Ellis Burdett

Parachute Regiment

Ellis Burdett had wanted to join the Army for as long as he could remember. At 17, he began his military journey at AFC Harrogate before progressing into Parachute Regiment training.

However, after struggling with his mental health, Ellis made the difficult decision to leave the Army. Returning to civilian life at such a young age was challenging. After spending years working towards a military career, he suddenly found himself without the routine or direction he had expected his future to provide.

Ellis was determined to work and make his own way in life. Over the years, he found employment and eventually progressed to become an Assistant Manager at Greggs. Despite building a successful working life, he still felt he had not found the career he genuinely wanted to pursue.

Reflecting on this period, Ellis said, “I left the Army nine years ago and never really knew what I wanted to do with myself. I struggled to find a routine and something I genuinely wanted to pursue.”

One career had always remained in the back of his mind.

Ellis's father had been a lorry driver and he had often considered following in his footsteps. However, the cost of HGV training and uncertainty around how to enter the industry prevented him from taking that next step.

That changed when Ellis discovered Veterans into Logistics through social media.

With funding from the Army Benevolent Fund, Veterans into Logistics was able to fund Ellis's HGV training while providing the guidance and mentoring he needed throughout the process.

Ellis described the support as making the route into the industry feel achievable, saying, “What stood out was how easy Veterans into Logistics made it for me to pursue.”

Although nerves proved to be his biggest challenge during training, Ellis successfully passed every test first time and gained his Class 2 HGV licence.

With his new qualification, Ellis took the initiative to contact employers directly and successfully secured employment as a Tipper Driver.

The move into logistics has already made a significant difference to his life. As well as improving his financial position, Ellis has finally found a career that gives him motivation and something he genuinely enjoys doing.

He said, “The biggest improvement has been the financial gain and having the motivation to get up and do something I really enjoy.”

Looking ahead, Ellis has ambitions to continue progressing within the industry. His long term goal is to eventually own his own wagon and work for himself.

His advice to other veterans considering taking a similar opportunity is simple: “100% take this opportunity. You won't regret it.”

Reflecting on his experience, Ellis describes Veterans into Logistics as “An amazing charity that provides great opportunities to veterans.”

From leaving the Army at a young age without knowing what direction his life would take, to passing every HGV test first time and beginning a career inspired by his father, Ellis has now found the path he had spent years searching for.

His journey demonstrates the importance of removing the barriers that can prevent veterans from progressing into new careers. With funding from the Army Benevolent Fund and support from Veterans into Logistics, Ellis was able to turn a long held ambition into a qualification, employment and a career he can continue building for the future.