When 18-year-old William Rayner left college last year, he hoped his ambition to drive heavy goods vehicles would set him on a career path.
Undeterred by the fact that most companies won’t employ drivers until they turn at least 21, William applied to Southampton-based Meachers Global Logistics.
His enthusiasm has paid off – after a month’s intensive driver training with Meachers’ expert assessors, William is now en route to a great future.
William grew up around farm vehicles in Locks Heath, studied maths and physics at Barton Peveril Sixth Form College – and always had an interest in driving.
After gaining a Class One HGV licence, he was encouraged by his father to apply to Meachers. William was taken on and started studying on Meachers’ comprehensive new drivers’ scheme.
With an experienced and dedicated trainer, William has learned all aspects of the job. His training plan includes bridge and cycle safety, route map planning, weight limits, vehicle safety systems and manoeuvering/reversing instruction, refuelling, coupling, learning the online delivery reporting system – and much more to give him a thorough overview of the business.
He’s also been in the driving seat out on the road with an experienced Meachers driver for support, picking up containers from Southampton Docks and travelling around the country to deliver consignments – all great work experience.
William said: “Meachers gave me a great opportunity to learn HGV driving skills much earlier than most other companies. I’ve really enjoyed my training, it’s covered so much and I’ve had great support from all the team who couldn’t have been more helpful.
“Every day has been different, I’ve met new people and learned so much already. I’m looking forward to going out on the road again as soon as possible and I know I have the support if I need it. I can also train further on courses with Meachers – it’s very exciting.”
General Manager Bob Sturt said: “William started work with us in January and in less than a month he has made great progress and done extremely well. He has shown great aptitude for driving our lorries and has applied himself to learning all aspects of the job.
“Meachers has a strong Southampton heritage and we are proud of our family ethos, all working together as part of a strong team.
“We are pleased to help develop the skills of the next generation of drivers and William is showing great promise on his career path. It’s key to our success at Meachers.”
As part of National Careers Week 2022, Meachers will be taking part in a careers event at Eastleigh College on Tuesday 8 March to speak with students about career routes and skills training within the logistics industry.
We have produced a short video about William and his driver training. Click on the video below to view.
To find out more about routes into the industry, visit our training and careers page for further information.
