I am a totally new driver or wannabe at least. I gained my class C about a month ago n looking for some work. I’ve joined a local agency n went to see them today. They said as I have absolutely no driver experience even in vans or that its best to go and sit with an experienced driver for a bit as a 2nd man. As its pretty much training they cannot pay me for anything but I am claiming the dole the now.
I think this is a legit path to follow so I can be at ease with how basic things work like the digi tacho and have a good look at what’s expected. I’m hoping it will be a case of training for a bit then they might offer me some kind of probation drive n maybe keep me on?
I am a totally new driver or wannabe at least. I gained my class C about a month ago n looking for some work. I’ve joined a local agency n went to see them today. They said as I have absolutely no driver experience even in vans or that its best to go and sit with an experienced driver for a bit as a 2nd man. As its pretty much training they cannot pay me for anything but I am claiming the dole the now.
I think this is a legit path to follow so I can be at ease with how basic things work like the digi tacho and have a good look at what’s expected. I’m hoping it will be a case of training for a bit then they might offer me some kind of probation drive n maybe keep me on?
Any opinions of this?
Thanks!
David
There are lots of opinions about working for free, and hope you can convince the DWP when you get pulled into a VOSA / Operation Mermaid that claiming whilst working is OK
If the job warrants a second man, they should be paying you.
Went thru all those posts n has cleared things up a little. I don’t intend to work for free but on the other hand I literally know bugger all about the day to day drivers job so gotta jump at the chance to even sit in for a bit. Would imagine it will only be a few days or a week or so and see where it goes from there.
If I’d been driving professionally in any other capacity before I would be a bit more apprehensive about what I’m doing. Anyway early start for me! Gotta be in the city for 05:30 lol
HondaFife:
Thanks for the advice n link Wheel Nut!
Went thru all those posts n has cleared things up a little. I don’t intend to work for free but on the other hand I literally know bugger all about the day to day drivers job so gotta jump at the chance to even sit in for a bit. Would imagine it will only be a few days or a week or so and see where it goes from there.
If I’d been driving professionally in any other capacity before I would be a bit more apprehensive about what I’m doing. Anyway early start for me! Gotta be in the city for 05:30 lol
You won’t learn a ■■■■■■■ thing you’re being had laddie, you’re being used as VERY CHEAP LABOUR, wake up and smell the coffee!
Have to say i agree with 44 tonne ton,there are a lot of very bad agency’s out there and companys that are just taking the ■■■■,if you want experiance try doing 7 1/2 work or go in as a drivers mate but make sure that they pay you the going rate.I have heard about a company that want you in on a weeks trial (unpaid) then at the end of the week they say no thanks and thats to everyone ,just a easy way to get unpaid staff.
Just a wee update. I did go for the unpaid 2nd manning and tbh I did actually get a lot out of it.
Like prev posts said about them taking the ■■■■ I only did one day and just hit the driver with as many questions as possible. It wasn’t a huge day drops wise so we had plenty time for me to mess with everything, From the basics of securing the loads and working the tail lift to other things such as the semi auto gearbox and digi tacho etc… Even had a wee drive myself and gladly I’d still retained everything I was taught on my lessons n test.
Anyway I would def recommend it to an absolute beginner to pick up some knowledge but obviously I wouldn’t do a whole weeks graft.
Good luck for the future.