Tamara Honeywell, a former professional footballer and army veteran, has found a new career as an HGV driver for Stobart.
The 46-year-old, who is originally from Jamaica, moved to England in her 20s to pursue a football career. However, she decided to join the army instead and served for 10 years, including two tours of Afghanistan and The Falklands. After leaving the army, she worked in various jobs, including as a bus driver, postwoman, and teaching assistant.
When the cost-of-living crisis hit, Tamara decided to become an HGV driver. She found Veterans into Logistics, a charity that helps veterans find employment in the logistics industry. Veterans into Logistics helped Tamara get her HGV Class 1 license and find a job with Stobart.
Tamara is now enjoying her new career as an HGV driver. She says that she is able to work flexible hours that allow her to spend time with her 11-year-old son.
She is also grateful to Stobart for being supportive of her career and for accommodating her schedule.
“I’m there to do a professional job, I’m paid and I’m happy,” said Tamara. “I start my shift around 7 or 8 o’clock in the evening, which means that before work I can pick my son up from school. It’s so important to me that we can have dinner together, do his homework and I get to put him to bed.”
John Harker MBE, the General Manager of Veterans into Logistics, said:
“Tamara’s story is a testament to the flexibility and work-life balance that can be achieved in the logistics industry. With the current shortage of HGV Drivers, logistics companies, including our partner Stobart, are eager to support staff by providing the flexibility to fit around family life.”
A Stobart spokesperson commented:
“We are proud to have Tamara as part of our team at Stobart and congratulate her on successfully transitioning into her career as an HGV driver. At Stobart, we are committed to supporting initiatives like Veterans into Logistics and providing employment opportunities for ex-military personnel.”