A WORCESTER lorry driver has revealed how an apprenticeship helped turn his life around
George Davies, 40, left school at 16 without any qualifications, starting work immediately as an MoT Tester’s assistant at a local garage.
With a clear passion to work in the automotive industry, George quickly progressed to a managerial position.
After experiencing some personal issues, his career took an unexpected route – a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driver apprenticeship has now helped him rebuild his life. George was introduced to employability and skills specialist Seetec Outsource.
“They have been absolutely fantastic, they genuinely seemed to care,” he said.
Having suffered with anxiety, George’s first step back on the road with Seetec was to attend a ‘Dealing with anxiety’ course.
“Then Seetec helped me to put my CV together and discussed what job I wanted to do.”
Seetec Outsource identified the opportunity to apply for a LGV driver apprenticeship with construction materials group Breedon.
“I wanted to finally get some qualifications. I believe the apprenticeship will give me a career with prospects,” George said.
As it was George’s first job interview in 15 years, Seetec Outsource helped George with an interview preparation workshop. The interview day at Leicester Tigers rugby ground was still a shock, but
George is delighted with the support he has received from Breedon.
“I started straight away. I went to Nottingham for a day and was given my high-vis, a laptop and phone and was assigned to Tewkesbury Concrete Plant.
“Breedon are a brilliant company, they’ve all been welcoming and helpful and understanding about supporting my career.””
At first, George was unable to drive Breedon’s vehicles on the road and instead he worked on site, driving a 20-tonne loading shovel. He also took the opportunity to complete his apprenticeship modules ahead of schedule.
“If you sit down and do the preparation, it’s enjoyable, you get a buzz when you’ve completed them and you get positive feedback,” he said.
George has now passed his theory and practical driving test and Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) test, making him a fully-qualified driver. He has also achieved Maths and English qualifications.
“All I have to do now is complete my ‘end point assessment’ which is due to be booked in the next month,” George said. “I would like to pay back Breedon’s loyalty to me for giving me this opportunity and I would be quite happy to stay until I retire.”
“If people say apprenticeships are for school leavers, I tell them I just wanted prospects. I hadn’t got any qualifications, I just had life experience. I wish I had been like this at 18 and had the dedication and commitment.”
Stewart Hook, Group Learning and Development Manager for Breedon, said: “We’re all really proud of the progress George has made on the apprenticeship programme over the past 12 months.
“He has worked really hard to ensure he would achieve his LGV Licence, and attaining the Maths and English Functional Skills. I have every confidence George will pass his end point assessment and continue to be a valued member of the Breedon family.”
National Apprenticeship Week runs until Sunday (February 12). It aims to raise awareness of the many benefits apprenticeships can offer you.
Visit nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/national-apprenticeship-week for more.
