Apprentice LGV driver Review

My job role is to learn to become a Heavy goods driver for ALDI. Not only learning the driving aspect of the job, but also learning how the company operates and the other associated daily tasks which are involved in the job role. i.e. , learning how to load, and offload a trailer from depot to store.

Learnt plenty of new skills. Recently passed my LGV theory tests so I now have a good understanding on how the vehicles need to be prepared, checked and maintained for safety. Also spent many days in the loading department to help understand how to safely load the trailers. Overall an improvement in my general knowledge of the industry.

Yes, feel like this first 6 months I have been heavily involved in doing everything involved in the daily tasks of a LGV driver, except for the actual driving. At first I thought it could be potentially slow having to watch someone do all the work until I was qualified, but it’s been quite the opposite, and ALDI have had me do most of the work under the shadow of a mentor which has been good.

It's been structured well. I have a designated section leader, deputy manager and mentor at ALDI, and an Apprentice co-Coordinator at Viamaster training centre to help with my progress. I am involved in the Rota at work so I have a clear understanding to what is required on each day and what I need to meet as a requirement for the apprenticeship from the National logistics academy.

I have plenty of support in place like the last question, I have a designated section leader, deputy manager and mentor at ALDI, and an Apprentice co-Coordinator at Viamaster training centre to help with my progress. To add to this it’s a good team environment where on a daily basis, I’ll be asking other questions to colleagues in the loading department to colleagues in the store to resolve or help understand any issues.

I have a designated apprentice coordinator Lizzi greaves at Viamaster training centre. She is very good, as she will check in with me quite often but also set a monthly meeting up as well as a quarterly meeting with my deputy manager. All to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Like with any apprenticeship, it is always good, rather than taking a crash course to pass a subject. It is more hands on and learning at a steady pace which results in learning more aspects of the role. Actually shadowing the drivers at store and watching how to maneuver the vehicles safely in small, busy areas is invaluable rather than just learning to maneuver in an empty carpark.

Yes, I have been invited to a golf charity day in July. Meet other people from the company. Also part of the apprenticeship, is that I have been taken out of my current role and put in other departments for a taster of how the company works. e.g. I have had work placements in the vehicle garage, to see how the mechanics look after the fleet. Also had a week working in Wath store, to see what it is like on the front line.

Yes

I have already recommended the company and job to a friend who had been asking how I was getting on from my last job. It's been an easy transition into a complete new industry for myself. I was quite reluctant at first, moving from the gas industry but reflecting back it was a good choice. Like previously said plenty of support in place and a good company to work for.

If you're interested in becoming an LGV apprentice driver then to go for it. Be yourself in the group assessment day and interviews. Some basic Math’s and English questions to be completed for the assessment day, but nothing major to worry about. Also don’t be put off if applying with no experience, as I came into the job from a completely different industry.