In my experience this 2 year experience stipulation is a smoke screen often used by agencies.
I passed my class C last December and had secured a job within a month by going direct to a company who needed drivers. Went to an interview, an assessment and they offered me a job. One weeks training and I haven’t looked back.
Latest experience since passing my C+E in February is that I approached another company with a fleet of artic tankers, interview and job offer subject to a week training as it’s tramping. Started last week brand new Scania V8 with all the kit for nights out, amazing. No questions about experience, insurance etc just the usual driving licence, DQC, Digital Tachograph card checks and that’s it.
It varies but I had an induction, issued with PPE, uniform, phone, maps etc.
From talking to other drivers it appears that many adverts offering higher rates are bogus, if aged under 30 it can be more difficult as older drivers preferred, agencies operate for the good of them and their clients first, not new drivers generally.
There are jobs for all and good opportunities out there I personally have proven that this is the reality of the situation now, plus I also know of others that have also had a similar experience to myself in finding HGV driving work.
I would not rely on agencies as approaching companies direct has been successful for me and I only contacted four companies in total in order to be successful in getting an HGV 2 and now an HGV 1 jobs. Obviously, it’s always better to find those companies that are looking for drivers and smaller companies should be included in ones search within your local area. Also don’t be too choosy as your aim is to drive HGV for reward but primarily to gain experience and if necessary a stepping stone to that preferred job later on and don’t be deluded by the adverts as they only tell you what they want to get you to apply, reality can often be different.
Finally, I’ve been lucky I wanted to drive artic tankers and I am; at this stage, think I’ve secured a good job. Now in the coming weeks I’m about to find out if I like tramping and tanker work despite the new V8 Scania and decent remuneration but I will be gaining excellent experience the key aim in my first artic C+E job!
Don’t give up, be despondent or expect something to come to you - go out there and get it - make it happen and use your initiative - that’s what employers want - good luck!