Backlog for HGV driving courses

Huge demand and a shortage of funding has led to a backlog of between six and nine months for people applying to complete one of the HGV Driving courses offered through the Supply Chain, Logistics and Procurement Centre of Excellence (SCLPCE) in Cavan and Monaghan.

Approximately 220 learner completed a HGV course in 2024. Already, more than half that number (130) embarked on courses in the first half of this year.

In addition, over 80 learners completed the Bus Driving course in 2024, and funding dependent, that number also looks like it could be surpassed with 60 more completing the same modules in the first half of this year alone.

The popularity of the courses is being driven by a shortage of lorry and bus drivers to fill positions nationwide.

A spokesperson for Cavan-Monaghan ETB said the SCLPCE will continue to deliver the driving courses across Cavan and Monaghan in 2025 despite the “large waiting list” for new applicants.

“There is currently a large waiting list for all the driving courses that are been offered within the SCLPCE. Due to the nature of the delivery of these courses and funding restraints, we can only run so many of these courses per year. The current waiting list for some of these driving courses is between six to nine months.”

The spokesperson explained that learners get to experience the use of two Motion Lorry Driving Simulators that were acquired in 2023 by the SCLPCE, and that there are plans to invest in more advanced, hi-tech learning aids before the year is out. “These state-of-the-art simulators provide the learners with the ability to experience an enhanced training tool, to fine tune their driving skills in a safe and secure environment.”

Warehousing and logistics

In August 2025, the SCLPCE will install a state-of-the-art Production Line to include Pick and Place Collaborative Robots, End of Line Palletizing Robots as well as Autonomous Manoeuvrable Robots (AMR). “This new equipment will enable learners to upskill and reskill in areas of warehousing and logistics by utilising the latest technological advances and equipment,” said the ETB spokesperson.

SCLPCE currently offers a range of part-time and full-time courses across Cavan and Monaghan which include Freight forwarding, Purchasing/Procurement, Planning/Scheduling, Logistics & Distribution, International Trade, Fork truck Training, Digital Assisted Eco Driving, Sustainable Supply Chain Procurement, Warehousing Management/Operations, Life Science Manufacturing Operations, Industry 4.0 Technology & Industrial Robotics.

The spokesperson added that “additional programmes” are currently being developed to include a new QQI Level 6 Traineeship in Supply Chain Logistics and 4 new QQI Level 5 Micro Qualifications in Warehouse Operations.

“As part of a suite of new Green Skills Micro Qualifications currently being developed by SOLAS, SCLPCE will roll out three new QQI Level 6 programmes in Sustainable Finance, Sustainability Leadership & Corporate Sustainability Reporting.”