Deciding on a career is a complicated and often overwhelming position to be in, with many taking a conventional route – but for Matthew Weeden, choosing the open road over a traditional office desk is proving to be a rewarding alternative route to university. At twenty-five years old, Matt chose a practical apprenticeship over higher education, stepping straight into a career with prospects as a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Apprentice at Welch Group, a sponsor of careers awareness campaign, Generation Logistics.
His journey shows how workplace learning provides clear progression, real responsibility, and early independence without incurring the significant student debt that many find themselves with after three years at university. By entering the sector directly after earning a forklift truck certificate, Matthew’s choices show that success іn today's workforce does not necessarily require five days a week in a classroom or office. Technical training offers an immediate bridge into crucial sectors that keep the nation running every single day and can result in a well-paid job with the potential to rise through the ranks.
Rising higher education costs mean school leavers need clear, debt-free pathways into high-demand sectors. Logistics underpins the entire UK economy, yet many young adults remain unaware of the specialised opportunities available. Highlighting real experiences like Matthew’s helps challenge outdated stereotypes, demonstrating that work-based learning provides high-value technical qualifications and long-term career stability for young people who prefer learning by doing.
Starting as a yardman operating a forklift loading and unloading lorries, Matthew began building his career foundations from the ground up. Explaining what drew him tо the position, Matthew said, “What attracted me was the route Welch Group offer to get your HGV licence. Once you've got your car license, you get eased through each weight class vehicle tо get a good understanding of each level and versatility with different vehicles.” Progressing through each vehicle weight class allows apprentices to build confidence, understand practical driver safety and gain comprehensive operational knowledge before taking оn heavier transport. Before starting his apprenticeship, Matthew gained experience across other jobs which helped him identify how he works best. Reflecting оn that, Matthew said: “I have previously done delivery jobs, and that made me realise I much prefer being out and about on the road than іn an office.”
Finding a fulfilling career route does not always require spending three years at university - іt comes down to choosing a training model that fits a learner’s individual strengths.
Moving out оn the road independently has provided Matt with a major sense of accomplishment., “My career highlight sо far is completing a few runs by myself, getting tо grips with delivering palletised goods” he said. Learning every facet of transport creates a practical operational understanding that stays with an apprentice throughout their career. “The best thing about my role іs that it allows me to plan for the future. Gaining a full understanding оf transport, from the loading and unloading all the way tо driving, provides a job for life.”
Written by
Jonathan Routledge.
Generation Logistics is an industry-led initiative to increase industry awareness and find the next generation of logistics industry talent. Find out more: https://generationlogistics.org/
