Thinking of career change to HGV Class1 driver
Discussion
Thanks for the replies, NorfolkInClue I appreciate yours as it does give some balance. I'm in Worcestershire and currently commute 2 hrs a day, sometimes for a poxy 4 hr shift! The plan would be to get my foot in the door and then work my way up to the better jobs/pay by proving myself. I would also consider possibly leasing my own vehicle further down the line and going self employed dependant on how well I do. I can afford to not earn what I earn now initially but believe I have the skills to stand out for the right reasons. I know my job/employer has gone to the dogs over the last 4 years and feel that the haulage industry would be new to me and so I will be less bothered by what it was like and therefore make the best of the opportunity. PS I am not a romantic who thinks it will be like "Convoy" but am a realist. I do however love to be on the road even if I'm not moving.
I'd go for it..
With some persistence you'll get on with a supermarket, you'll be doing around 45 hours a week for more money than you're on at the minute.
Yes there's weekend work which isn't ideal, but pick your shift, nights, early morning etc (latter being my choice) and you miss the traffic. I'm normally on break catching some zeds or heading out of town in rush hour, never a problem.
Again, good luck.
With some persistence you'll get on with a supermarket, you'll be doing around 45 hours a week for more money than you're on at the minute.
Yes there's weekend work which isn't ideal, but pick your shift, nights, early morning etc (latter being my choice) and you miss the traffic. I'm normally on break catching some zeds or heading out of town in rush hour, never a problem.
Again, good luck.
t or bust!Mikebentley said:
Thanks for all your feedback/advice so far. I never thought that I would be in this position after 17 years working in some of England's toughest prisons, 14 of which as a Senior Officer, but I suppose that's just the way it is. I now with two kids under 8 need to consider my options, they have taken away my pension which was worth sticking it out for so If I am to keep ahead I now need a viable new career for the next 15 years. I already work stupid hours eg 07:15 to 21:15 with a 45 minute commute either end or this weeks 7 nights of 12 hours plus the commute so early starts late finishes and nights don't bother me much. Again thanks for the links and advice. Mike
You'd earn more than a lot of hgv drivers claim they earn if you were a postie.5 day week, no early starts somewhere between 6-7 and 5 weeks holiday plus with your Senior officer rank they might fast track you into management.
Bit of a thread resurrection here, but I was wondering how the OP got on with this? Did he go for it, or find greener pastures elsewhere?
I only ask because I find myself in a similar position. Need a new career and don't hold qualifications in anything to go into yet. Class 1 seems to be the way forward as I can and enjoy driving. But after reading the earlier instalments of this thread, I'm having second thoughts
It made for quite grim reading.
I only ask because I find myself in a similar position. Need a new career and don't hold qualifications in anything to go into yet. Class 1 seems to be the way forward as I can and enjoy driving. But after reading the earlier instalments of this thread, I'm having second thoughts
It made for quite grim reading. chilistrucker said:
Maybe consider doing an articulated dumper truck licence.
Mate who was a lorry driver is doing it, wage appears to be £15-£20 per hour and plenty of work, at the mo. Just a thought.
Where do you get this licence, I reckon there will be a lot of demand for this in my local area, very soon?Mate who was a lorry driver is doing it, wage appears to be £15-£20 per hour and plenty of work, at the mo. Just a thought.
thepeoplespal said:
Where do you get this licence, I reckon there will be a lot of demand for this in my local area, very soon?
He just googled articulated dump truck licences I believe and went from there. He starts his week long course tomorrow, I'll get an update at the end of the week from him and let you know if you want?thepeoplespal said:
chilistrucker said:
Maybe consider doing an articulated dumper truck licence.
Mate who was a lorry driver is doing it, wage appears to be £15-£20 per hour and plenty of work, at the mo. Just a thought.
Where do you get this licence, I reckon there will be a lot of demand for this in my local area, very soon?Mate who was a lorry driver is doing it, wage appears to be £15-£20 per hour and plenty of work, at the mo. Just a thought.
All that jazz said:
thepeoplespal said:
chilistrucker said:
Maybe consider doing an articulated dumper truck licence.
Mate who was a lorry driver is doing it, wage appears to be £15-£20 per hour and plenty of work, at the mo. Just a thought.
Where do you get this licence, I reckon there will be a lot of demand for this in my local area, very soon?Mate who was a lorry driver is doing it, wage appears to be £15-£20 per hour and plenty of work, at the mo. Just a thought.
As at a guess HS2 is going to need quite a few of these boyos filling up.
GC8 said:
I would also advise someone not to spend a week training, pass their test, all in a puddle jumper and then try to drive a 32 tonne monster on the road.
Thats what my eldest step brother did... Passed the test in a piddly lightweight Ford cargo artic then went straight onto a fully loaded Atkinson Borderer with a multi range gearbox..... I think the first few trips were an eye opener....Gassing Station | Commercial Break | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff