VAN TO HGV ACADEMY

Earn While You Learn — We’ll Get You There.

Your Road to an HGV Career Starts Here

If you’ve ever wanted to step up from a van to a full-size HGV, our Van to HGV Academy is your chance to make it happen. You’ll earn a wage from day one, gain your licence with our fully funded training, and get real on-the-job experience in a supportive team environment.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Category B licence with no more than 3 penalty points
Organised, proactive, and quality-focused approach
Willingness to do early starts and occasional nights out
Commitment to safety and customer satisfaction

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

On the Road While You Train

Carrying out multi-drop deliveries and collections in a company van
Loading and unloading palletised goods, trolleys, and stillages using a tail-lift and pump truck
Checking freight against paperwork to ensure accuracy
Keeping your vehicle clean, safe, and roadworthy through daily checks
Working closely with the transport office to follow delivery priorities and route changes

Progressing to HGV Class 2

Moving into HGV Class 2 work once you’ve gained your licence
Completing general haulage deliveries and collections across the UK
Spending an average of 1–2 nights out per week (tax-free allowance provided)
Building your skills on a range of vehicle sizes, from 7.5 tonne up to 26 tonne trucks

Ongoing Development

Receiving coaching and mentoring from experienced HGV drivers
Opportunities to progress from Class 2 to Class 1 within the company
Learning industry best practices in safety, loading, and customer service

WHAT YOU'LL GET

Earn while you learn – £11.45 per hour in the van, rising to £12.85 once you get your HGV, then £13.95 after 8 months
Overtime rates for Saturdays & Sundays
£26 tax-free night out allowance (once qualified)
Weekly pay & 28 days’ holiday (plus extra days for long service)
Modern, well-maintained vehicles & full uniform
In-house CPC training & ongoing career support
The chance to progress from Van → Class 2 → Class 1

Your Next Stop: Apply Today

If you’ve got the drive, we’ve got the road map. Apply today, join our Van to HGV Academy, and start a career where the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.

Aaron Barker

“When I first started Whites I was 19 years of age. Before my journey started with the academy, I didn't have a lot of knowledge about the haulage industry. However, when my journey started with the academy, my viewpoint and confidence completely changed. The academy supported me by teaching and guiding me, which increased my confidence and driving ability. The guidance and support the academy provided has turned me into the confident Class 1 driver I am today. No other company would've given me such an opportunity to support me at such a young age”

John Kelly

“I started my career in haulage later on in life due to having a young family, I was early 40’s when my children were old enough for me to be able to look at the career I had always wanted, I found this very hard as no where seemed interested as I did not already have my HGV licence, I then contacted Whites as I had heard that they ran a van academy where I could learn while earning and progress to HGV, Whites never once frowned upon my age and gave me the chance to achieve my lifelong dream, I started as a van driver in July 2022 and by November 2023 now hold a class 1 licence, Whites have supported me every step of the way and encouraged my progression, the van academy is amazing and thank Whites for where I am today”

Nathan Watson

“I started at the academy back in 2017 and before Whites I was a chef with no experience in the haulage industry. Going through the academy has helped me get the experience and confidence I have today being a class 1 driver. Whites and their drivers have always supported throughout the start and many years that followed. I have really enjoyed working in the haulage industry from job security to visiting different city’s and if it wasn't for Whites and the academy for giving me the opportunity too”