We are delighted to award a £14,678 grant towards Veterans into Logistics’ work helping Army veterans to become HGV drivers.
Our charity supports several partner charities devoted to helping ex-soldiers find new civilian jobs and careers using the skills and experience they acquired during their Army service. Veterans into Logistics’ veteran beneficiaries often find themselves in temporary low-paid work and short-term accommodation. The charity works with partner organisations to provide a range of tailored life-skills support to vulnerable veterans readjusting to civilian life.
Our grant will be used by Veterans into Logistics to fund the costs of 60 Army veterans training as HGV drivers.
Carl Smith joined the Army as a junior soldier in 1979 and served for 43 years with the Royal Regiment of Artillery, including tours in Germany, Northern Ireland, the Gulf War, Bosnia and Kosovo. He was introduced to Veterans into Logistics by his former QM, Major Ian Battersby.
Carl said: “I had my Class 2 licence from the military, but Veterans into Logistics paid for me to do my CPC training then introduced me to one of their logistics partners, who gave me my C+E training and a full-time job. I had a buddy drive with me for my first eight weeks and, since 27 January, I have been a proud solo Class 1 lorry driver. I love my new job; and the support from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity will enable other veterans to have these same opportunities – thank you.”
Veterans into Logistics Ambassador and Royal Artillery Battery Commander in the Army Reserves, Major Ian Battersby, said:
“I would like to thank ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for its generous donation to support Army veterans training to become HGV drivers. Our mission is to reduce unemployment and homelessness amongst the Armed Forces community. It’s truly incredible to see Carl and other veterans enjoying life as HGV drivers. Veterans into Logistics can only provide this vital training thanks to generous grants like this and, together, we can offer structure and financial security.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, added:
“Our charity is here to help former soldiers find new and rewarding civilian careers. Re-entering civilian life after Army service can be a daunting prospect for some. We were only too happy to fund Veterans into Logistics’ expert training and support for veterans joining the transport logistics sector.”
Read more about Veterans into Logistics’ work here.