Apprenticeship Week 2023 - Driving Academy apprenticeships
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’re featuring colleagues who have completed their apprenticeships through our Evri Driving Academy.
Celebrating success
During 2022, the Evri Driving Academy has trained 115 colleagues to achieve their Cat C and/or Cat C+E licences to further their career with the business, many of whom have achieved this through the apprenticeship programme route.
80% of those who went through who completed training were promoted into a driver role in 2022.
“The Evri Driving Academy is something we are extremely proud of, not only because of the business benefits it gives to us through mitigating the driver shortage across the industry, but also because of the great career development opportunities it gives to our colleagues, which is something I am really grateful and honoured to be a part of in Evri because it really can change people’s lives for the better.”
Gary Byrne, Head of Transport Development
We caught up with two of those colleagues, Hayley and Austin, to hear more about what made them join the Academy, how they found the training and how life has been since they achieved their licence.
First up, we meet Hayley Stocks
“Since becoming an LGV driver my life has changed dramatically, and I haven’t looked back.”
Hi Hayley, tell us a little about yourself…
Hi! My name is Hayley Stocks and I’m an LGV driver (C & C+E) for Evri at Nottingham depot.
When did you join Evri, what role did you start with and what other roles have you held at Evri before you joined the apprenticeship programme?
I joined Evri back in November 2020, mid-pandemic! I joined the company as a qualified Class 2/C LGV driver on days. This was my first job as an LGV driver, and I had little experience.
What made you want to apply for the Evri LGV Driving Academy programme?
What gave me the motivation was seeing my work colleagues and friends drive Class 1 (C+E) vehicles at work and I wanted to give it a try. I like to push myself to take on new challenges and become the best I can be as an LGV driver, so applying for my Class 1 licence was a step in the right direction for myself and my career.
Were you supported by your line manager in your application? Did you have anyone who encouraged you to progress your career at Evri?
As much as I wanted to test myself and learn new things, if it was not for the support of three of my colleagues, I’m not sure I’d have given the apprenticeship course a go. Unfortunately, I didn’t pass my test the first time, but the support and encouragement to go for a re-test was overwhelming. (I’m stubborn so had a sulk and wasn’t going to try again!)
So, tell us a little about the Driving Academy apprenticeship programme…
I started my C+E training April 2022 and the training course lasted for five days (Monday - Friday). Even though I was very nervous, I really enjoyed my time on the course. My instructor, Gary Coates, was knowledgeable and made me feel at ease when I was having a nervous meltdown! The business also paid for my accommodation so I could stay near the training centre and give the course my full attention. The main challenge I faced was learning to drive a new vehicle in a location I’ve never been before. For some people this is not an issue, but for me driving in new surroundings can be daunting, especially in a large vehicle.
What kind of training and support did you get from the Driving Academy team during the programme?
The Driving Academy team were brilliant! Very welcoming and chatty (I couldn’t get a word in edgeways). They made me feel at ease from day one. When I first arrived, they were very informative about the course and what to expect during the five days I was there. No question was left unanswered. I received extensive information from my instructor practically, verbally and written, and this made sure all aspects of the course were covered and gave me things I could revise once in the hotel room. As I mentioned earlier, I unfortunately didn’t pass my test the first time, and it was not a great experience for me. I left feeling deflated and negative, but the support I got afterwards from the Driving Academy Team, especially Paul Furniss, was brilliant. They helped me change my attitude and give the test another try.
You’re all qualified now! What’s a typical day like for you as a driver for Evri?
Once passing my test my Depot Manager gave me the chance to spend some time with another C+E driver to learn the ropes. Unfortunately there isn’t much C+E work at our depot, so I tend to do my previous job as a Class 2/C driver most days, but passing my Class 1/C+E enables me to cover holiday/sick days for Class 1 drivers and shunters on the yard.
How has life changed for you since you qualified?
Since becoming an LGV driver my life has changed dramatically! I was a senior dental nurse/radiographer for 10 years before I decided to take the leap to change careers in 2020, and I haven’t looked back since! Being an LGV driver gives you more freedom and life choices than my previous job – you can choose the hours, shifts and type of work you prefer.
Since I’ve passed my Class1/C+E with the Driving Academy it has opened more doors for my career, given me more responsibility within my place of work and the knowledge I will most likely never be out of a job.
And finally… What advice would you give other Evri colleagues who might be thinking about applying for the EVRi LGV Driving Academy programme?
My advice would be, WHY NOT? You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain! I feel privileged to have been given the chance to progress my career and change my life for the better. And to top it off, the training course and re-test were paid for by Evri at no expense to myself. If it was not for the apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have been able or confident enough to do the course off my own back.
Next, we chatted to Austin
“My advice to anyone thinking about it? Go for it! The benefits are great, the money is good, the job is great and there is a real work-life balance.”
Hi Austin, tell us a little about yourself…
Hi! I’m currently a Class 2 driver for Evri.
When did you join Evri, what role did you start with, and what other roles have you held at Evri before you joined the apprenticeship programme?
I joined Evri in August 2020. I began as a warehouse operative, working my way onto ParcelShop, then successfully gained a place as a Class 2 apprentice.
What made you want to apply for the Evri LGV Driving Academy programme?
I love driving, so taking the opportunity to be a driver at Evri was what I wanted to do.
Were you supported by your line manager in your application? Did you have anyone who encouraged you to progress your career at Evri?
Before I applied and during the application process, I was supported by my Process Lead and also my Transport Manager.
So, tell us a little about the Driving Academy Apprenticeship programme…
I enrolled on 16 March 2021. I studied for my English and Maths alongside my theory, which I took and passed! Then I went to take my practical test. The entire process took 12 months to complete.
What kind of training and support did you get from the Driving Academy team during the programme?
I had loads of support from the Driving Academy team. My instructor, Mark Lofthouse, was able to help me with any questions or issues I had. We also had regular progress sessions to check in and see how I was getting along.
You’re all qualified now! What’s a typical day like for you as a driver for Evri?
My typical day starts at 6am. I’ll then get in my vehicle and do my checks. I load up and get out doing my tasks for the day. Daily tasks range from depot deliveries, stock collecting, Solus and clear-outs. My day usually ends with a nice 2:30pm finish.
How has life changed for you since you qualified?
Being a Class 2 driver has massively improved my quality of life, in so many ways. I’m able to finish at a good time, I have less stress due to a more predictable workload and I feel fulfilled with having, what to me, feels like a proper career.
And finally… What advice would you give other Evri colleagues who might be thinking about applying for the Evri LGV Driving Academy programme?
My advice to anyone thinking about it? Go for it! The benefits are great, the money is good, the job is great and there is a real work-life balance.
Want to learn more about the Driving Academy?
You can apply for the Evri Driving Academy through myJourney, our online learning platform.