Sian Smith (pictured), 20, is also the company’s first female driver apprentice and she passed her practical driving test within six months.
“Once I passed my test it felt amazing, but it still doesn’t seem real. From the start of my apprenticeship, everyone has been friendly and welcoming – the help and support I have received from the other drivers has been amazing,” she says.
Simon Wood, EMR logistics director, says the apprenticeship was launched to tackle the driver shortage in the industry, adding: “The commercial driving industry is clearly one dominated by men and there is no reason why it has to be that way, as men and women are equally capable when it comes to driving LGVs.
“We hope that this apprenticeship scheme and our success so far will bring more women into this industry.”
Sian now joins 70 EMR drivers based in the Midlands. John Bate, EMR Midlands transport manager, said: “I am immensely proud of what Sian achieved in such a short time during her apprenticeship with EMR... When someone thinks of a LGV driver they would typically imagine a middle-aged man, I am glad that this trend is changing as more and more women are joining the industry.”