BCD Logistics believes it’s vital to encourage the idea that anyone can become an HGV driver and that your suitability to the role isn’t defined by anything other than qualification, level of application and general character.
Some of our drivers have kindly shared their journeys with us to help spread this message, which you can read below:
‘I previously worked over 20 years for the Ministry of Defence in a variety of roles (Medical Assistant for the Recruit Selection Centre, Admin Officer for Armed Forces Drugs Testing Team and the latest a Finance Officer, also serving in the Royal Navy and Territorial Army).
I enjoy driving and riding motorbikes and have been riding motorbikes for over 30 years and was a part time instructor. I have always had an interest in trucks and enjoy going to truck shows. I decided at the age of 50 that I didn’t want to stare at computer screens anymore, so I pursued my dream of becoming a lorry driver.
I contacted Darren at Cannock HGV Training and very quickly started my training, passing my HGV Class 1 in April 2023. Then came the hard part of trying to get a company to take on a new pass. I sent many CVs out with no luck.
Then, I saw a job on Indeed for a Class 1 Container Driver at BCD in Aldridge and quickly applied. Barry invited me for a two-day assessment which I jumped at the chance. It’s very difficult for a new pass to get a job as most companies want at least 2 years’ experience. Luckily, BCD were willing to take on new passes.
I’ve now been employed by BCD for over 6 months and am extremely grateful to Barry and BCD for giving me the opportunity. They have been very supportive and have also invested their time and money in putting me and the other new passes through our ADR training.
I am thoroughly enjoying the job, my only regret is I wish I’d done it sooner.’
– Victoria Darby
‘I had always wanted to get into driving but, when I finally got my class 1 license, nowhere wanted to give me a chance. Luckily, I stumbled across BCD.
Barry and Chris invited me in for an interview and decided to give me that chance. It was so refreshing for somebody to give me a chance being a new pass. Since starting with BCD only 6 months ago, they have already put me through my ADR license.
Prior to working at BCD, I worked in the car sales industry and the thought of being stuck behind a desk for the rest of my life felt so draining. Now, being a driver with BCD I get to travel around the country seeing new things and experiencing new things every day.
I couldn’t be happier in my role now and highly recommend anybody doing the same.’
– Jonathan Seaborne
‘After passing my class 1, not only was I was struggling to find a company that would take on a new pass driver, but also one that would take on a 21-year-old.
After hearing about BCD, I got in touch with Jim and turned up for an interview where I was offered a job. Upon starting, the other drivers and office staff couldn’t have been more helpful in answering any questions I had.
Previous to this job, I had been driving all sorts of different things: from racing around racetracks in cars, to loading tipper trucks with a 40-tonne loading shovel. Getting into the swing of driving a truck has been another challenge and experience to add to my list.
Being on the road everyday not only fulfils my passion for driving but also allows me to go to many different places along the way. I could not be happier with my new role as a class 1 driver and would highly recommend a chat with BCD for anyone looking to do the same.’
– James Austin