THE shortage of tanker drivers has contributed to scenes of panic and chaos at petrol stations.
But switching career lanes to become an HGV driver need not be a long haul.
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If you are keen to do your bit and keep Britain trucking, here are six routes in.
APPRENTICESHIPS: No experience but want to train?
Many of the country’s largest haulage/logistics firms offer LGV (Large Goods Vehicle, the same as an HGV) apprenticeships.
On the 13-month course you will learn all aspects of professional driving, gaining Category-C and C+E licenses.
You need at least level-one Maths and English, equivalent to grade D/3 at GCSE.
SP Training’s Robin Brown said: “An LGV driver apprenticeship can offer a brilliant career route with a quality salary. You’ll also be helping to combat the driver shortage.”
Email [email protected] or see sptraininguk.com.
VETERANS INTO LOGISTICS: Ex-military personnel are much sought-after as drivers.
This non-profit outfit run by Manchester former soldier Darren Wright specialises in providing training for ex-Forces men and women (veteransintologistics.org.uk).
WASTE & REFUSE: Driving for your local bin or recycling team means regular hours and no overnight stays. You will also be helping your local community.
Biffa has 200 roles for waste and refuse drivers. HR chief Jane Pateman said: “The role comes with a great level of flexibility, enabling you to spend quality time with your family. We offer good rates of pay and great benefits as well as full training and opportunities to progress.”
Apply at biffa.co.uk/careers or text LGV2 to 88802.
Veolia has 180 jobs. See veolia.co.uk/careers or text DRIVE4US to 60060.
TANKERS: Specialist tanker drivers are experienced truckers who transport fuel and dangerous goods.
Pay can top £60,000 a year and Hoyer currently has 22 vacancies.
See jobs.hoyer.uk.com/vacancies.
FLY HIGH: HGV drivers are needed to transport cargo at airports.
Matt Agar of cargo firm Dnata says: “We give drivers fixed hours and a stable roster, allowing you to better balance time at home and work.”
Email your CV to [email protected].
LOGISTICS: This is the most common route into the industry.
You will transport goods ranging from food to furniture to industrial parts around the nation and overseas.
Wincanton has 600-plus jobs and boss James Wroath said: “Whether you have an HGV driver’s licence or not, we have the right training in place to help you succeed as a professional driver.”
Apply at wincanton.co.uk/careers.
KEEP ON TRUCKING
BIFFA HGV driver Abbie Harmes wants to encourage more women to apply as waste and recycling drivers.
Abbie, 44, from Newton Abbot, Devon, said: “Seeing the open road every morning is the perfect start to the day. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I drive all Biffa vehicles and do the loading as well. There are so many benefits to the job – not being stuck behind a desk, for one.
“It gives you a real sense of satisfaction after a day’s work. It can be a proper physical workout and saves me going to the gym.
“The role fills me with huge pride. We are trying to change the way people think about waste and it’s rewarding to be playing my part.
“The work-life balance is good, too. I get to spend time with my family every night and never work in the evenings.
“I know that it’s a male- dominated industry, but now is definitely the time to change and give it a go.
“You will see straight away you are more capable than you think.”
NOW HIRING
BELL GROUP, the nation’s largest commercial painting and decorating company, has 300 vacancies nationwide. Find out more at bellgroup.co.uk/join-us.
BACKLINE LOGISTICS wants 50 class-one and class-two drivers for the south of England. Call 03333 201 221 for details.
GXO LOGISTICS has 615 driver vacancies nationwide, servicing clients including Waitrose.
Driver Gary West said: “We have great pay and benefits, as well as some excellent on-site facilities.
“It can be fast-paced but it is an enjoyable place to work.” Interested? Email [email protected] or text GXO DRIVERS to 60060.
Hungry for a change of career? CREED FOODSERVICE has six jobs for class-two drivers and van drivers – apply at [email protected].
BARNES LOGISTICS needs 20 class-one HGV drivers (CE).
For more details, and to apply, email careers@barnes logistics.com.
THE SIX ESSENTIAL SKILLS TO WORK ON
READY for life behind the wheel? Here are the six skills you need to succeed as a trucker, according to specialist recruitment agency seven-resourcing.com.
RELIABILITY: You’ll be in charge of transporting highly valuable loads so responsibility.
Honesty and integrity are crucial.
You’ll need to have an excellent eye for safety and the ability to always go for best practice in everything you do.
ORGANISATION: Loading and unloading, planning your best route, supervising projects, ensuring all paperwork is correct and good timekeeping is all down to you.
DRIVING DISCIPLINE: A clean driving record and good knowledge of road safety will stand you in good stead.
MECHANICAL KNOWLEDGE: Drivers will often be required to carry out routine maintenance, so a mechanical or engineering skill set will be necessary to keep your truck in working order.
STRESS MANAGEMENT: Long journeys can be physically exhausting as well as stressful if you’re working against the clock.
The best HGV drivers have excellent stamina plus the ability to work alone and concentrate for long hours under pressure without giving in to stress.
BE A PEOPLE PERSON: Great HGV drivers have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
This is necestrsary both for working with your team to ensure projects run smoothly as well as for interacting with customers.
Fuel and HGV crisis could last up until Christmas but situation is ‘starting to improve’, says Boris Johnson
