In a press release, the Asda supermarket chain confirmed a two-year established partnership between Veterans into Logistics and Asda Logistic Services. Together, their aim is to prevent homelessness and unemployment in the veteran community.
The £40,000 donation from Asda will go towards training and mentoring for ten veterans to pass their HGV licences.
Besides HGV driver training, the team at Veterans into Logistics also provide personal mentoring as they understand the skills, discipline, and hard-working ethos that ex-military personnel have from their careers in the armed forces.
Commenting on the donation and the partnership, Veterans into Logistics CCO Major Ian Battersby said:
“We are extremely grateful for this donation from Asda which will enable us to train 10 veterans into new careers as HGV drivers. We are so pleased that Asda continue to partner with us and see the benefits of employing veterans with the dedication and skills they bring. We have already upskilled and supported veterans who are working for Asda Logistic Services who say they are enjoying their new careers and feel respected and appreciated by Asda. This donation will be life-changing for the veterans it supports, bringing structure, stability and financial security.”
Sixty-year-old Carl Smith, who left the Armed Forces in September after 43 years’ service, got in touch with Veterans into Logistics as soon as he left the Armed Forces and he’s now a trainee HGV driver at Asda’s Skelmersdale depot.
Carl said:
“Getting this job means a lot. I envisioned having to get my CV done for all kinds of jobs and sending them off to people and take a gamble like everyone else but Veterans into Logistics opened those doors and closed them at the same time if that makes sense and they got me a direct link into Asda. I really appreciate the fact that Asda have taken me on.”
The army veteran continued:
“I think it’s amazing what Asda and Veterans into Logistics are doing. I did not expect it to be honest. What they have done for myself is great but what they are doing for other people who are probably less fortunate than me is amazing. It’s a really good thing and I hope more companies will look at doing it. Some people may think that because you’ve been in the military all your life you are boxed off and sorted, but you’re not. There are lots of people with lots of problems still who need gainful employment.”
Meanwhile, Melanie Richmond, Training Manager at Asda Logistic Services, added:
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Veterans into Logistics with this investment that will help to support 10 armed forces veterans with the opportunity to be upskilled to hold an HGV licence. We have been working with Veterans into Logistics for the last two years, helping them with their vision of supporting and rehabilitating ex armed forces back into work and civilian life and the next step of their life journey.”