12-month programme was developed in consultation with more than 10 national logistics operators across retail, construction, aviation and third-party logistics. It aims to help employers tackle skills shortages by developing driver trainers and assessors from within their existing workforces.

What the apprenticeship covers

Learners are taught to assess driver performance, deliver coaching and support colleagues through targeted training, including how to use telematics and AI cameras within assessment. On completion, learners achieve an Award in Education and Training.

Paul Wilde, apprenticeship director at the National Logistics Academy, said the programme was a next step in developing the next generation of professional drivers. Pete Thornton, group talent development partner at Bidfood, said it gave people in the driver community a more rounded and recognised development pathway.

Why the sector needs assessors

The Road Haulage Association estimated in November 2025 that the UK needs to recruit and train 60,000 HGV drivers a year over five years. It also reported that 100,000 drivers had allowed their Driver Qualification Cards to lapse in the preceding year. The Academy, part of the Mantra Group, trained more than 1,000 HGV drivers last year.

Employers and experienced drivers interested in the programme can find out more through the National Logistics Academy. Further details are in the announcement reported by Logistics Matters and Motor Transport.