Lea Jackson

Household Cavalry

Lea Jackson served for five years in the British Army with the Household Cavalry, proudly representing the nation in ceremonial duties on horseback in London.

During his service, Lea later transitioned into the armoured regiment, where he trained and served as a tank crewman, developing discipline, resilience, and specialist operational skills that would shape his future.

Like many service leavers, however, the transition to civilian life brought uncertainty.

Lea left the Army with clear goals: to find a job he could enjoy, achieve financial stability, and adapt successfully to life outside the military. He recognised early that gaining qualifications would be key, and one goal stood out above the rest; achieving his HGV Class 1 licence as a route into a stable, long-term career.

Despite his efforts, that opportunity was blocked while he was still serving.

After initial encouragement, his place on an HGV course was prevented simply because he was leaving the military, a moment that significantly affected his confidence and direction.

As a result, Lea took the first job available to ensure income, even though it was not a role he enjoyed. At the same time, he faced wider challenges common to many veterans transitioning into civilian life, adjusting to a new working culture, managing finances without the structure of military life, navigating public interactions, and adapting to full-time life with a partner, all alongside a noticeable reduction in income.

Lea knew he needed a different path.

While searching for opportunities, he discovered Veterans into Logistics.

He describes the moment as a turning point.

Unable to fund training himself, the programme represented a genuine opportunity to access the career he had always wanted.

Through Veterans into Logistics, Lea received comprehensive support throughout his journey. This included HGV Class 1 theory and practical training, full Driver CPC qualification, and his digital tachograph card, all delivered alongside consistent guidance and encouragement from the team.

Reflecting on the experience, Lea highlights the professionalism and positive environment throughout training, describing the instructors as supportive, friendly, and committed to helping him succeed.

That support led directly to employment.

Today, Lea is working as a Class 1 HGV driver with FLX Logistics, a role that has provided stability, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction.

He describes the career as something he can see himself doing until retirement.

While time away from home presents challenges, Lea feels the benefits outweigh the difficulties. The role has delivered the financial stability and comfort he was seeking and confirmed that he is now in the right place.

Looking ahead, Lea’s ambitions continue to grow.

His next goals include training in tanker driving and progressing into international long-haul driving across Europe, combining career progression with the opportunity to see more of the world.

Reflecting on his journey, Lea identifies two major changes since joining the programme: improved mental health and greater financial security.

Before this transition, he describes feeling drained, stuck, and working in a role that negatively affected his wellbeing. The opportunity to retrain and move into logistics provided renewed confidence, hope, and a clear pathway forward.

His message to other veterans is simple:

“Go for it. Don’t hold back. It’s 100% worth it.”

Lea’s story demonstrates the impact that access to training, funding, and hands-on support can have for veterans rebuilding their futures.

At Veterans into Logistics, our mission is to remove barriers and create meaningful career pathways. Lea’s journey is a strong example of what happens when the right opportunity meets determination, restoring confidence, improving wellbeing, and creating long-term stability through employment.