A WORCESTER man with no qualifications and anxiety issues turned his life around by learning to drive lorries.

George Davies, 40, began a large goods vehicle driver apprenticeship after experiencing some personal issues, which has now helped him rebuild his life.

Mr Davies left school at 16 without any qualifications, starting work immediately as an MOT Tester’s assistant at a local garage.

Training provider Seetec Outsource helped him apply for an LGV driver apprenticeship with construction materials group Breedon, which was Mr Davies' first job interview in 15 years.

READ MORE: Worcester man given 12 month discharge after assault

He said: “I wanted to finally get some qualifications. I believe the apprenticeship will give me a career with prospects.

“If people say apprenticeships are for school leavers, I would tell them I just wanted prospects.

"I hadn’t got any qualifications, I just had life experience. I wish I had been like this at 18 and had the dedication and commitment.”

Having suffered from anxiety, his first step back on the road was to attend a ‘Dealing with anxiety’ course, followed by an interview preparation workshop.

At first, he was unable to drive Breedon’s vehicles on the road and instead he worked on-site, driving a 20-tonne loading shovel. 

Mr Davies said: “I started straight away. I went to Nottingham for a day and was given my high-vis, a laptop and a phone and was assigned to Tewkesbury Concrete Plant.

“Breedon is a brilliant company, they’ve all been welcoming and helpful and understanding about supporting my career.”

“I would like to pay back Breedon’s loyalty to me for giving me this opportunity and I would be quite happy to stay until I retire.”

READ MORE: The Alma, Droitwich Road, energy bills double to £3,500

George has now passed his theory and practical driving test and Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) test, making him a fully-qualified driver. He has also achieved Maths and English qualifications.

Stewart Hook, group learning and development manager for Breedon, said: “We’re all really proud of the progress George has made on the apprenticeship programme over the past 12 months.

“He has worked really hard to ensure he would achieve his LGV Licence and attaining the Maths and English Functional Skills.

"I have every confidence George will pass his end point assessment and continue to be a valued member of the Breedon family.”