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While Kelly has known of Hayton Coulthard for many years, it is only recently that she took the plunge and trained as an HGV Driver. We spoke to her to find out more about her journey.

What are your first memories of Hayton Coulthard?

I have literally grown up knowing Hayton Coulthard. My Dad has been part of the Hayton Coulthard team for nearly 30 years so seeing him in his lorry is all I’ve ever known. When I was a student, I had a job cleaning the Ecclefechan office and my brother also joined the team about 6 years ago, so it is a familiar place to our family!

What did you do before becoming an HGV Driver?

I worked for a PPE company doing the sewing and working in quality control.

What made you take the leap to becoming an HGV Driver?

I’ve always loved lorries and wanted to be a driver since I was wee. But when I was young, women just didn’t drive lorries. I went to do it years ago and chickened out which I’ve always kicked myself for. So, this time, when they advertised an open day for new drivers, I decided to go for it.

How has your journey to getting your licence been?

After the open day I had to go and get my licence and once I passed I got back in touch. I’ve never been more nervous than the day of my test, but I passed first time and apparently I’m the first in my apprentice group to get a licence too!

I passed my test in June and asked for a wee bit of extra help with my reversing because that feels disorienting at the start. A trainer came out with me for the first week which really built my confidence.

The whole process has been really smooth, and everyone has been so supportive. 

What does your everyday look like?

I'm a day shift driver and I typically work in the central belt. I plan to get some experience behind me and then I'll decide what sort of driving I'd like to focus on.

What was your first day out on your own like?

It's scary going out on your own when you are new. But thankfully it was just to pick up a trailer, so they were gentle on me!

Why is this the right job for you?

You see so much and meet so many people. You get to go to so many different places and it's lovely to explore.

What are the challenges of this role?

Right now, I'd say reversing but I know that will become second nature once I've been doing the job for longer.

Every location is different which makes it quite daunting when you start out. But I've been given so many contact details of people doing the same job. They are all happy to share their knowledge with me which is really comforting.

At the start I was worried that there would be limitations as a woman doing the job, but there really isn't. I am lucky that I've had the extra support of my Dad and brother, but I've found that it is just a case of cracking on. For example, once upon a time I struggled putting the air lines on when connecting the trailer, but it's all about technique and with a bit of practice behind me it's an absolute breeze now!

How do you find it working in a male dominated environment?

I've always known I was coming into a male orientated industry. There are times that I've been looked at like I'm an alien because I'm a female driver, but most people are really welcoming.

When you tell people what you do, are there any aspects of the job that surprise people?

Just the fact that I'm doing the job in the first place!

I don't think people realise how involved it is as well. When you're driving you have to have your wits about you, be clued up on things like working hours and be experts at managing time. Then on top of that, keeping the lorry clean, doing the vehicle checks, etc. It's not just about driving.

What makes you proud to work in this industry?

Working in a man's world. There aren't many of us, so it makes me proud to break that sterotype.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a vet, but you need to have a strong stomach and that isn't me!

If you're interested in joining our team, have a look at our Current Vacancies to see if we have the perfect job for you.