LGV Driver Apprentice Review

My current role is and has been for the last year is to be a multi-drop delivery service for AO. To deliver door to door with white goods and electronic appliances, including completing paid for services such as installation of washing machines, dishwashers, Fridge-freezers, and so on. We would also disconnect and remove old appliances for the customer as transport it all back to the depot at the end of the day. This all includes a daily vehicle check and also daily vehicle debriefs at the end of the day.

I have learnt many new skills that i would not have thought i would have learnt before starting the apprenticeship. These skills include learning how to install washing machines and dishwashers and water fed fridge freezers, as i had no idea how to do so before this apprenticeship started. I have also learnt how to drive a 3.5t, 7.5t, 18t and even 44t vehicle as this apprenticeship has allowed me to gain my licences to drive professional vehicles

It has had its ups and downs throughout the apprenticeship. Such as the training provider falling into administration during the apprenticeships, meaning that was a period of uncertainty as to what was going to happen next and everything being put on hold until they knew what was going to happen. Overall, its not been too bad, it been brilliant learning new skills and experiencing new job responsibilities but some things have not been plain sailing and have required some pushing and a long waiting game.

The original plan that was sent to myself prior to starting the apprenticeship was shown to be well organised and I could understand what stage I should be at during the whole course of the apprenticeship. However it did not fall into place, things took much longer than planned. Booking theories and responses from System Group were always slow and inconsistent. Communication was not really there between System Group and AO and our depot. Things were booked on my days off and my holidays without confirmation to myself or my depot manager, therefore I was left receiving phone calls and emails on my days off or while on holiday with me being expected to attend things i was unaware of. The apprenticeship was extended twice due to the lengths of waiting time for things to be booked.

My employer has been pretty good with supporting me. They have provided us the time away from working to have time to practice and learn for the theory, practical and to complete the 20% off the job training required to complete the apprenticeship. They have been there to support me throughout

Ive not had much support from them, only hear from them when we were scheduled for the teams meetings for the learning sessions. When i asked for help they weren't very helpful with easing my mind or giving me any information. Our skills coach was brilliant. We could talk to him whenever if we needed any help, and when he couldnt get in touch straight away, you would always hear from him later on that day after he was busy.

It definitely has made me perform better than previously in my role as i now understand the role better and understand what is expected from me. I have learnt a lot from the monthly sessions from the training provider as they were very informative. It was just between the monthly sessions, you dont hear anything from the training provider.

No there are no activities to get involved in at work. We have no sports team or social activities. Our work doesn’t even organise a Christmas meal for the depot, AO do a Christmas get together in Bolton but its almost impossible to get to it. I would like to see a sports team

Yes

It is a brilliant company to work for overall, they have a colleague discount scheme for the company and they do offer a very decent wage in comparison to other jobs around. You do have to work hard but it is worth it. I have been able to afford a mortgage due to this job

I would suggest that if you are applying for the apprenticeship scheme then just make sure you are aware that it might be a longer commitment than suggested on the job offer. That you are fully aware of what it requires and that you can commit to it, it is definitely worth it in the long run