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Pathway

Driving Goods Vehicles

The content of these Pathways have been agreed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). These are the only apprenticeship Pathways in the Automotive, Transport & Logistics sector approved for use in Wales that are eligible for Welsh Government funding

Learning Programme Content

The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:

  • Qualifications,
  • Essential Skills
  • On/off the job training

The total minimum credit value required for the:

Level 2: Motorcycle/Cycle Courier is 48 credits.

Level 2: Van Driver is 46 credits.

Level 2: Rigid Vehicle Driver is 46 credits.

Level 2: Articulated/Drawbar Driver is 46 credits.

Entry requirements

Level 2: Motorcycle/Cycle Courier/Van Driver/Rigid Vehicle Driver/Articulated/Drawbar Driver

Employers seek to attract applicants who have a keen interest in working in road transport and working in the logistics sector. They must be willing to spend nights away from home and be good timekeepers. Employers are also interested in applicants and who have basic literacy and numeracy skills on which this Apprenticeship will build. Applicants will have a mix of age and experience.

As a guide, applicants may come from a range of routes including:

  • work or work experience
  • training and/or experience which could include a portfolio showing what they have done
  • any of the Essential Skills or Wider Key Skills
  • The Welsh Baccalaureate, including the Principal Learning Qualification for Retail Business which includes logistics and the supply chain
  • vocational or academic qualification(s)

 In addition to the general entry conditions:

Motorcycle/Cycle Courier - Foundation Apprentices MUST hold a Category A (Motorcycle) Licence before they commence this pathway if they wish to undertake the Motorcycle option as this is not funded as part of this pathway.

Van Driver - Foundation Apprentices MUST hold a Category B (Car) Licence before they commence this pathway, as this is not funded as part of the Pathway.

Rigid Vehicle Driver - Age restrictions apply to apprentices wishing to drive Large Goods Vehicle (LGV’s). Apprentices MUST hold a Category B (Car) Licence before they commence this pathway, as without it they will not be able to undertake LGV training. The minimum age apprentices will need to be in order to drive a Large Goods Vehicle is 18.

Articulated/Drawbar Driver - Apprentices MUST hold a minimum of a Category C (Rigid Vehicle Licence) before they commence this pathway, as without it they will not be able to commence the additional LGV training.

 

Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)

Level 2: Motorcycle/Cycle Courier

Level 2: Motorcycle/Cycle Courier Qualifications

The same combined qualification is used in all the pathways, but the Annex specifies the relevant units

Participants must achieve the following Combined qualification below.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Level 2: Motorcycle/Cycle Courier Level Minimum Credit Value
Communication 1 6
Application of number 1 6

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

Pathway Minimum On the Job Training Hours Minimum Off the Job Training Hours
Level 2: Motorcycle/Cycle Courier 129 240
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

31 credits for combined competence and knowledge

The total amount of learning hours which includes both on and off-the-job training for the Motorcycle/Cycle Courier Foundation Apprenticeship is 369.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
  • 6 credits/55 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
  • 6 credits/55 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Level 2: Van Driver

Level 2: Van Driver Qualifications

The same combined qualification is used in all the pathways, but the Annex specifies the relevant units

Participants must achieve the following Combined qualification below.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Level 2: Van Driver Level Minimum Credit Value
Communication 1 6
Application of number 1 6

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

Pathway Minimum On the Job Training Hours Minimum Off the Job Training Hours
Level 2: Van Driver 129 240
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

29 credits for combined competence and knowledge.

The total amount of learning hours which includes both on and off-the-job training for the Van Driver Foundation Apprenticeship is 369.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
  • 6 credits/55 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
  • 6 credits/55 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Level 2: Rigid Vehicle Driver

Level 2: Rigid Vehicle Driver Qualifications

The same combined qualification is used in all the pathways, but the Annex specifies the relevant units

Participants must achieve the following Combined qualification below.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Level 2: Rigid Vehicle Driver Level Minimum Credit Value
Communication 1 6
Application of number 1 6

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

Pathway Minimum On the Job Training Hours Minimum Off the Job Training Hours
Level 2: Rigid Vehicle Driver 169 240
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

29 credits for combined competence and knowledge.

The total amount of learning hours which includes both on and off-the-job training for the Rigid Vehicle Driver Foundation Apprenticeship is 409.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
  • 6 credits/55 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
  • 6 credits/55 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Level 2: Articulated/Drawbar Driver

Level 2: Articulated/Drawbar Driver Qualifications

The same combined qualification is used in all the pathways, but the Annex specifies the relevant units

Participants must achieve the following Combined qualification below.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Level 2: Articulated/Drawbar Driver Level Minimum Credit Value
Communication 1 6
Application of number 1 6

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

Pathway Minimum On the Job Training Hours Minimum Off the Job Training Hours
Level 2: Articulated/Drawbar Driver 169 240
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

29 credits for the combined competence and knowledge.

The total amount of learning hours which includes both on and off-the-job training for the Articulated/Drawbar Driver Foundation Apprenticeship is 409.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
  • 6 credits/55 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
  • 6 credits/55 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Other additional requirements

None

Progression

Progression from the Level 2 Apprenticeship - Motorcycle/Cycle Courier/Van Driver/Rigid Vehicle Driver/Articulated/Drawbar Driver

Foundation Apprenticeships/Apprenticeships in any of the following:

  • Foundation Apprenticeship in Team Leading
  • Traffic Office Apprenticeship
  • Logistics Operations Apprenticeship
  • Driving Goods Vehicles Apprenticeship

Into a job as a driver or with further development and training e.g. in-house or external development programme (CPD) accredited or non-accredited into the following jobs at level 3:  

  • Transport Manager
  • Traffic Office Manager

After further training and development for those who choose to do so:

  • Foundation degree in logistics, transport planning, logistics operations and administration.

 

Equality and diversity

It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.

The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.

Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.

The Logistics sector workforce is predominantly white male and despite progress in recent years, females, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and people with a learning difficulty or disability are not being attracted to the sector.

The perception of the Road Transport Industry is that jobs are for males and the ageing workforce provides an opportunity to attract a wider range of applicants to fill these driving roles.

 Awareness of Logistics as a profession is being raised through the Welsh Baccalaureate Principal learning Qualification in Retail Business, which has logistics content and through promotional leaflets aimed at 14 – 19 year olds in schools which will begin to change these perceptions and help to promote the range of jobs in logistics.

Apprenticeships are seen as a vital route to encourage, and facilitate, a greater diversity of individuals into the industry and action plans are in place to increase the number of apprenticeships by a minimum of 10% each year.

Actions to widen participation and increase diversity in the Logistics workforce include:

  • flexible entry conditions to attract a wide range of applicants to this apprenticeship Incorporating guidance on initial assessment to ensure it does not discriminate against applicants to this pathway at entry
  • Links with Jobcentre Plus,
  • promoting logistics as a career path Promoting logistics content in the curriculum through the Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport (CILTUK)
  • Developing an entry to employment programme aimed at difficult to reach groups Raising the profile of Logistics at careers events.

Skills for Logistics expects providers to abide by the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to and promotion within the sector.

Employment responsibilities and rights

Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory.  But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.

 Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government

DfES-ApprenticeshipUnit@gov.wales

Annex 1 Level 2: Motorcycle/Cycle Courier

Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications

The Certificate in Driving Goods Vehicles at Level 2 is a combined qualification incorporating competence and knowledge, which are separately assessed.

The total credits for this combined qualification pathway is 29 and is made up as follows:

Mandatory units

  • Prepare the vehicle for driving (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Protect the vehicle and the load (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Operate and monitor the vehicle systems (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Manoeuvre the vehicle in restricted spaces (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Obtain information on the collection and/or delivery of loads (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Units Group 1 (1 unit from this group)

  • Drive the vehicle on public roads in a safe and fuel efficient manner (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  •  Drive the vehicle on private roads in a safe and fuel efficient manner (2 credit for competence and 2 for knowledge)

Optional Units Group 2 (1 unit from this group)

  • Ensure the vehicle is loaded correctly (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge) Load the vehicle correctly (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)

 

Optional Unit Group 3 (1 unit from this group)

  • Ensure the vehicle is unloaded correctly (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Unload the vehicle correctly (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 4 (a minimum of 5 credits from this group)

  • Make an effective contribution to a business in the logistics sector (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Contribute to the provision of customer service in logistics operations (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Dealing with payment transactions in logistics operations (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Plan the route and timings for the collection and delivery of goods (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)

 

Annex 2 Level 2 - Van Driver

Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications

The Certificate in Driving Goods Vehicles at Level 2 is a combined qualification incorporating competence and knowledge, which are separately assessed.

The total credits for this combined qualification pathway is 29 and is made up as follows:

Mandatory units

  • Prepare the van for driving (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Protect the van and the load (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Operate and monitor the van systems (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Manoeuvre the van in restricted spaces (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Obtain information on the collection and/or delivery of loads (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Units Group 1 (1 unit from this group)

  • Drive the van on public roads in a safe and fuel efficient manner (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Drive the van on private roads in a safe and fuel efficient manner (2 credit for competence and 2 for knowledge)

Optional Units Group 2 (1 unit from this group)

  • Ensure the van is loaded correctly (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Load the van correctly (3 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 3 (1 unit from this group)

  • Ensure the van is unloaded correctly (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Unload the van correctly (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 4 (a minimum of 5 credits from this group)

  • Make an effective contribution to a business in the logistics sector (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Contribute to the provision of customer service in logistics operations (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Dealing with payment transactions in logistics operations (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Plan the route and timings for the collection and delivery of goods (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge).

Annex 3 Level 2: Rigid Vehicle Driver

Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications

The Certificate in Driving Goods Vehicles at Level 2 is a combined qualification incorporating competence and knowledge, which are separately assessed.

The total Credits for this combined qualification pathway is 29 and is made up as follows:

Mandatory units

  • Prepare the rigid vehicle for driving (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Protect the rigid vehicle and the load (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Operate and monitor the rigid vehicle systems (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Manoeuvre the rigid vehicle in restricted spaces (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Obtain information on the collection and/or delivery of loads (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Units Group 1 (1 unit from this group)

  • Drive the rigid vehicle on public roads in a safe and fuel efficient manner (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Drive the rigid vehicle on private roads in a safe and fuel efficient manner (2 credit for competence and 2 for knowledge)

Optional Units Group 2 (1 unit from this group)

  • Ensure the rigid vehicle is loaded correctly (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  •  Load the rigid vehicle correctly (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 3 (1 unit from this group)

  • Ensure the rigid vehicle is unloaded correctly (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Unload the rigid vehicle correctly (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 4 (a minimum of 5 credits from this group)

  • Make an effective contribution to a business in the logistics sector (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Contribute to the provision of customer service in logistics operations (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Dealing with payment transactions in logistics operations (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Plan the route and timings for the collection and delivery of goods (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Attach and detach rigid vehicle mounted bodies (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Couple and uncouple the rigid vehicle (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Post Driving Test Assessments

For Apprentices who gain their Category C licence as part of this pathway there will be two post driving test assessments.

Annex 4 Level 2: Articulated/Drawbar Driver

Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications

The Certificate in Driving Goods Vehicles at Level 2 is a combined qualification incorporating competence and knowledge, which are separately assessed.

The total credits for this combined qualification pathway is 29 and is made up as follows:

Mandatory units

  • Prepare the articulated or drawbar vehicle for driving (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Protect the articulated or drawbar vehicle and the load (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Operate and monitor the articulated or drawbar vehicle systems (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Manoeuvre the articulated or drawbar vehicle in restricted spaces (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Obtain information on the collection and/or delivery of loads (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Units Group 1 (1 unit from this group)

  • Drive the articulated or drawbar vehicle on public roads in a safe and fuel efficient manner (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Drive the articulated or drawbar vehicle on private roads in a safe and fuel efficient manner (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)

Optional Units Group 2 (1 unit from this group)

  • Ensure the articulated or drawbar vehicle is loaded correctly (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Load the articulated or drawbar vehicle correctly (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 3 (1 unit from this group)

  • Ensure the articulated or drawbar vehicle is unloaded correctly (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Unload the articulated or drawbar vehicle correctly (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 4 (a minimum of 5 credits from this group)

  • Make an effective contribution to a business in the logistics sector (0 credit for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Contribute to the provision of customer service in logistics operations (0 credit for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Dealing with payment transactions in logistics operations (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Plan the route and timings for the collection and delivery of goods (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Attach and detach the articulated or drawbar vehicle mounted bodies (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Couple and uncouple the articulated or drawbar vehicle (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Post Driving Test Assessments

For Apprentices who gain their Category CE licence as part of this pathway there will be two post driving test assessments.


Document revisions

19 November 2021