ADR Training - Students
Name: Will
Age: 28
Job: Volvo Mechanic & Workshop Supervisor
Will has worked as a mechanic for almost 10 years and currently works for Volvo, where his employer put him through ADR training so he could drive ADR vehicles in and out of the workshop for testing.
Although ADR vehicles arrive at the workshop empty, anyone driving them still needs to hold the relevant ADR qualification. For Will, completing the week-long course was a worthwhile experience.
“The course is very informative.”
Will began his career as an apprentice and believes apprenticeships are a great route into the industry. His own career has progressed from apprentice to workshop supervisor, demonstrating how training and experience can open doors to further responsibility.
For Will, the diagnostic side of his role is the most enjoyable. The job also involves a considerable amount of paperwork, but he likes the fact that it keeps his mind active while still being very hands-on.
Will’s advice: If you're considering a career as a mechanic, look into apprenticeship opportunities. They can provide valuable practical experience while giving you a strong foundation for a long-term career.
Name: Mat
Age: 38
Job: Chef
Mat grew up on a farm and has been surrounded by trucks from an early age, with his dad and brothers all working as HGV drivers.
He already holds his Class 1 HGV licence and has experience working as an agency driver, as well as previously driving buses. After spending the last few years working long hours as a chef, Mat has decided that now is the right time for a career change and driving is once again looking like an attractive option.
Having decided to fund his own training, Mat is completing his ADR qualification in the hope that it will open up new opportunities within the transport industry. There is also the possibility of joining the same company where his brother currently works.
For Mat, the ADR course has been a positive experience.
“The course is relaxed. There is a lot of information to take in, particularly around safety, but I’m finding it easy to absorb.”
His experience demonstrates that ADR training can be a useful addition for experienced drivers looking to broaden their options or make a career move. With his existing HGV licence and previous driving experience, Mat sees the ADR qualification as another step towards finding his next career opportunity.
Mat’s advice: Don't be put off by the amount of information involved. Take your time, listen and absorb the information.
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Name: Sam
Age: 32
Job: Volvo Mechanic
Sam has been working as a mechanic for 16 years. He began his career as an apprentice working on cars and vans before making the move into truck mechanics, a progression that felt like a natural next step for him.
Like Will, Sam's employer required him to complete ADR training so that he could work with and drive ADR vehicles as part of his role.
More recently, Sam has continued to develop his skills, gaining his HGV Class 1 licence with Dulson Training just 12 months ago.
One of the things Sam enjoys most about being a mechanic is the variety.
“No two days are the same, and there is always something new to learn.”
Sam found that there was a lot of information to take in during the ADR course, but felt the training was definitely worthwhile. While the qualification is directly relevant to his current role, he also sees it as another useful addition to his professional skills and experience.
For anyone considering ADR training, Sam's experience highlights the value of looking beyond the immediate requirement. Gaining additional qualifications can add to your skill set and potentially create further opportunities as your career develops.
Sam’s advice: Be prepared to take in plenty of new information, but see additional training as an investment in your future. Every new qualification is another skill you can add to your CV.
Name: Steven
Age: 36
Job: DAF Master Technician
Steven has 20 years of experience as a mechanic and currently works as a DAF Master Technician.
His career has been an interesting one. At just 16, Steven initially had his application to join the Army rejected, so he decided to start training as a mechanic instead. Four years later, at the age of 20, he was accepted into the Army.
During his five years of military service, Steven gained his HGV licence and had the opportunity to work on tanks and a wide range of military vehicles. The experience gave him a much broader understanding of mechanics and provided a strong foundation for his career after leaving the Army.
Before the Covid pandemic, Steven spent some time working as an agency driver before moving into his current career with DAF. He has always enjoyed fixing things and even spent a short period in Canada working on engines. However, he soon realised that working with trucks offered the combination of work he enjoyed and good career prospects. DAF subsequently supported him through his Master Technician training.
For Steven, one of the most satisfying parts of the job is seeing a truck he has repaired leave the workshop and return to the road.
“Every day is different.”
Like Will and Sam, Steven's employer put him through ADR training as part of his professional development. Although he has previously completed Hazmat training, Steven admits that he finds classroom-based learning challenging and prefers a more hands-on approach.
Nevertheless, he recognises the value of the qualification and sees ADR training as another opportunity for career progression.
Steven’s advice: Even if a particular style of training doesn't suit your preferred way of learning, the qualification can still be valuable. Keep developing your skills and look at training as a way of progressing your career.