The Freight Transport Association (FTA) says the Welsh government has responded to its calls to support driver training by agreeing to train up to 180 unemployed people as lorry drivers.  
 
FTA, along with Tandem Transport Services, John Raymond Transport and Owens, has been lobbying the Department for Work and Pensions and the Welsh government for funding for driver licence acquisition since an initial meeting in July. 
 
Sally Gilson, FTA’s Skills Policy Development Manager, said, “This is the culmination of months of lobbying by FTA for investment in training and we are pleased that the Welsh government recognises the importance of the freight industry." 
 
“The money it is providing will help to fill the gap, but we continue to press central government for investment in training to help tackle this crisis.” 
 
It is estimated that around 45,000 professional drivers are needed to fill vacancies across the United Kingdom.