Grandpa:
I don’t have academic pretensions, it’s what I did and the resume was included to prove a point to someone else, not as troll bait for the usual anonymous keyboard warriors.
You’d disclosed your academic background before anyway. And my point is that you’d think someone with such a background would grasp that the manner in which learning is organised, the resources invested in it, and the manner of delivery, are all important factors.
I know what the CPC is and I also know that it’s virtually impossible for someone to make a seven hour single issue lesson plan
Which shows a total disregard for what I pointed out, that courses do not have to be 7 hours in the classroom on single issues.
And even if they were, it would not be an EU diktat but the inadequacy of the national system designed to meet the EU requirements of periodic training.
which isn’t then the fault of those presenting it, who have no teacher training either. We had one guy, Portuguese I think, who could just about say his name in English … No examination, no need even to learn, you turn up and the only requirement is to sit still for seven hours.
And you think that was an EU requirement?
A perfectly designed waste of time in which everyone pays and everyone passes and perfect troll material?
I agree, it is a perfectly designed waste of time. But that’s because the government does not take steps to enforce the principles of the law in this area.
Perhaps those who want to turn this into an opinion rant about education wouldn’t mind putting up their own resumes, which would of course include their educational qualifications and teaching experience? Links to their published material? Pedagogical approaches? Methodology? Hint: For many years I got paid to differentiate between those who thought they were clever and those who I knew weren’t
If we think about it, what made us become truck drivers? I suspect many of us didn’t want a micro-managed desk or factory job. We wanted to see what was over the next hill, adventure, scenery driven, self-reliant … And we get paid for it. The same applies to me. I was doing that before I emigrated, but while you lot were trucking around the UK and some further afield, I was gazing across the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. The Siberian snowstorms in winter coming down from the north at -40+ (they learn you how to breathe properly so you don’t damage your lungs) and in the summer riding camels in the sand dunes on the edge of the Gobi desert (no health and safety). I loved the life and if the American company in Beijing hadn’t lost the government contract, I’d still be there today.
Another few photos for the anonymous to squeal about?
What’s so amazing about an ex-teacher taking up trucking again? Are truckers meant to be uneducated numpty’s who haven’t had a shower for three days? Do the trolls here think we’re all as dumb as they are? This is a fantastic site for information and some really pleasant people. It’s a shame some have to spoil it.
Grandpa:
Perhaps those who want to turn this into an opinion rant about education wouldn’t mind putting up their own resumes, which would of course include their educational qualifications and teaching experience? Links to their published material? Pedagogical approaches? Methodology? Hint: For many years I got paid to differentiate between those who thought they were clever and those who I knew weren’t
If we think about it, what made us become truck drivers? I suspect many of us didn’t want a micro-managed desk or factory job. We wanted to see what was over the next hill, adventure, scenery driven, self-reliant … And we get paid for it. The same applies to me. I was doing that before I emigrated, but while you lot were trucking around the UK and some further afield, I was gazing across the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. The Siberian snowstorms in winter coming down from the north at -40+ (they learn you how to breathe properly so you don’t damage your lungs) and in the summer riding camels in the sand dunes on the edge of the Gobi desert (no health and safety). I loved the life and if the American company in Beijing hadn’t lost the government contract, I’d still be there today.
Another few photos for the anonymous to squeal about?
What’s so amazing about an ex-teacher taking up trucking again? Are truckers meant to be uneducated numpty’s who haven’t had a shower for three days? Do the trolls here think we’re all as dumb as they are? This is a fantastic site for information and some really pleasant people. It’s a shame some have to spoil it.
Nice pictures but one has to be careful that they dont start sounding like trampe the Walter mitty of this site
There is a lot of truckers who have qualified skills in other fields and choose to drive a truck
Whatever makes one happy
Grandpa:
Yes, a camera in the cab I’d consider an gross invasion of privacy and would make it quite clear to both Hermes and the agency that I wouldn’t be there long.
That will help your prospects no end.
Grandpa:
I’m in talks with Culina (Great Bear) at the moment going full time.
LOL You make it sound like dragons den. Whats to talk about?
Socketset:
.
Shame your not in my part of the world, Gramps, because I know three firms desperate for night jockeys on pallet hub work.
IIRC Gramps has no ties to any particular area, so is free to move to where the work is.
Grandpa:
Perhaps those who want to turn this into an opinion rant about education wouldn’t mind putting up their own resumes, which would of course include their educational qualifications and teaching experience? Links to their published material? Pedagogical approaches? Methodology? Hint: For many years I got paid to differentiate between those who thought they were clever and those who I knew weren’t
We don’t need to post our resumes. We’ve all got jobs.
Maybe managers are looking at your circumstances and thinking, he’s made some ■■■■ poor decisions to end up back here.
The problem with being away so long is you lose all your former contacts and reputation. It’s like starting all over again and if not direct hostility, there’s a lot of suspicion. Ending back here wasn’t a choice, it was circumstances beyond my control. On retirement in two to three years I’ll be off again, I’m just passing through. I will find work, I’ll just use a different approach than previously and I’m gradually clicking on. I’ll spend a couple of hours on that resume tomorrow and tailor it towards driving, which is what the recruiters will get.
The facts of life is you will have to take anything or work for anyone and put up with all the crap that goes with getting that job, as your past experience for a few years shows no experience thats why
You’re not looking to make a career out of it so put up with whatever and work for anyone, its also nothing to do with age you just haven’t hit on the right path yet, there is company’s out there that will take anyone as long as you have the paper work
nightline:
The facts of life is you will have to take anything or work for anyone and put up with all the crap that goes with getting that job, as your past experience for a few years shows no experience thats why
You’re not looking to make a career out of it so put up with whatever and work for anyone, its also nothing to do with age you just haven’t hit on the right path yet, there is company’s out there that will take anyone as long as you have the paper work
Yep, you’re right. I’ve begun to realize I’m approaching it from the wrong angle. Time for a change of approach.
toonsy:
Try my lot in Rugby. They aren’t a bad lot tbf. Bit of a rep but I’ve been there years now and find them fair enough.
Who is it you work for?
Panic. On the A5 out past Clifton.
Panic, I hadn’t heard of them before, but they have no current vacancies. You’re told if there are no vacancies to submit your application and they’ll hold it on file.
I just want to carry this on a bit because I think it might help people. I came back to the UK and went in at the wrong deep end because no one told me any differently. Remember the old days? You rang an agency, they gave you what was available that day/night and you picked your choice. After a shift the company rang the agency and either had you back the next night, or told them not to send you again.
In the last 24 hours I changed my resume, wiped off the unnecessary, but kept the teaching and education on and added my previous driving experience. I then uploaded that onto a website called CV Library and within minutes I’m getting offers. For the characters who had a go at the education content, the first reply I got praised the education and diverse International work experience.
For those looking for work, try registering with CV library. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Bumping the thread.
Seem to be looking for day and night drivers, class 1 and 2.
Are the courier companies ok to work for? Such as Hermes, DPD, TNT etc etc.
I assume you drive the loads to distribution depots or take them to the van couriers?
Dav1d:
To those with objections about inward facing cameras, where do you shop ?
And if ‘crap’ start times and 10hr drives are a problem, does £40k+ pa change your mind ?
I’m sure you are aware that you can only do 2 x 10 hour drives per week. The other (let’s say 3) shifts mean that you can drive for 9.
Assuming you spend a short time checking your wagon/trailer, you drive for 4 hrs 20 mins and then have 45 mins and then drive for another 4 hrs 20 or so, after break deductions you will get paid for approx 10 hours (maximum).
3 x 10 hrs = 30. Let’s say 2 x 11 hrs pay for the other two extended drive shifts, a total paid hours of around 52. £40k PA works out around £770 per week (gross). £770 divided by 52 works out at £14.80 per hour.
So to summise, UNLESS YOU ARE WORKING NIGHTS AS A LTD DRIVER AND BATTERING THE HOURS,…PLEASE STOP TALKING COMPLETE AND UTTER ■■■■■■■■. I’ve worked for Mark out of there and done a bit direct and you will not earn £40k at Hermes.
Well, nights at £16.58/hr here with overtime at £20+
48hrs work (no OT) gives just over £41k
Thats Enfield. £16.58 is made up of £15.08 per hour and allowance of £1.50 per hour.
Crewe has it at £14.49 ph, £12.61 basic and allowance of £1.88 ph
the nodding donkey:
My name is Nodding, and I have a driver facing camera in my cab.
It’s not my choice, and I’d rather it wasnt there, but I’d also rather be very rich (I’m not), have a Ferrari ( I do not) and have a ■■■■ girlfriend (ok, that I have… ).
Most people don’t understand how the camera works. It does not record everything you do ( the required storage would be prohibitive), and there is no live feed being watched by the transport office (they would be breaking every Data Protection rule in the book, and you could take an extended holiday if any footage ever gets out of the office). Nobody, and I mean nobody, is going to watch you, out of 100+ drivers, for hours on end, on the off change that you might do something interesting.
The system works on triggers, such as harsh breaking. It saves a set number of minutes before and after the incident, which is then reviewed by the person authorised to do so. They may or may not take whatever action they deem appropriate.
I know, because in the last year I’ve had two triggers,
One was a non event, the MAN camera throwing a hissy fit when I dabt the break a bit sharp, crossing the road between our two yards. No drama, no blocking, just a quick word in my ear about not wearing my seatbelt… (it my be only crossing the road, but it’s still on the public road).
The other one was in the roadworks on the M5between J2 and J1. Traffic ahead started bunching up, and to be fair, I should have breaked a bit earlier to make it a bit prettier. The office bod agreed that it was not a ‘panic brake’ (the camera in the MAN really was on a hair trigger), but we both agreed that I could have slowed a bit earlier.
I know i have set of the MAN camera more than that, but non of those were deemed to be necessary to call me into the office.
As for being filmed when your on break, or having a night out, just cover the thing up. They can not discipline you for covering the camera during your break/rest period.
You can harumph and posture all you want, but cameras will become the norm, just as tachos did. Remember the wails of indignation from the old boys, when the ‘spy in the cab’ was introduced?
Sorry Donkey, that’s still a defo no from me.
I’m not having a camera in the cab pointing at me 24/7
It’s not happening
).
(it my be only crossing the road, but it’s still on the public road).