James Meakins served over 14 years in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) after joining the British Army aged 17. He had a varied military career and received the Operational Service Medal after active service in Afghanistan.
After a referral from The Royal British Legion, veterans’ charity, Veterans into Logistics facilitated employment for James as an HGV Operator, delivering highway solutions across the UK for EST – Eurovia.
Transition to civilian life
James moved around after leaving the military and experienced homelessness. He had been self-employed working as a driver whilst trying to find somewhere to live and it was then he contacted The Royal British Legion who referred him to Veterans into Logistics – a charity that trains and mentors veterans and service leavers into new careers as HGV drivers.
As James had worked as a vehicle mechanic in the Army and already had his truck licences, Veterans into Logistics knew he’d be a perfect fit at EST – Eurovia UK – a service provider in the Highway Surface Treatment sector. The company provides hotel accommodation for their staff in the locations where they are working, which was ideal for James. The work runs from February to October as it’s too cold to lay treatments on the road in the winter months.
James said: “I’d recommend this career to someone who has left the Forces and is making the transition to civilian life. The shift pattern is 12 days on and 2 days off and you could get sent anywhere with the opportunity to work in different teams.
“Staying in the hotel room is similar to camp accommodation and moving around to different locations across the UK when a job is completed has parallels to military life.”
With the unique shift pattern of two months off over winter, in 2023 James was able to enjoy his passion for travelling and visited friends in America where he spent time in Texas and Disney World.
Alongside his work at EST Eurovia, James has started an Open University health course and has long-term plans to attend University and study physical Therapy.
Van life
A month ago, James bought a Ford Transit, high-top, ex-NHS van equipped with living essentials, enabling him to be completely self-sufficient and off-grid, without having to pay for rent or Airbnb when he’s not in the work accommodation.
This freedom allows James to enjoy his passion of hiking across the UK where he likes setting himself challenges; he recently completed The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
He said: “Coming out of the Army in 2019 after 14 and a half years was an adjustment for sure! I’m now on my second season at EST and I have a good understanding of how things operate.
“I’m enjoying my work as an HGV Operator supporting in the delivery of EST’s entire range of highway solutions as I enjoy being active and keeping busy.
“I’d recommend this work to veterans and service leavers and would encourage them to contact Veterans into Logistics.”
EST is so impressed with James’ work ethic that they have asked him to come back next year.
New career
Veterans into Logistics General Manager and former British Army Major, John Harker MBE said: “It’s great to hear how well James is doing in his new career at EST and how the job provided him with the financial independence and shift patterns to allow him to enjoy his passion for travelling.
“We’re glad that James was referred to us by the British Legion, as our mission at Veterans into Logistics is to prevent unemployment and homelessness by providing HGV driver training and access to a logistics career. We know how much veterans and service leavers have to offer in new careers with the skills and experience gained from their time in the military.
“The shift patterns at EST, with accommodation provided at local hotels, are ideal for those wishing to save money for their next steps in civilian life. Thank you to EST for assisting the Armed Forces community with professional options in new careers after leaving the military.”
EST Contracts Manager, James Atherton added:“James has been a fantastic addition to the team at EST and is currently working in his second season after joining us in 2023. James’ military background has equipped him with discipline, attention to detail and a positive safety culture which are essential skills in the highway maintenance sector.
“James Meakins is one of a number of veterans we have employed at EST with the help of Veterans into Logistics and the brilliant work they do equipping veterans with skills to transition into other roles. We are proud of James and our other veterans at EST for their exceptional contribution to our business.”
Image credit: Veterans into Logistics & James Meakins