First post here, I’ve been lurking for a bit and learned a lot in these pages already, thanks!
Little bit of background … I’m 45, married, two kids and a dog. Currently self-employed doing various IT related things, but work is getting harder and harder to get and my skills are rapidly becoming outdated. I can still get some work but the writing is on the wall, and in any case I’ve had enough of it. I hate being stuck in one office, Ive done parcels before and enjoyed it although I didnt do it for long (company went bust) and it was a long time ago so i dont suppose it really conts as useful experience. LGV is the logical next step and its something I’ve always fancied doing. I’ve got enough cash to get my licences, and I can keep doing IT work part time while I (hopefully) pick up driving work. I’ve got a mortgage and a wife who works part-time so I need to bring in money. We live near Edinburgh.
I’ve narrowed it down to a couple of training outfits, both are recommended on here so I will check them out and see which one fits me. I’m thinking I will do the C then hopefully get a bit of experience and then do the C+E after a couple of months. I’ve got the money there to do it all in one hit but I think it might be easier to get a bit of experience. I don’t expect to get much (if any) artic work initially, but if I don’t have the licence I definitely won’t, and you never know what can happen. Is this sensible, or would I be better to get all the licences in one go so I hit the 2 year mark earlier?
Is it worth doing additional things to make me more employable initially? I’m thinking specifically of HIAB and forklift, assuming that I’m more likely to pick up class 2 work at first. Is this worth the investment? Should I consider other things instead / as well? Grangemouth refinery is just along the road, so would it be worth doing the relevant training for tankers?
The IT work I do is quite specialised so it pays well when I can get work, there just isn’t enough work. I’d quite like to keep my hand in so I think I’d be happy if I could get regular agency work rather than ultimately looking for a permanent job. Is that realistic, or is there not that much agency stuff around?
Lots of questions… if anyone has managed to read this far without nodding off I’d appreciate any feedback or advice. Cheers.
I used to be a self employed IT consultant and fully understand where you are coming from with reference to outdated skills and work getting harder to find.
I did my Class 2 a couple of years ago and Class 1 a year ago. It’s the best feeling ever (well almost ) to be behind the wheel of a fully freighted Artic.
For me;
1: If you have the money for all the tests do it in one hit.
2. HIAB and all that can come later (unless you got some spare dosh & time). Getting driving experience (HGV) would be a bigger advantage.
3. See what haulage companies are in your area and have a chat.
4. Work out what is the average pay for hgv drivers within your area as it can vary from place to place.
5. If you intend to stay selfemployed and you find work through an agency - make sure the agency pays you directly and NOT through a third party.
The cost of training for everything, as you stated, can be very expensive. When you consider tests, training, and all the extras, could set you back between £2.5k & £3K. Paywise can be a £7 - £9ph (±). A nightshift shelf stacker in Morrisons get’s £8.10!
If you feel the investment is worth it - then go for it.
I’ve got a 7 year break between my licences to break (Class 2 to 1) and its going to be a lot harder to break than a newbie to learn straight off. I have some bad habits to unlearn.
These were similar words to what Pete (A trainer on this very forum) described in my assessment this week.
Only thing you’ll notice a lot of drivers (no offence to Macci here) harp on about shelf stackers earning more than a driver. Absolute zb.
They have a lot less contracted hours usually only between 30 - 37.5 hours in a week or even worse annualized and get to work within the same four walls everyday…hang on does this sound familiar its just like a warehouse/office! Trust me done this when I was a teenager into my twenties wouldn’t want to do it in my later life unless i absolutely had to! Glad i only done 6 years to make me appreciate other jobs aren’t that bad.
Like you im classed as a “professional” in construction and it too is changing beyond your wildest imagination and its not something i want to keep up with.
I only other know labouring, shop work, insurance and pall bearing/undertaking…so erm no im not going back to this all ever again im very sure!!!
Last thing I’ve ever known is part time agency and permanent driving. I find it very well paid for what you do and similar if not better to what im on now as a “professional” and a lot more relaxing than what im currently doing.
I know a lot of drivers will disagree with me and say im talking zb or trolling. But hey it works for me and quite a few others on here and my father too.
I can’t say it’ll work for you but you’ll never know if you dont give it a try. As long as you have the cash spare and nothing urgent its not a bad bet either in the grand scheme of things.
I think quite a few on here will confirm if you’re prepared to work hard for the right people/companies you will be rewarded well in this game.
Macci Thanks, sounds like getting the C+E straight off is sensible, arctics is what I want to do so might as well start as I mean to go on! Good advice too about seeing what companies want before doing HIAB etc, I’ll do some research into what will make me most attractive to the agencies and employers. Good tip about being paid direct, I know all about umbrella companies etc from IT, best avoided usually. Driving is definitely underpaid but I couldn’t care less what a shelf stacker earns, I don’t want to be one - I wanna be a trucker! Thanks for the advice
Just a note - you don’t need to have a medical from your doctor. You can shop around for prices should your doc want a large wad of dosh. Medical prices can vary from £40 - £100. (±)
just so that you are aware, if you pass your category C and then drive rigids for a year or two, then pass your C+E, you will be starting again with ZERO experience regarding the C+E
your category C experience counts for nothing on your C+E
macci:
Just a note - you don’t need to have a medical from your doctor. You can shop around for prices should your doc want a large wad of dosh. Medical prices can vary from £40 - £100. (±)
Good luck.
Just checked online, £90 from my local GP, £60 through the training place
shuttlespanker:
just so that you are aware, if you pass your category C and then drive rigids for a year or two, then pass your C+E, you will be starting again with ZERO experience regarding the C+E
your category C experience counts for nothing on your C+E
Beginning to wonder how anyone ever gets experience … another good reason to get the C+E licence straight off.
) to be behind the wheel of a fully freighted Artic.
in construction and it too is changing beyond your wildest imagination and its not something i want to keep up with.
