The Sun, Thursday 15th December 2011
Got drive? Train to be a trucker. There are more than 30,000 needed.
The transport and logistics industry already employ 2.3million in the UK but there is expansion in the sector as more and more goods go on the road. Acquiring an HGV license can cost £2,000 but busy drivers can often pay it back in a few weeks. Some firms offer apprenticeships but you need to be already employed in transport and logistics to qualify for one. Lighter work is available in the field too.
Lorraine Thompson became British Francise Association HSBC Franchisee Of The Year regional winner running busy Driver Hire in Oxford. She told Sun Employment: “Entry qualifications are generally more about aptitude than exams. Delivery drivers are ambassadors for the company they work for, so customer service skills can be handy. Driving a goods vehicle is a responsible job, so you also need to be honest, reliable and trustworthy.
LGV drivers play an essential part in UK industry. Whether it's a pot of yoghurt, a pair of trainers or a crate of nuts and bolts, chance are at some time it will have been transported by lorry.
“Without truck drivers the UK economy would grind to a halt.”
Many drivers start in temporary jobs through agencies but often get taken on by firms permenantly.
Industry training body Skills For Logistics also suggest contacting local transport operators to see if they have any jobs that might lead towards an LGV license acquisition.
Learn more at rha.net, easyashgv.co.uk, topgearrecruitment.co.uk, driverhire.co.uk, jobseekers.direct.gov.uk
I'M MY OWN BOSS
Austin Curtin swapped building work for life as an HGV driver in January. The 29-year-old from West Byfleet, Surrey, now makes £450 a week and is planning to train as a fuel truck driver on £50,000 a year.
Austin said, “I wanted a change from building sites so I went for an interview with a haulage firm which a recruitment agency had put me in touch with. I got the job and started work the next day. Now I earn £450 a week doing what I enjoy, driving.
The license paid for itself after only three weeks of getting a job. I have never looked back and love telling people that I'm a trucker.
I love the fact that, as soon as you pick up a lorry, you're your own boss. Nobody is looking over your shoulder and you really are in charge of how you do things.
You definitely need to be easygoing as the traffic you come across can be a little annoying at times. And, as in every driving job, you need to be calm and level-headed, especially when manoeuvring the lorry in tight spaces.
From applying for the training scheme with Easy As HGV to getting my license and starting work took less than six weeks.”
MAKE LIGHT WORK OF HGVs
Jobcentre Plus adviser Lauren Kilbey suggests:
1. Research training if you want to get into the sector
2. Be proactive – search for jobs online, talk to HGV firms or specialist HGV recruitment agencies
3. Be flexible to boost your chances of getting work as there are lots of types of HGV driving
4. Look to the future – develop your career
At Easy As HGV we pride ourselves on the quality, speed and efficiency of our HGV Training programs. Ensuring that everyone is proud to be involved with the training and recruitment we provide.
0800 970 8447
