Despite working in an office role for many years, Sharon Pennington from Liverpool had long dreamed of becoming an HGV driver. However, it was easier said than done. Factors such as the cost of training and family responsibilities meant she didn’t think she would see her dream come true. Through the TRS Skills Bootcamp in HGV Driving, funded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Sharon was finally able to realise her ambition. Despite personal challenges, including the tragic loss of her father just before her test, Sharon achieved her licence and, as a result, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her life.

Sharon has worked for the NHS for 16 years, mainly in office and admin positions, contributing to the backbone of the healthcare system. She has always enjoyed her job, but has harboured a dream of shifting gears to a career on the roads as an HGV driver. Now, Sharon is an inspiring example of how the right opportunity can transform a dream into reality.

Barriers

For years, Sharon’s dream of becoming an HGV driver seemed out of reach due to factors such as the high cost of training and family responsibilities. Raising young children alongside a full-time job left her little time to pursue her passion.

These challenges left Sharon feeling like her dream was impossible, and she had almost given up on it.

Skills Bootcamp

That all changed when Sharon discovered the Skills Bootcamp in HGV Driving, delivered by TRS and funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. The programme was specifically for individuals like Sharon who held only a car driving licence but aspired to acquire a Category C+E (articulated truck) licence. The course was a perfect fit for Sharon’s needs, and the opportunity came just at the right time. With training costs covered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the price of training was no longer a barrier for her. The flexibility of the training programme, which combined weekly online learning with two weeks of practical driver training, slotted well around Sharon’s work and home commitments.

In addition to practical HGV training at the TRS driving academy in Knowsley, the skills bootcamp also included online sessions covering preparation for the theory test, driver hours regulations, digital tachographs, safe driving practices, and fuel efficiency.

This well-rounded and accessible approach gave Sharon the resources and structure to finally focus on her goal.

Test pass

Sharon triumphed despite facing extraordinary personal challenges. She passed her test just a day after enduring the devastating loss of her father, who had always encouraged her to chase her dreams. Driven by his memory and unwavering support, she accomplished her goal and credits the instructors, driving school managers, and online trainers at TRS for their steadfast encouragement throughout her journey.

“I couldn’t have done it without all the team at TRS who were with me every step of the way. They were so supportive. I’m also very grateful for the funding provided through Liverpool City Region Combined Authority that enabled me to actually do the course. And to my employer for giving me the time to do the training.”

Sharon is looking forward to hitting the road as part of the NHS Royal Liverpool University Hospital’s bank of standby drivers, stepping in to cover vital transportation needs, such as medical equipment, samples, and linen. This will finally fulfil her longstanding ambition and means she will continue to make a difference to the NHS’s operations, but in a very different way.

One of Sharon’s ultimate aspirations now that she has her licence is to transport a mobile MRI scanner.