After exploring the Netherlands, our explorer pondered over a coffee, wondering where their next journey should be.
Whilst sipping on a caramel macchiato, with extra syrup, a woman, clad in a large hi-vis jacket, approached the table and asked if they could take a seat. They got talking about the weather getting colder, and how quickly Christmas has come around this year. Our explorer had forgotten all about their favourite time of the year. They’d been so busy exploring and meeting people, that they hadn’t bought a single Christmas present!
Our explorer found out that the woman sat with them was Laila, and she was a Mother of two children, and lives in France. As they spoke further, they established that Laila, was a HGV Driver. She was stopping over in the town, before continuing her journey to the home of Christmas, Lapland! She had a large 44 tonne truck, with 100s of parcels to be delivered to homes across Finland, finishing her journey in Lapland. Her journey had started off in France, and it would take her over a week to travel across land.
Laila mentioned how lonely her trips can get and asked our explorer whether they would like to join her on the remainder of her trip, to which they excitedly accepted!
Over the course of the next few days on their journey to Lapland, our explorer learnt all about Laila’s role as a HGV Driver. Laila spoke about the shortages in the industry, and how she and her colleagues play a key part in delivering vital supplies to varying countries across Europe. She can work up to 56 hours each week, but she takes pride in knowing that her work allows her to support so many communities. This year, she is hoping to have time to pick up some festive souvenirs for her two children back home.
As they were on the final leg of their journey to Finland, our explorer had noticed a device on the dashboard, and was curious as to what it was. They asked Laila, and she explained that it’s a tachograph. “The tachograph is used by all drivers to monitor their speed, distance travelled, and the number of hours they’ve been driving”, she said. By law, Laila is limited on how many hours she can drive in one day and must take a break every 4.5 hours. If she doesn’t abide by the regulations, she can be fined thousands of pounds. She explains that it’s in place to keep her, and other road users safe. Driving for long periods of time can be tiring, so taking regular breaks prevents Laila from falling asleep at the wheel, for example.
Our explorer had drifted off for a short while, and was awoken by Laila shouting ‘WE’RE HERE!’. As they opened their eyes, they were in awe of the Christmas lights surrounding them. Laila still had a little bit to go to drop off her load to the local couriers, but decided to stop off for a break at a local Christmas market. Laila and our explorer visited the various stalls, and both bought some beautiful gifts for their friends and family, and finished off their visit with a hot chocolate, with whipped cream and marshmallows.
Laila bid farewell to our explorer and wished them a Merry Christmas, and continued on her journey to deliver her parcels.
As our explorer strolled around the Christmas market, taking in the smells of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, they thought more about Laila and her family this Christmas, and hoped that she would make it back in time to spend Christmas day with them. They were in awe of the work that she does, and how she helps so many cities, towns and villages across Europe.
Our traveller was truly inspired by Laila’s work, and found themselves on the National Careers Service website, which had lots of helpful information around routes into becoming a HGV Driver: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/large-goods-vehicle-driver
They also learnt that to become a HGV Driver, you must first pass the Driver CPC. There’s a variety of training companies that offer this, including the exams, they can be found via the link below: https://www.gov.uk/training-hgv
As they looked up to the starry night sky, they were amazed by the Northern Lights appearing in front of them, and they wondered where they would wind up next. Hopefully, somewhere warmer!
Written by Tammy Whiteman, Contract Manager, Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge (ASK)
