Name: Steve Platt
Age: 55
Job Title: Instructor
Work Hours: Full time
How long have you worked at Dulson Training: 16 months
Steve's career has taken him down some interesting roads. Before finding his place in the haulage industry, he worked as a ski instructor and held a number of management roles. But in 2014, he decided office life wasn't for him anymore and made the leap into professional driving.
Twelve years ago, Steve earned his Class 2 licence, passing with just three minors. Determined to improve, he returned to take his Class 1 test and passed with no faults. It was a real personal achievement and proof that experience and determination pay off.
Once qualified, Steve built up a wealth of experience across the industry. From manoeuvring articulated lorries through busy city centres to carrying out HIAB work, every role taught him something new. Working in a variety of sectors gave him a broad understanding of what the job demands and the skills needed to be a safe, confident professional driver.
As much as Steve enjoyed driving, he found himself drawn to helping others succeed. When his wife spotted a driving instructor vacancy at Dulson Training, she encouraged him to apply. After a successful interview and assessment drive, he was offered the role and he hasn't looked back.
These days, Steve genuinely looks forward to Monday mornings.
"Dulson Training is a family-run business, and I feel privileged to drive their wagon," he says.
One of the things he enjoys most is meeting new students and supporting them throughout their journey. Watching someone grow in confidence from their first lesson to test day is what makes the job so rewarding.
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"It's a fantastic feeling when they pass," Steve explains. "But it's equally heartbreaking when they don't. I really feel those failures. Every student who walks through the door is treated equally, and I put my heart and soul into teaching them."
For Steve, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to training. Every student learns differently, and understanding how each person responds is a key part of being an effective instructor.
"You have to read people," he says. "Everyone is different, and everyone learns in their own way. My job is to adapt my teaching style to help every student reach their potential."
It's this combination of real-world driving experience, patience, and genuine passion for helping others that makes Steve such a valued member of the Dulson Training team
What advice would you give students preparing for their HGV licence?
Listen, take everything in and be willing to learn. Your instructors are there to help you, so take their advice on board. It's that guidance that will help you get across the finish line and earn your licence.
What's the best part of the job?
No two days are ever the same. The work is varied, interesting and, most importantly, incredibly rewarding. Helping someone achieve their goal and start a new career makes it all worthwhile.
What's the most challenging part of the job?
Probably dealing with the standards of driving on today's roads. You see a lot of poor habits, especially drivers not indicating or paying attention. It's another reminder of why good driver training is so important.
What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming an instructor?
Patience and understanding are essential. Every student learns at their own pace, and you'll need to stay calm when mistakes happen. They will happen, but they're all part of the learning process. The important thing is helping students learn from them and keeping their confidence moving in the right direction.