Professional driving as a career

An opportunity exists for interested participants to become a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver through a fully funded course.

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board, with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), has announced the launch of the HGV Professional Driver Traineeship.

On the traineeship, individuals will complete practical driving lessons in both the rigid and articulated Lorries, Safe Pass, Manual Handling, forklift training and much more. This traineeship is fully funded so there are no course fees. There are additional financial supports of training, meal and travel allowances and access to the National Childcare Scheme while on the course. Individuals need to be aged 21 years or older (no upper age limit) and to be able to commit to training full time.

You do not need to be in receipt of a Social Welfare payment to be eligible for the course. Applications are welcome from those in existing employment who are seeking to upskill or reskill into a different industry.

The transport industry in Ireland, like many vocational trades and professions are seeing, for many reasons, a reduced uptake by youth. With a view therefore to make the journey of becoming a professional HGV driver as structured, relevant and cost effective as possible, this traineeship was developed by both the industry and ETBs, with input and support from many local transport companies.

Paul Jackman, Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) representative commented: "We in the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) are delighted to see the Professional HGV Traineeship continue its expansion across Ireland to now be available in the Cavan and Monaghan region.

"Ireland, like many developed countries currently has a driver shortage, which is set to be exacerbated by the high average age of the current workforce. When coupled to a growing population and economy, it is fair to say that any successful candidate on completing this traineeship, as the statistics to date confirm, will find work within Ireland's Transport industry."

If this challenging and dynamic working environment appeals to you, then join us at the Garage Theatre, Monaghan on Saturday, May 14, at 12.15pm to find out more and apply. The next traineeship starts later this month, May 2022. For more information contact CMETB on 049-4353924 or training@cmetb.ie