Evri Driving Academy Opens Its Doors to External Candidates

Why It Matters

The initiative directly tackles the acute driver shortage while expanding the talent pool, boosting Evri’s operational capacity and promoting inclusivity in a traditionally male‑dominated sector.

Key Takeaways

• Evri opens HGV training to external applicants
• 113 new HGV licences awarded in 2025 alone
• UK needs 60,000 new HGV drivers annually
• Programme targets women, younger, diverse workforce
• Combines online learning with hands‑on training

Pulse Analysis

The UK logistics industry faces a looming crisis: an estimated 60,000 new heavy‑goods‑vehicle (HGV) drivers are required each year to meet growing demand. Evri’s decision to open its Driving Academy to external candidates is a strategic response that not only augments its own driver pipeline but also contributes to national workforce resilience. By leveraging three regional training hubs—Normanton, Avonmouth and Hemel Hempstead—the company can scale instruction quickly, offering both Category C (Class 2) and Category C+E (Class 1) licences that are essential for operating large and articulated trucks.

Evri’s blended learning model—combining online modules with intensive, in‑person bootcamps—addresses the skill gap efficiently. The success story of Ellie‑Mae Saddington, who progressed from a transit van driver to a Class 1 Day Driver, illustrates the programme’s effectiveness in accelerating career advancement. Participants benefit from structured support, experienced instructors, and a community that fosters confidence, resulting in higher pass rates and faster qualification times. Moreover, the academy’s emphasis on attracting women and younger talent challenges industry stereotypes and broadens the demographic composition of the trucking workforce.

Beyond Evri, the academy sets a benchmark for other logistics firms seeking to mitigate driver shortages. Public‑private partnerships and corporate training initiatives can replicate this model, aligning with government objectives to upskill the labour market. As more companies adopt similar programmes, the sector may see improved retention, reduced turnover costs, and a more inclusive culture, ultimately enhancing the reliability of supply chains across the UK.