Behind the Wheel, Behind the Scenes: Why Skills Investment Needs a Team Effort

This week, we’ve taken another significant step forward in our mission to support the road transport industry with the launch of a new collaboration between RHA Skills and Remit Training—a provider rated Outstanding by Ofsted and trusted by household names like Scania, Volvo, and Royal Mail.

This partnership means RHA members and the wider logistics community now have direct access to 400+ pre-screened, motivated candidates for HGV apprenticeships and more than 100 ready for light vehicle roles. It’s a game-changing opportunity to tackle the technician shortage head-on, with high-quality training and a streamlined recruitment pipeline.

But it also speaks to something much bigger: collaboration is no longer optional. It’s essential.

A System That Only Works Together

Transport is a team effort. We often focus on the driver (understandably so), but behind every journey is an army of professionals—technicians, inspectors, fitters, engineers—who ensure vehicles are roadworthy and reliable. Without them, even the best drivers can’t get their passengers or payloads where they need to go.

And of course, without trained drivers, those same expertly maintained vehicles stay firmly in place.

Both groups depend on each other. And both are facing serious skills shortages.

Skills for the Vehicles—and Roads—of the Future

In a recent post, I talked about the Destination Zero – Bridge Strikes initiative, and how technology will eventually play a key role in preventing costly, dangerous collisions with low infrastructure. That’s absolutely true. But it also underscored something else: without the right human skills in place—whether that’s drivers being alert and informed or technicians understanding advanced safety systems—technology alone won’t solve the problem.

The future of our industry hinges on more than smart vehicles. It hinges on smart people, trained to manage change, complexity, and innovation.

Collaboration That Delivers Talent

That’s why I’m particularly proud of our growing RHA Skills partner network, which now includes both Remit Training and TRS Training—another excellent provider delivering apprenticeships in Driver, Transport Manager, and Warehouse roles.

Together, these partnerships give us a joined-up approach to workforce development. Employers can now:

· Recruit new drivers or technicians from a screened talent pool

· Access apprenticeships for roles across the business

· Upskill existing teams in areas like hydrogen vehicles, ADAS, and EV maintenance

· Get guidance on government funding, levy optimisation, and course design

It’s a support ecosystem designed to meet the needs of modern transport firms—large or small.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Continued Collaboration

This partnership with Remit isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. RHA Skills will continue to build bridges (and prevent strikes!) by connecting employers with the expertise, tools, and talent they need to thrive.

Our industry’s success relies on a unified approach—one where every contributor is seen, supported, and skilled. Because keeping the UK moving isn’t just about what’s behind the wheel. It’s also about who’s behind the scenes.

Want to know more?

Explore the new RHA Skills x Remit Training offer: https://remit.co.uk/campaigns/rha-skills/

Learn more about TRS Training apprenticeships via RHA Skills: https://rha.uk.net/training-and-compliance/rha-skills