I signed up to a agency, I tried 3 others but they wanted a minimum of 3 months exp or never got back to me. I tried a 4th and they were prepared to take on new drivers. I filled in the application form which had a question paper at the back asking about drivers hours, tachographs and highway code. Plus how would you get to this destination questions.
They said they will try to find me class 2 work to start with, so i can gain some exp. Possibly bread deliveries or brewery. Before trying me on class 1. Fingers crossed it goes well and I can gain exp in class 2 and 1.
I’ve bought some stuff for my work bag. I got Phillips Truckers Atlas, Big A to Z, safety boots, work gloves, hi-vis, LED torch, small screwdriver set (in case a bulb blows) and some other stuff. Plus I borrowed a friends Truck Nav.
Have you exhausted every possible opportunity that might exist within a reasonable distance of where you live?
I only ask because, for me personally, going down the agency route would be the absolute last resort.
If you visit companies in person and speak to the right people, there’s a chance you might land yourself a permanent job. If your 3 weeks of job searching consisted of looking on t’internet, making a few phonecalls and sending out a few CVs, then it’s hardly surprising that nothing has come from it.
If you have indeed visited every company near to you (not the big players, but the smaller more accessible ones) and still haven’t managed to find someone willing to give you even a days work, then that’s unfortunate and I wish you all the best with the agencies.
Cheers for the reply Contraflow, I know what your saying. I’ve been to most the places by me and they either have no vacancies or are not interested in someone who has no experience.
I think I will stand a better chance of finding a perm job with six months to a years exp. Plus it will be a good opportunity to work for a few companies and hopefully make a good impression. Which could lead to an other of a full time position.
It’s hard for a newly qualified driver to get that first break and gain some exp. I’m hoping it will get easier to find employment with a bit of exp under my belt.
To be honest dont expect alot from the agencys as you will be lower down the pecking order and if they do give ya any work , it will be the kinda work every other experienced driver has turned down, best thing is to do some agency work but still look round the small firms n try your luck. As you will find out you’ll be barely scrapping a living as a agency drive. Im not trying to be negative about it , but its just the way it is.
Try the VOSA website on the applications pages that list operators,it will show all the firms in your area that are adding vehicles to their fleet and one man band operations looking for staff, you never know.
Owner drivers need a break from driving, or a holiday/sickness,and the websites Gumtree,Rapido and Eures for jobs.
And farmers need full time drivers too.
