GROOMS are being urged not to miss the chance to take their HGV licence with the help of substantial government funding.
Taking an HGV test can cost between £1,000 and £2,000, and without it grooms cannot legally drive the largest horseboxes.
But grooms who are under 25 and who do not have an HGV licence have until March 2009 to apply for the Government’s Skills for Logistics Young Driver Scheme that has been on offer for the past five years.
Training is offered nationwide and the British Grooms’ Association (BGA) is encouraging young drivers to take advantage of the scheme before it closes.
Funding for the test varies depending on the driver’s age but for people between 17 and 19 years old it can be free. And those aged between 20 and 25 can save up to £800.
Lucy Katan from the BGA said: “Our industry desperately needs grooms who can drive horseboxes. Most grooms simply can’t afford to take their test so we are keen to raise awareness of any opportunities where we can help our members to get their licence.
“I urge all grooms that fit the funding requirements to jump at this chance while they can.”
For more information tel: 0845 3316039 or visit: www.britishgrooms.org.uk
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (24 July, ’08)
