Unemployed people overcame barriers to work and trained for careers in the logistics sector as part of the East Midlands Freeport-funded Road to Logistics project.
The programme enrolled 10 participants for Category C HGV driver training – combining theory preparation, practical lessons, wraparound support and direct links to employers.
The need was clear: for people who are out of work, gaining an HGV licence can be difficult because training requires money and ongoing support.
East Midlands Freeport identified an opportunity to create a more accessible route into logistics for people furthest from the job market, while helping address demand for skilled workers in the sector.
What did East Midlands Freeport do?
Through its Skills and Community Equity Fund, East Midlands Freeport supported Road to Logistics to provide 10 unemployed people with Category C HGV training.
Each participant received practical driver training, support to prepare for the theory test, and wraparound help throughout the programme.
Each learner was guaranteed an interview with a local employer for either a driving or warehouse role.
The programme worked with Nottingham-based KB Events to connect participants directly with real job opportunities after training.
What did Road to Logistics achieve?
The programme has already delivered clear outcomes:
- 10 people enrolled on Category C HGV training.
- 8 learners passed their HGV theory test.
- 5 learners passed their practical HGV driving test.
- 3 learners moved into work: one secured employment with KB Events and two began work through employment agencies.
- 2 learners were awaiting interviews with KB Events.
- 3 learners continued with practical driver training and remained actively engaged in the programme.
Who benefited?
Tanya used Road to Logistics to retrain as a professional HGV driver. She gained her Category C licence and secured employment with KB Events, demonstrating how targeted skills training and employer support can help someone move into a new career in logistics.
Road to Logistics shows how East Midlands Freeport is turning its commitment to skills, employment and community benefit into practical local outcomes.
By removing barriers to training and connecting people directly with employers, the programme is creating new routes into work in one of the region’s key growth sectors.
Emma Chouhan, Skills & Communities Lead, East Midlands Freeport, said: “Road to Logistics is about removing barriers and creating real routes into work for people who may otherwise struggle to access training and employment opportunities.
“By combining HGV training with practical, ongoing support and direct connections to local employers, the programme is helping participants build the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to start a career in logistics.
“We are particularly proud to see learners like Tanya already gaining their licences and moving into work.
“These are meaningful outcomes for individuals, employers and the wider region, and show how targeted skills investment can create lasting community benefit.”