The demand for women HGV drivers has never been greater. With thousands of experienced drivers due to retire in the coming years, the industry needs new talent and more women are stepping up to take the wheel. Right now, women make up just 1.2% of HGV drivers in the UK, but this is changing.
At Grafters, we’re proud to be driving that change. With almost two decades of experience in the logistics and recruitment industry, we understand both the challenges and the opportunities the sector faces.
Through our Women in Logistics campaign, we’re breaking down barriers and showing women that logistics can offer a secure, rewarding, and flexible career. With regional offices across the country and national coverage, we’re able to support women wherever they are based, providing local guidance, training, and opportunities backed by the strength of a trusted nationwide network.
We not only offer funded training but also guaranteed job placements once you’ve passed, making sure your investment of time and effort leads directly to real opportunities. And because we’re in this for the long haul, we’ve built a support network designed to help women thrive, from trainers and mentors to other female drivers who’ve already made the journey. Together, we’re creating a community where women in logistics can succeed, grow, and feel proud of the road they’ve chosen.
Women in Logistics Open Day
We’ll be organising a series of Step into the Driver’s Seat Open Days to help more women explore the opportunity of becoming an HGV driver. We’ll be releasing more dates once they’re confirmed, and each event is your chance to:
- Meet women already driving HGVs and hear their stories
- Chat with trainers and employers
- Get answers on pay, hours, and expectations
- Explore modern vehicles and see what life behind the wheel feels like
- Even test drive a HGV yourself
Interested? Email womeninlogistics@graftersrecruit.co.uk to book your place.
Training With No Upfront Cost
Training for your HGV licence usually costs around £3,000 but Grafters has removed that barrier. We pay one third of the cost outright as a direct investment in you, and cover the remaining balance upfront so you can get started straight away. You’ll only repay a portion as you begin working, and once you’ve completed 100 shifts with us, every repayment is refunded in full. That means your training ultimately costs you nothing, while also guaranteeing real job opportunities with Grafters or our trusted partners once you qualify.
The training process itself doesn’t have to take long. On average it takes 8–10 weeks, including the time it takes to apply for your provisional licence. If you apply for your provisional early, you can fast-track the process and complete your training in as little as 2–4 weeks.
A Career That Fits Your Life.
Whether you’re a young woman looking for your first career, someone ready for a complete change, or more established and wanting work that fits around family or lifestyle commitments, HGV driving can be a real option. With pay typically ranging from £600 to £1,000 per week, flexible shifts including weekends and part-time options, and no gender pay gap, it’s a profession that offers both stability and choice.
What makes this career so appealing is its adaptability. Some roles are local and predictable, giving you structured hours that fit around school runs or other commitments. Others involve weekend or evening work that pays a premium, or longer runs that suit those who enjoy being on the open road. Whatever your lifestyle, there are opportunities to make driving work for you.
More than just driving.
Modern HGV driving is very different from the outdated perceptions of the past. Today’s vehicles are safer, cleaner and fitted with advanced technology such as sat nav and real-time tracking systems. You’ll have the option to choose from long-distance trunking, local multi-drop, or industry-specific roles depending on what suits your lifestyle best.
Becoming a HGV driver doesn’t mean doing it alone. From day one you’ll be supported by female trainers, mentors, and other women drivers who have already made the leap. Confidence grows quickly, and many women discover the job is not only manageable but empowering.
