LGV Driver: Heidi Rushmer

What does your job involve in a typical day?

The day starts with me planning my route, taking into account traffic news. I drive to Lutterworth, load the truck with the palletised goods, including groceries on a refrigerated trailer, and deliver them to the Lidl supermarkets, including the Kings Lynn, Spalding and Norwich stores. The delivery will be made to a different store each time. Machinery is used to help load and unload the pallets of goods on and off the trailer. Once the goods have been unloaded I complete the necessary paperwork – this includes details of delivery times and information regarding my load. I put the empty pallets back on the truck and return to our offices so that the night driver can take the truck back to the RDC. The days are often 12 hour shifts but it is not all driving. For example, during waiting time for delivery windows there is often time to sort out paperwork, fueling and washing the truck.

Which company do you work for and what do they do?

I work for the family business, TJ and JG Rushmer. The company delivers fresh produce from a main Regional Distribution Centre in the Midlands to the Lidl supermarket chain in East Anglia. The company has 7 vehicles and employs 20 staff members.

How did you get into your current job, and what were you doing before?

The company is a family business and for as long as I can remember I wanted to get into logistics. I spent a lot of time in the cab of my father’s truck and during school holidays went with him on deliveries. From the age of 16 I was keen to become an LGV driver and worked my way up through the company. Skills for Logistics’ Young LGV Driver Scheme (YDS) allowed me to complete my licence to drive a rigid vehicle earlier than usual and I have now got a licence to drive articulated vehicles. Prior to that I helped out around the office, carrying out some of the duties of a traffic officer, such as planning routes for drivers, doing paperwork, making tea and manning the phones.

What qualifications did you need for the job?

The main requirement was the LGV licence – I participated in Skills for Logistics’ Young LGV Driver Scheme to get my licence. As part of the scheme I have also gained a Level 2 NVQ which includes customer service, literacy and numeracy.

What was the best thing about the training?

The YDS enabled me to gain my licence earlier (before 21 which is the industry norm) and as I have been keen to get behind the wheel of an LGV for some time now this has definitely been a benefit. I also like the fact that you develop other skills such as communications and customer services– it’s not just about the driving.

What was the worst thing about the training?

The endless paperwork is a chore - however as a driver, accurate paperwork is a key element of the job so it helped prepare me for that aspect of the role.

What are the things you like the most about the job?

Driving and the sense of responsibility that comes with the job. I have always wanted to be a driver and enjoy the freedom, variety and flexibility that the job offers me. I also enjoy the social side of things – having a coffee and swapping experiences with other drivers whilst waiting for loads to be ready at the RDC’s is one of the highlights of the job.

What are the things you like least about the job?

The Police, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), and Caravans.

What are your next steps?

I am looking forward to gaining more experience as a driver before continuing to progress my career within the company.

Heidi received the Worshipful Company of Carmen’s Apprentice of the Year Award having demonstrated great determination and enthusiasm whilst participating in the apprenticeship that will help her prepare for her chosen career.