Contact Peter Smythe Transport Training. You really can’t go wrong.
The whole setup is very very professional but relaxed and the training area at his premises are a godsend for reversing practice.
I’m from Cambridge and was struggling to find a really good training provider locally so after looking further afield for a training provider the one I kept going back to was peters. I really couldn’t find a single bad review and after talking to them on several occasions I booked up. I passed my C & C+E first time.
As for jobs, there are plenty of them about. Yes, lots ask for 2 + years experience but there are a lot that don’t. I start my new job (which is my first HGV job) at the beginning of September and the salary is 33k for an average 40hr week. Yes I can do more hrs and yes there may be some nights out. But it just goes to show there are good jobs out there for new drivers.
Once you’ve passed, get your CV done some boots and a high vis and go see some TM’s I think you’ll be surprised.
Lastly… Good Luck