Apprentice HGV Driver in High Wycombe

Gravity Media deliver an unparalleled range of media services and solutions to clients worldwide utilising outside broadcast trucks, fly-packs and studios spanning the United Kingdom, ROI, Europe, the Middle East, the United States and Australia offering market-leading broadcast, technology, production, and post‑production solutions across many of the world’s most‑watched live events and entertainment programmes.

OUR PEOPLE

We have a passion for problem solving and thoughtful innovation and recognise our collective differences play a huge role in our success. Our teams are talented, passionate, dedicated, take pride in their work and support each other. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to attracting and developing talent, empowered through an inclusive culture. All suitably qualified applicants will be considered regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, religion, and age.

LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOURS

We hold high expectations of our leaders and managers who are responsible for driving the success of our people and the organisation. Our managers give clear communication, lead by example and feed back to foster growth and development of their team members. Management excellence is essential to the company’s success, and effective leadership requires a combination of interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and a commitment to providing a positive and productive work environment.

COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY

Gravity Media is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome a diverse range of applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalised as a result of such a request.

ABOUT THE ROLE

A BRIEF SUMMARY

Gravity Media is looking for motivated individuals to join our team as Rigger / Driver Trainee. This is an exciting opportunity to start a career in a niche industry, working on high‑profile projects and learning from experienced professionals. As a Rigger / Driver at Gravity Media, you will play a critical role in the delivery of our Outside Broadcasting vehicles across the UK and occasionally abroad and assist with rigging and cable operations on‑site. As part of this apprenticeship, you will work closely with our experienced HGV Drivers in order to learn and understand the role of Drivers and Riggers within the outdoor broadcast industry, while undertaking the required training to obtain the relevant license classifications required for driving class C+E vehicles. Hours of work will be variable, but on an average of 40 hours per week. There will be a combination of long and short days across 240 working days per year with overtime for working shifts over 10 hours in length.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Understand and demonstrate the importance of Health and Safety in the workplace
• Comply with organisational safety, policies and procedures
• Safe, controlled and fuel‑efficient driving techniques relating to driving
• Safe use of equipment and machinery e.g. manual handling equipment, vehicle and delivery systems, including where to find relevant instructions
• Guidance on vehicle preparation, including vehicle safety checks/inspections, defect reporting, safety requirements, loading, securing and unloading processes
• How to protect the vehicle and associated loads, including management of unlawful access to vehicle and loads
• Basic IT applications and other relevant technology and systems e.g. tachographs, adaptive braking, hand held scanners, on board telematics etc.
• Working in all types of weather conditions
• Maintaining a professional outset at all times with customers, clients and colleagues

All employees are expected to contribute and participate in work activities in line with our management system to ensure the continual improvement of our business.

TRAINING PROGRAMME

The Apprenticeship scheme is anticipated to take a year to complete from start to finish. Within this time you will be expected to have learned and demonstrated:

• CPC training
• Fundamentals of Rigging on site
• HGV driving lessons and successful execution of relevant formal assessments delivered via a recognised external training provider
• Upon obtaining all relevant licences, demonstrate in practice whilst under internal driving assessment

THIS ROLE IS FOR YOU IF

• You have an aptitude, interest and desire in acquiring a C+E license and working within the broadcast industry
• Have a Full clean UK Cat B driving licence (car) and 3 years driving experience
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to safety
• Ability to work at heights and in a team environment
• Willing and able to undertake extended assignments away from home, being comfortable with some long periods away, both with UK and overseas travel

COMPANY BENEFITS

• 25 Days annual leave plus Public Holidays
• Life Assurance from day 1
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Competitive family friendly policies
• Flexible working arrangements
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Discounts Platform and Employee Wellbeing Portal

PHASE 1 - INDUCTION

Based High Wycombe

• Company induction, site familiarisation, site visits
• Basic Health and Safety Courses (Manual Handling, Slips, trips & Falls etc)
• First Aid at Work Course
• Working at Heights
• Scaffold Awareness Training

PHASE 2 – CABLE

Based High Wycombe

• Working with the cable team in base
• Safe Loading
• Cable identification
• IPAF 3A and 3B (Scissor lift / Cherry Picking)
• Forklift Operator Training and Testing (external provider)

This stage includes an assessment at the end of each week (3 in total).

PHASE 3 – ON THE JOB TRAINING (OJT)

Week 6 - 22 Field Based – Determined by Head of Rigging

• OJT – Shadow Mentor – Experienced Rigger Supervisor
• Must be able to demonstrate: Planning Sheets, Running cables, Responsibilities as per JD

This stage includes 2 assessments at the end of week 16 and week 22. These would be pass or fail elements – Determined by the mentor.

Cat C+E Licence Acquisition Theory Training, Hazard Perception & Mod 2 practice. This is age dependant and holding a Cat B (Car Licence). The training would be classed as homework and be expected to be completed by the trainee in High Wycombe during working hours. Successful completion of 3 mock tests, taken during working hours, would result in live tests being booked. Subject to the conditions outlined above, live Cat C+E DCPC Parts 1& 2 completed.

PHASE 4 – LICENCE ACQUISITION

Week 23 - 25 Cat C+E Licence Acquisition. Weeks intensive course, to include DCPC Parts 3a, 3b and 4. Driver Induction training delivered by Fleet or Head of Rigging: (to cover tachographs, bridge strikes, drink & drug awareness etc)

Practical Driver Training: Introduction to the various range of vehicles currently operated by EMG. Practical driving element to build up confidence over a range of different road types.

PHASE 5 – CONFIRMATION OF TRAINING

Week 26 – 53

This element would also include a further 2 confirmation assessments and a final one at week 53. On successful completion of the final assessment, individual is appointed to Junior Rigger and can now be crewed. There would also be further driving assessments during this phase, these would be spaced between the confirmation assessments. The aim of the driving assessments is to provide support to the newly qualified driver and enhance their level of competency to drive the expensive and bespoke vehicle fleet operated by EMG. As an operator licence holder, EMG have a duty to promote and implement road safety measures and schemes and ongoing driver training forms part of that commitment. This training will also assist in reducing the likelihood of accidents, bad habits and practices. During this final phase of training, the individual may be tasked with attending job fairs / colleges in order to assist in promoting the role of a rigger driver to the next generation of trainees.

SALARY STRUCTURE

To provide ongoing incentives for the trainee, consideration should be given for the salary to be raised in increments during the various training phases.

• Phase 1 Starting salary £27,000
• Completion of Phase 5 (After 1 year) Increase to £30,000
• Ability to drive independently with consistent performance (estimated after 18 months to 2 years of service)