A woman has left behind for job as a team manager at Waitrose to pursue her dream job as a lorry driver.
Julia Jones, 51, has wanted to be a trucker since she was a young girl and she said she loves every day when she gets behind the wheel.
She told Express.co.uk: “I spent so many years wanting to become a lorry driver, but life always got in the way for one reason or another.
“A lot of people might be concerned changing their careers so later in life, but now, here I am, 51 years old, in a new career and loving every second of it. I feel unstoppable.”
She previously worked as an assistant team manager at Waitrose and then one day saw an internal vacancy for an ‘Apprentice LGV Driver’ with The John Lewis Partnership, and her longtime dream became a reality.
She has always loved driving and was first inspired to become a lorry driver aged 10, when her dad took her on trips to the Caribbean, to bring back food supplies for his job as a chef.
She said: “I found it so exciting, and my passion grew from there. Most people think that being out on the road for long hours must be quite lonely, but it isn’t for me – I actually find it quite fun.
“I love listening to the radio and having a little sing-a-long on the road – it makes the time fly and always puts a smile on my face.”
Ms Jones, from Milton Keynes, started training for her new career in March 2020 the week before the first COVID-19 lockdown.
She had to endure six cancelled tests and practical courses but when she did finally sit her test, she passed with distinction, making her dad feel very proud.
Lorry drivers with the John Lewis group get salaries up to £53,000 as well as discounts in store and at some restaurants and partnership hotels.
Ms Jones said people are often surprised to see a female lorry driver, and encouraged women to go for it if they have a dream job.
She commented: “There are lots of careers I’d love to see more women involved in. People are often shocked when I tell them I’m a lorry driver – you don’t see many women driving HGVs, but I think that makes the career all the more special.
“I’d say to other women, if you have a dream job that you want to pursue, just go for it. There’s so much support out there these days to help you achieve your career goals, including lots of Government-funded opportunities, like those available through Skills for Life.”
Skills for Life is running a campaign encouraging people aged 50 and over to look at the learning opportunities available to them. The group offers training in a variety of skills to equip people who want to change or advance their career.
Last year, Ms Jones was a finalist for Microlise Driver of the Year 2022 and won the regional Apprentice of the year award.
Asked about her retirement plans, she said: “While retirement is some way off (I love my job too much!), John Lewis Partnership has a good pension scheme in place which will help to set me up when the time comes.”
For the latest personal finance news, follow us on Twitter at @ExpressMoney_.
