How to Attract and Retain Skilled HGV Technicians

How to Attract and Retain Skilled HGV Technicians

Skilled HGV technicians are the backbone of any successful transport or fleet operation. Without them,  vehicles sit idle, compliance risks increase, and operational costs rise quickly. In today’s market, attracting and retaining experienced HGV technicians has become one of the biggest challenges facing UK businesses. 

The good news? Employers who understand what technicians valueβ€”and adapt their approachβ€”are far more  successful in building stable, high-performing maintenance teams. 

At Accord Resourcing, we work closely with both HGV technicians and employers. Here’s what truly makes the  difference. 

Why HGV Technician Retention Is More Important Than Ever 

Replacing an experienced HGV technician is costly and time-consuming. Beyond recruitment fees, businesses  face: 

β€’ Increased vehicle downtime 

β€’ Overtime pressure on remaining staff 

β€’ Loss of technical knowledge and consistency 

β€’ Disruption to compliance and maintenance schedules 

Retention isn’t just a people issueβ€”it’s a business-critical priority. 

Competitive and Transparent Pay 

Pay remains one of the strongest drivers in technician decision-making. Skilled HGV technicians know their  value and will move quickly if compensation doesn’t reflect their experience. 

What works: 

β€’ Clear, competitive hourly or salary rates

β€’ Overtime paid fairly and consistently 

β€’ Transparency from day one 

Employers who are upfront about pay build trust earlyβ€”and attract stronger candidates. 

Work-Life Balance and Shift Structure 

Long hours and unpredictable shifts are a common reason technicians leave roles. Businesses that offer  realistic workloads and structured shifts stand out immediately. 

Retention-focused shift strategies include: 

β€’ Predictable rotas 

β€’ Fair weekend and night shift allocation 

β€’ Respect for rest periods 

A sustainable work-life balance leads to higher morale and long-term loyalty. 

Modern Tools, Equipment, and Facilities 

Technicians want to do their job properlyβ€”and that requires the right tools and environment. Employers who invest in: 

β€’ Modern diagnostic equipment 

β€’ Well-maintained workshops 

β€’ Clean, organised facilities 

send a clear message that technicians are valued professionals, not just numbers.

Training, Progression, and Skill Development 

The best technicians don’t stand stillβ€”and they don’t want employers who do. 

Retention improves significantly when businesses offer: 

β€’ Ongoing technical training 

β€’ Support with new vehicle technologies 

β€’ Clear progression routes (Senior Tech, Supervisor, Fleet Manager) 

Investment in development shows commitmentβ€”and keeps your best people engaged. 

Strong Workshop Culture and Respect 

Culture plays a bigger role than many employers realise. Technicians stay where they feel respected, listened  to, and supported. 

Key cultural factors include: 

β€’ Clear communication from management 

β€’ Fair treatment across the team 

β€’ Recognition of experience and effort 

A positive workshop culture reduces turnover and improves performance. 

Recruiting the Right Fit from the Start 

Attraction and retention start with getting the hire right in the first place. Rushed or mismatched placements  often lead to early exits. 

Working with a specialist recruiter ensures: 

β€’ Accurate skill matching

β€’ Clear role expectations 

β€’ Candidates who fit your environment and shift patterns 

This reduces churn and strengthens your workforce long-term. 

How Accord Resourcing Supports Employers 

At Accord Resourcing, we specialise in HGV technician recruitment. We understand what technicians are  looking forβ€”and what employers need to keep fleets running efficiently. 

We help businesses by: 

β€’ Sourcing experienced, job-ready HGV technicians 

β€’ Advising on market conditions and pay expectations 

β€’ Matching candidates to the right roles, not just vacancies 

β€’ Supporting long-term workforce stability 

Build a Stronger HGV Technician Team with Accord Resourcing 

If attracting or retaining skilled HGV technicians is a challenge for your business, now is the time to take a more  strategic approach. 

 Contact us: SP@withaccord.com or EH@withaccord.com 

 Website: www.withaccord.com 

Partner with Accord Resourcing to attract, retain, and build a skilled HGV technician workforce that supports  your business for the long term.

How to Attract and Retain Skilled HGV Technicians

Written by: Helen Khamoian

Marketing Manager