Hi everyone,
Can anyone tell me do any of the supermarket distribution centres ever take on newly passed drivers.I live in kent passed my class c + e in april and like most people cant seem to get a start anywhere due to the dreaded 2 years experience rule.I currently drive vans full time and am not prepared to give this up to try agencies (i have been let down by false promises in past).Does anyone agree that the big supermarkets for example could take newbies on and send them out with someone for a few weeks maybe to learn the ropes,build up experience and confidence even at a reduced rate,what happened to the days when companies liked to train drivers there way.Anyway sorry for the rant and any advice or experiences greatly received,like a lot of people in same boat i know what bugs me is i know the south east very well from 20+ years of driving,i am reliable,hardworking but cant even get past this 2 year rule OOPPS THERE HE GOES AGAIN …
cheers i feel better now…
simple answer is no
tesco take you on at 23 but you have to have a years expereience so youve still got a wait…but getting a job at tesco is like waiting for a man to drop and even then somebody with more experience will get the job.
Ruddio, In my opinion you may have to bite the bullet and try to get some agency work on C+E to get a start somewhere. I have only had my C+E since March 2010 after driving Class 2 for agency for 2 and1/2 years. Have been busy on Class 1 constantly with agency since passing in March but was getting a bit bored with same old jobs (Steel, pallets etc)
Another agency in the area just advertised for Class 1 drivers for Stobbarts on Tesco contract out of Goole. Told them I had Class 1 for 7 months but gave them a list of Class 1 jobs I had done since March. Anyway started with them day after interview and It’s great so far. Clean and easy work compared to some of the ■■■■■ I have done during my Class 1 ‘apprenticeship’ in the past. Oh and money is decent for agency work.
So what I’m saying is that maybe you have to take a chance (try agency work) as a way in.
All the best mate
You could try Sainsburys at Allington,nothing to lose by asking them.
When I used to run in there from Elstree,there used to be quite a few agency drivers doing runs,I remember one told me he just used to work Sundays for them,maybe thats the way in,part-time and build up your experience,slowly but surely.
Good luck either way.
Try the CO-OP at thurrock they take on new drivers they trained there own class 2 to class one then sent
them out to have fun with there shops if you can do there shops you can do anywhere 
.
THERE IN OLIVER ROAD THURROCK NEXT TO THE ROYAL MAIL .
hi mate,is that the new multi million pound co op site i keep seeing jobs advertised for in thurrock?if so any idea what they are like to work for,cheers
ruddio:
hi mate,is that the new multi million pound co op site i keep seeing jobs advertised for in thurrock?if so any idea what they are like to work for,cheers
Yes its been there about 4 years .They give you a run between 2 to 8 shops leave you to get on
with it any problems with vehicle ask for defect sheet take to garage to get it fixed .
Try adr netwok agency they need drivers for co-op urgent and i belive they take new drivers as well .
Thank You mate i will call them tomorrow,where abouts are you in kent,im down on coast near folkestone do you think thurrock is do able for work quite a trek but i beleive co op is at least 9.50 an hour,i will let u know how i get on and thanks again…
2 Year licence needed at Co-OP Thurrock now.
What’s it like to work there you ask? Crap
thanks seany,yeah i called them today 2 year rule applies and the same at morrisons,getting a bit poxed off with it now to be honest,im 43 been driving 7.5 tonne vehicles for 15 years ,class c on and off for last 4 years,had class c + e since april all passed first time and i cant get past this bloody 2 year rule nobody prepared to even give you a chance very frustrating,i mean i cant wait to get up at 3ish every morning work every weekend get shouted at all for 350-400 a week, 
love it really,oh well looks like class c job c + e licence in me back pocket for 2 years then walk into a job crazy…
thank you everyone for your advice
Don’t know if its too far for for you but have you tried the bakeries in Dagenham? They do both class 1 and 2 supermarket work there but it’s 4am starts on class 2 with night trucks on class 1.
Hovis
Unit 1, Thames Gateway Park
Choates Road
Dagenham
RM9 6RH
So many of the supermarkets farm out their logistics too specialists like Eddie and Wincanton,you would have to apply to them.
thanks everyone for advice,i will keep trying and i realise im fortunate to have a job at mo even if not ideal,cheers