Afternoon all,
I’ve been keeping an eye on this for about a year or so as I would quite like a move into the industry at some point. On and off I’ve weighed up options on doing my own lessons and finding my own job or doing a driving apprenticeship with Aldi.
I’ve done some digging and can’t find many driving apprenticeships and found that only really Aldi offer them! Does any in the north east England know of any other companies that offer something similar
I worked for Aldi for a while, long hours, rush rush, telematics etc
The apprentices didn’t seem bothered, but they didn’t know any better. Few walked and paid their way out (yes, you have to) couple were very happy with the place and the job
It’s a real marmite job. It was too far for me to go to work, I liked the 4/4, I wouldn’t go back though, it wasn’t for me.
Not 100%, but I think Port Of Tyne may do something along those lines.
Cheers boys.
I’d be coming over from the busses but what really puts me off is the whole agency work? I’d like to be in full time, how likely is that or again is it down to experience and just gaining experience through agency work
Thanks in advance
Grayzy:
Cheers boys.I’d be coming over from the busses but what really puts me off is the whole agency work? I’d like to be in full time, how likely is that or again is it down to experience and just gaining experience through agency work
Thanks in advance
Stobart, Keedwell, Downtowns etc. all giving new drivers a go.
Not the best payers but you will get lots of expierience. Just kerp your head down, play by the law and you will be fine. If their planers tell you to do something illegal tell them that’s not on and carry on legally.
Better than agency work. Anyway if you got enough knowlegde of the job or know what you fancy (i.e general haulage, containers, fridges, flatbeds etc.) start job hunting and look for a better payed job.
There’s enough topics on here how to find work as a newbie. Just use the search function.
The op has yet to gain his license stobies, keedwell and downtons are mostly class one.
Agencies are not all bad. After I got my c2, I was kept constantly busy. I wouldn’t recommend chucking in a full time job and rolling the dice on agency (even though I’ve done it myself on a few occasions)
A lot of it depends on where you live, in Leicestershire it’s easy, a phone call and I’m working tomorrow. But I appreciate that not all areas are like that.
My advice to you would be to make a few speculative phone calls. But ring a few, agencies are full of lies, they will promise you the world until it comes to it. Make sure that you use your bs detector when speaking with them.
My last tip would be to get the licenses for yourself. That way there is no fee to pay if you want to move on to something better. Yes, there are some places that will put you through, but you end up with a 2000 bill if you want to leave and find something better, which you will do trust me! They will give you the crap jobs that the other drivers don’t want.
Driver hire for one will put you through and you work for them on agency for a period. There are a few places that will put you through, but there will always be strings attached. And if you are a bus driver, class two should be a piece of cake. Do an assessment and you may be surprised that it may not cost as much as you’re expecting
The greatest joy of being a driver is doing different things. I’m lucky where I live there is lots of work. So I swap and change the sort of work I do to keep it interesting. I also chase the money when it’s available. I’d hate to be locked in for two years. Peter Smythe is doing it all in for £2500 including pass protection - which I think is a bargain.
That being said - if you don’t have the 2/3 grand to do your class 1 then I can see the appeal. If you do then do it yourself and you will certainly earn more being a swapper and jumping from place to place. At the moment around here companies are desperate to get drivers on seats. Rates are going up - and assessments are not even being done. Even at blue chips.
Also - I fancy giving Aldi/Lidl a go. Looks like a challenge getting an artic into some of their stores. But I’d like to do it via agency as then if I hate it I am free to not go back. I’m also free to go to the company down the road if they pay £1/hour more.
This sounds awful… But company men are often not treated as well as agency drivers. They know we can pick and choose. If we are not happy they don’t have that driver tomorrow - the company man can’t walk like us so they don’t need to be so considerate. I personally have said if I’m given a certain unit I won’t be going back. I’ve also said I won’t do certain routes or start times - the reality is that company men can’t be so demanding. Think about how you will feel when someone who isn’t as good at the job is getting paid more, and is able to dictate and you can’t leave. (Opens can of worms - but wants to be honest).
Not a lot of apprenticeships up here afraid to say
Don’t totally knock the agency I have used a few at times when needed to was kept too busy to look for work at times learnt a lot done a variety of work through them I now work for a small company doing fridge work which I don’t mind
If I was you I would pay do do it yourself then it is up to you & you don’t owe anyone
Depends where in the north east you are mind