Skills Bootcamp helps get Steven back on the road and securing a dream job.
It was a completely new experience to Steven Odling when he was made redundant in early 2025.
Until that point, the 39-year-old from Lincoln hadn’t been out of work since he was 16. So, after losing his job as a customer service rep, he faced more than just a financial shock.
But with the chance of a fresh start in a new industry, Steven saw an opportunity to get involved in something he was interested in, getting behind the wheel of an HGV.
Steven said: “I’d worked all my life, so it was pretty terrifying being out of work, I didn’t really know what to do at first.
“I’ve always been fascinated by trucks. I just never thought I’d actually get the chance to follow it.”
Retraining to become an HGV driver isn’t cheap, and between lessons, tests and licenses the costs can quickly add up. It looked like something that Steven couldn’t take on while out of work.
But, through a collaboration between the county council, Lincoln College and Branston Ltd, and funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, a Skills Bootcamp in HGV driver training removed the cost barrier for Steven, allowing him and nearly 50 others to get the qualifications needed to kickstart a career in transport and logistics.
It’s a programme that’s working well. Since 2022, over 3,000 people have taken part in Skills Bootcamps across Greater Lincolnshire, with over 90 per cent of people going on to secure a new job, gain a promotion, or grow their own business.
It's a council programme that looks to boost local talent with opportunities to develop skills in high-demand sectors, like agri-food, healthcare, engineering, digital skills and more, all available to find on www.2aspire.org.uk/Greater-Lincolnshire-Skills-Bootcamps
They’re completely free for learners and can be completed online, face-to-face, or a mixture of both, and typically come with an interview opportunity on completion, depending on the course.
For Steven, it’s changed everything. On completing his course, he’s now employed full time at Branston Ltd, doing a job that he loves.
Steven added: “It’s made such a difference for me. I’ve gone from the shock and insecurity that comes with redundancy to a safe, steady job, that I’ve always wanted to do.”
Find a Skills Bootcamp that's right for you and take the next step towards your career goals: www.2aspire.org.uk/Greater-Lincolnshire-Skills-Bootcamps.
Steven is firmly back in the driving seat with the help of Skills Bootcamps