Driver Hire Training wants to encourage diversity and opportunities for drivers from all backgrounds through HGV training.

In recent years there has been an increase in women looking to become HGV drivers. In 2011/12, just 6.7% of all HGV test passes were achieved by women; by 2021/22 this had increased to 9.7%.

However, there’s still a long way to go and, with 45% of HGV drivers in the UK due to reach retirement age in the next 10 years, there are plenty of opportunities for more female drivers to join the industry.

Historically, says Driver Hire Training, HGV driving has been viewed by some as a masculine profession and women have been less inclined to apply.

In 2016, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) launched its She’s RHA scheme, which aimed to champion and support the challenges women face in the HGV industry.

It encourages women to look past gender stereotypes and take advantage of the skills they have that could give them a successful driving career.

Richard Owen-Hughes, group marketing director for Driver Hire, said: “It’s so great to see a workforce that has been so heavily male dominated, starting to become more diversified and open for anyone to have a successful career.

“There’s a long way to go still, but we hope to see the progress towards a more diverse workforce – in every way – continue in the future.”

For those interested in reading more about the benefits for female HGV drivers, Driver Hire Training have created an in depth guide, Women Behind the Wheel.