Ryan Dalton

Royal Logistic Corps

Ryan Dalton joined the British Army at just 16 years old, serving in the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) for around four years. During his military career, he was responsible for maintaining vehicle readiness, carrying out safety inspections and transporting essential supplies and equipment in demanding environments. Working under pressure as part of a close-knit team, Ryan developed many of the qualities that would later serve him well within the logistics industry.

Like many veterans, Ryan found the transition to civilian life challenging. Leaving behind the camaraderie, structure and routine of military service was not easy, and he struggled to find the same sense of purpose and direction after leaving the Army. While he was keen to build a successful civilian career, a lack of commercial licences and industry experience made it difficult to access the opportunities he was looking for.

Ryan first heard about Veterans into Logistics through veteran networks and social media. Having seen the success the charity was having in helping veterans gain qualifications and secure employment, he decided to get in touch. His goal was simple – gain the qualifications needed to build a stable career and create a better future for himself.

Through Veterans into Logistics, Ryan received funding, training support, mentoring and employment assistance. He completed HGV refresher training and his Driver CPC, describing the training process as professional, supportive and well suited to those from a military background. One of the biggest challenges was adapting to civilian road regulations and testing requirements, but with the support of the team around him, he successfully completed the training and moved forward into employment.

Following his training, Ryan secured a role as an HGV Driver with Joda Freight through the support and industry connections provided by Veterans into Logistics. Today, his role involves carrying out vehicle safety checks, transporting freight to locations across the country, liaising with customers and managing schedules and transport documentation. His work has taken him to a wide range of locations, from busy residential deliveries to high-profile destinations such as Wimbledon, while also operating specialist equipment including Moffett forklifts.

The move into logistics has had a significant impact on Ryan's life. He credits the industry with giving him financial stability, renewed purpose and the team environment he had missed since leaving the Army. The biggest improvement has been to his mental wellbeing and confidence, while one of his proudest achievements has been successfully completing his training and getting back on the road as a professional driver.

Looking ahead, Ryan plans to continue building experience within the transport sector and develop a long-term career in logistics. Reflecting on his journey, he encourages other veterans not to be afraid to ask for help and describes Veterans into Logistics as "a life-changing charity that bridges the gap between military service and a successful civilian career."

Ryan's story demonstrates how the right support, training and opportunities can help veterans overcome the challenges of transition and build rewarding careers within the logistics industry.

‍