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Because licenced HGV training and bus drivers are in such short supply in Leeds and West Yorkshire, lawmakers have pledged to provide free training to help close the gap.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has stated that it will spend a portion of its Adult Education Budget (AEB) to pay training providers who will offer driver courses, with HGV and medical licences being completely subsidised.
The step was taken to help cope with the 'crisis' in West Yorkshire, according to Tracy Brabin, the county's mayor. She said:
Through the Adult Education Budget, we aim to give training providers the funding they need to train more HGV and PSV drivers and give them the much-needed licenses to improve the shortage and give many local people employment opportunities.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin
According to the WYCA, the shortfall is having a significant impact on the local economy in West Yorkshire, with a scarcity of bus drivers adding to the current situation.
According to the WYCA, this shortfall is caused by many bus drivers being drawn to higher-paying HGV professions.
Sir Roger Marsh, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, stated that the economy needed to invest in this area to fully recover from the pandemic.
Our economy is bouncing back since the pandemic, however in order to fully recover we must be able to trade goods and get people to and from work. HGV and PSV drivers are crucial in achieving this, which is why it is so important we fund this training. I hope by addressing cost barriers we can reduce the shortage in West Yorkshire and attract more people to this vital role.
Sir Roger Marsh, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership
We offer all kinds of course and HGV training options here if you're looking to use this perk.