At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to become a professional HGV driver while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join Cotteswold Dairy, a respected family-run business with strong values.
- Benefits: Receive funded training, practical support, and a pathway to a stable career.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a community-focused company.
- Why this job: Kickstart your driving career in a supportive environment with real impact.
- Qualifications: Must have provisional HGV status, completed medical and theory tests.
About The Role
Location: Tewkesbury Depot
Department: Transport
Shift requirements: Nights and weekends included
Start Your HGV Driving Career with Cotteswold Dairy
Are you a confident car driver looking to build a professional career on the road? Have you started your HGV journey already - with your medical, theory and provisional licence in place? Would you like to continue your journey with a respected, independent local business? Cotteswold Dairy is offering an exciting HGV Driver Training Scheme, giving you the opportunity to work towards your HGV licence while receiving practical support from experienced Transport Supervisors, Fleet Managers, driving instructors and an external training provider.
We are looking for someone with the right attitude, a strong commitment to safety and a genuine willingness to learn. As this is an extremely popular role, we ask that you have already completed your HGV Medical, applied for your provisional licence & passed your Theory Test. In return we will fund your ongoing training - subject to a training agreement. At the end of your training you will join our fleet as a fully qualified driver.
Your Training
Our structured programme is designed to give you the knowledge, qualifications and confidence needed to become a professional HGV Driver. Alongside your licence training, you will gain practical experience within our operation, including:
- Product familiarisation
- Vehicle loading and safe load restraint
- Navigation and customer service training
- Learning delivery rounds through our driver buddy system
- Order picking and warehouse familiarisation
The Role After Training
Once you have successfully completed the programme, you will be expected to:
- Operate HGV vehicles safely and responsibly
- Deliver dairy and other products to wholesale customers
- Load and unload pallets and roll cages at customer sites
- Pick orders and develop a strong knowledge of our products
- Complete thorough daily vehicle checks
- Report minor and serious vehicle defects promptly
- Provide friendly, reliable and professional customer service
- Follow all relevant driving, safety and working-time requirements
This is an active role involving regular manual handling, so you will need to be comfortable working in a busy and physical environment.
What We’re Looking For
You will need:
- A clean UK or EU car driving licence with a good driving history & provisional HGV status
- No pending penalty points
- HGV Medical, Theory and Hazard Perception modules completed
- The flexibility to work night shifts and weekends
- A safe, courteous and responsible approach to driving
- Good communication and customer service skills
- A positive attitude and high level of motivation
- A genuine willingness to learn and develop
- The ability to carry out manual handling duties safely
Previous delivery or customer service experience would be useful, but your attitude, reliability and commitment to completing the training are what matter most.
About Us
Since 1938, Cotteswold Dairy has flourished from a modest milk round—delivering just 30 gallons a day using a bucket and ladle—into one of the UK’s most respected independent, family-run dairies, rooted in Tewkesbury. Built on the founding values of quality, service, and cleanliness, the business has remained committed to those principles spanning three generations, now under the leadership of Managing Director George Workman. Today, we process, pack, and deliver over 100 million litres of milk and dairy products each year to doorstep customers and businesses across England and Wales, operating from multiple depots and a modern production site in Tewkesbury. At our heart lies a strong ethical and environmental commitment. We partner with local farms within a 60-mile radius—many Red Tractor-certified—promoting sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and minimal environmental impact. We’ve championed eco-friendly initiatives for decades, including returnable glass bottles, electric milk floats, telematics for efficient logistics, and zero waste-to-landfill operations. More than a business, Cotteswold Dairy is a values-driven community dedicated to delivering wholesome, high-quality dairy products while nurturing people, our communities, and our planet—making us a compelling and meaningful place to build your career.
Trainee HGV Driver - Tewkesbury employer: Cotteswold Dairy Ltd
Cotteswold Dairy Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With competitive pay, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive training, employees are empowered to grow within the company while enjoying the satisfaction of delivering quality products to their community in the picturesque setting of Hereford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee HGV Driver - Tewkesbury
✨Get Hands-On with Logistics
Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern with local transport companies or logistics firms. This experience can give you real insights into the industry and make you much more attractive to Cotteswold Dairy Ltd when applying for the Trainee HGV Driver - Tewkesbury position.
✨Join Transportation or Logistics Groups
Find and join online communities or forums focused on transportation and logistics. Engaging with industry professionals in places like LinkedIn or relevant Facebook groups can help you stay updated on industry trends and job openings at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd.
✨Visit Career Fairs and Networking Events
Keep an eye out for career fairs specifically focused on transportation and logistics. Attending these events is a great way to meet potential employers like Cotteswold Dairy Ltd and create a more personal connection that could land you that Trainee HGV Driver - Tewkesbury role.
✨Directly Apply on Our Website
Don't forget to head over to our website to apply for the Trainee HGV Driver - Tewkesbury role at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd. It’s often the best way to ensure your application stands out, and you'll be engaging directly with our hiring team.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:In the transportation and logistics field, having great organisational skills is key. Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience, like managing schedules or coordinating deliveries. If you've handled logistics in a volunteer role or a part-time gig, shout about it!
Show Your Willingness to Learn:As a trainee, we want to see your excitement about learning and growing in this space. When writing your cover letter, talk about why you're passionate about transportation and logistics, and how you hope to develop your skills with us at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd in this role.
Use Industry-Specific Language:When crafting your application, sprinkle in some industry-specific jargon that shows you're familiar with the world of logistics. Terms like 'supply chain management', 'route optimisation', or 'inventory control' will help demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the field.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Make sure to adapt your CV specifically for this trainee position. Focus on your educational background relevant to logistics, any pertinent coursework, and highlight any practical experience, even if it’s just coursework projects. Let’s make your application stand out to Cotteswold Dairy Ltd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd
✨Get to Grips with Logistics Basics
As a trainee in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the basics, like supply chain principles and inventory management. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss them, as they might pop up in scenarios during the interview with Cotteswold Dairy Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Logistics relies heavily on strong organisational abilities. Be prepared to share examples of how you've handled multiple tasks or managed deadlines in the past. It could be anything from a project at uni to volunteering—showing your potential through experiences can really impress the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Tools
Make sure you're familiar with commonly used logistics software or tools like TMS (Transportation Management Systems) or warehouse management solutions. If you’ve used any related tech during your studies or internships, be ready to talk about your experience. It shows you're actively engaged and ready to hit the ground running at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As a trainee, your willingness to learn will be just as important as what you already know. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the transportation-logistics field and your desire to absorb knowledge and skills from those around you. It's all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a valuable learning opportunity at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd.
