James Coles

Household Cavalry

James Coles served in the British Army for ten years between 2008 and 2018, spending his military career with both the Royal Military Police and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. During his service, he carried out a wide range of responsibilities including garrison policing, crime prevention, patrol and security duties, and operational deployments, including service in Afghanistan. His military career also took him overseas to countries such as Kenya and Germany, while his role within the Household Cavalry saw him undertake prestigious ceremonial duties, including standing as part of the Queen's Life Guard.

After leaving the Army, James faced many of the challenges experienced by veterans transitioning into civilian life. While he was able to find work, it took time to discover a career that provided the same sense of purpose, structure and long-term stability he had enjoyed during his military service. He found himself trying different jobs while searching for the right fit and often missed the routine and direction that had been such a significant part of life in the Armed Forces. Throughout this period, the support of his family played an important role in helping him move forward.

James first heard about Veterans into Logistics through the veteran community. Having always enjoyed driving and being on the road, he saw the logistics sector as a natural career path and contacted the charity with the goal of gaining a recognised qualification that could lead to long-term employment. More than anything, he wanted to build a stable and reliable future in a profession where he could continue developing his skills and progress his career.

Through Veterans into Logistics, James received funding for his HGV licence, training support, employment assistance and guidance throughout the entire process. He successfully completed his HGV Class 2 Licence, including all required theory tests and Driver CPC qualifications. James described the training process as professional, well organised and supportive, crediting the instructors with helping him quickly build confidence behind the wheel. While adapting to the size and width of an HGV was initially challenging, he soon grew comfortable and found everything began to fall into place.

Following the successful completion of his training, Veterans into Logistics introduced James to its recruitment support team, who provided details of suitable vacancies in his area. With assistance throughout the application process, James secured employment in less than two weeks and is now working as an HGV Class 2 Tanker Driver. His day-to-day role includes carrying out vehicle safety checks, transporting products between sites, planning routes efficiently, adhering to Drivers' Hours regulations and ensuring all work is completed safely and professionally.

The move into logistics has had a significant impact on James' life. He credits the industry with providing stability, direction and the feeling of having a genuine career once again rather than simply another job. The biggest improvement has been the security that comes from stable employment and a reliable income, while one of his proudest achievements remains passing his HGV licence and successfully establishing himself within the industry.

Looking ahead, James plans to continue building experience within logistics, progress to gaining his Class 1 licence and explore further specialist qualifications such as ADR training. Reflecting on his journey, he encourages other veterans to take advantage of the opportunities available, highlighting the structured career path and support network that Veterans into Logistics provides. He describes the charity as "a great organisation that genuinely helps veterans get back on track with a solid career."

James' story demonstrates how the right support, training and opportunities can help veterans successfully transition into civilian employment and build rewarding long-term careers within the logistics sector.