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Shelley

At South Essex Colleges Group, we believe it’s never too late to take a new direction and build a career you’re proud of. Our logistics courses are designed to give you the practical skills, industry qualifications and confidence needed to step into a new role. Shelley’s story shows how taking that leap, even later in life, can lead to exciting new opportunities.

My name is Shelley, I am 50 years old, and I studied with South Essex Colleges Group’s Logistics provision. This is my story.

I decided to study for my LGV1 licence, also known as a Category C+E licence. This qualification has opened the door for me to drive articulated lorries, drawbar combinations and rigid vehicles with trailers over 750kg.

Before starting the course, I worked as a bus driver and had been thinking about progressing my career. Eventually, I reached a point where I realised it was now or never. Although returning to learning felt a little daunting at first, the support from the team made all the difference. Darren, Andrew, Jimmy and the rest of the Logistics team were incredibly welcoming and made the transition into training much easier.

During the course, I learned everything I needed to begin working in the industry. This included key areas such as health and safety practices and practical skills like using ratchet straps. I also developed valuable transferable skills, such as improving my timekeeping and gaining a deeper understanding of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC), which is essential for working as a professional driver across Europe.

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The training gave me the confidence I needed to move into my new role as a qualified LGV1 driver. I am now delivering to depots and beginning a new stage in my career, something I wouldn’t have achieved without taking that step back into education.

The best part of the course for me was proving that it is never too late to learn. No matter your age, there are always opportunities to develop new skills and change your career path.

I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone considering a career in logistics or driving. The support from the team is excellent, and they are always there to guide you towards your next opportunity.

If Shelley’s story has inspired you to take the next step, our logistics courses can help you gain the qualifications and confidence you need to succeed. Explore your options and start your journey with South Essex Colleges Group today.