There’s been a lot of attention placed on the haulage industry recently, with the government and logistics companies focussing on bringing fresh new talent into the industry with a massive recruitment drive.
In a bid to change the reputation of the industry and highlight how diverse it can be, we caught up with one of our agency drivers, Kevin Gomm, who used to drive nuclear powered submarines in the Navy but is now enjoying his time behind the wheel of articulated lorries.
I wanted something entirely different to do, something that would provide a new challenge. I’m a bit of a petrolhead and always enjoyed driving. Plus, driving a truck is the only thing I’d never driven before, so I decided to give it a go!
From an investment perspective, I didn’t personally have to invest too much money into the driving course as I was able to use a resettlement scheme that you get when you leave the Armed Forces.
If you’ve done sufficient time with them within certain areas you gain access to funds from the resettlement scheme. Luckily for me, lorry driving was a skillset that was included within the scheme.
A: No, Backline was the first company I’d approached and arranged a meeting with Tim. He instantly understood what I wanted and knew exactly how my skillset would slot into the business.
He was able to offer me what I wanted and was happy to invest time in a complete novice and allow me to grow. I’ve been with Backline ever since and haven’t ever regretted that decision, they’re a fantastic company to work for.
I only work two days per week so enjoying the work is at the top of the priority list! I also love the jobs that are more challenging, which Tim and the team are aware of, so they do their best to offer me the jobs that they know I’ll love to do.
In the early days I took on a lot of different jobs because I didn’t know any different, but now that I know what I enjoy doing, the team will slot me in wherever they can.
Don’t be afraid of trying it because it is different. I mean, for me, I was ready to retire from the defence industry but wasn’t quite ready to give up work entirely.
It’s been fascinating to watch the logistics system at work when you’re driving around in your lorry.
With the recent fuel shortages and with foods not being available in supermarkets, I don’t think people really appreciate the transport and logistics industry and all the intricacies involved.
A: I don’t think they’re surprised because they all know that I’m a petrol head. I just thoroughly enjoy driving.
I’m a biker really, so I’m used to commuting everywhere on a bike in all weathers, so being out on the road is something I really enjoy. One of my sons is a petrol head like me and my wife is too, so it kinda runs in the family to a degree, so they understand.
Unlike a lot of people who moved around and shifted from one place to the next every few years, we didn’t do that. I would commute to work and come home to the family at weekends and that’s the way we chose to live. So yes, we did have to make an adjustment once I’d left the Navy, but it’s worked out for the best for us all.
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us Kevin and showcasing that truck driving is a great alternative to retirement, especially when you’re not quite ready to hang up your work boots!
Many of the qualities and skills you trained for and developed during military service are highly transferable to a professional driving career. It’s why many of the best HGV drivers are ex-service personnel.
In this article, we explore some of the key reasons why HGV driving could be the ideal career choice for you, and take a look at the pros and cons. The Ex-Service Personnel’s guide to HGV driving careers
