Behind the wheel…

Driving ambition…

ASDA employs over 3,000 drivers across its 27 distribution centres in the UK, but in this industry it’s not often you see a woman behind the wheel. Over half of the 15,000 colleagues in ASDA’s distribution network are women, but only a small percentage of these ladies take on the task of driving goods to ASDA stores across the UK.

The reported long hours, safety elements and the prospect of working alone, have, in the past, put many women off. But, with driving for ASDA, as with other national fleets, this simply isn’t the case. ASDA offers flexible working options for all colleagues whether you’re stacking shelves in store or driving in depot.

For example, drivers can choose between working nights or days with the flexibility to work around home commitments, providing the essential work-life balance that we all need. With a competitive salary on the table too, ASDA hopes to see more female recruits with that driving ambition.

Love on the road…

Dave and Caroline Hutchinson are one couple who are, in more ways than one, married to the job. The couple, who both drive for the ASDA Chilled Distribution Centre in Washington, Newcastle Upon Tyne met at the depot, and four years ago decided to tie the knot.

“It was love at first sight”, says Dave, “we met on the twilight shift when Caroline started driving for ASDA here at the depot six years ago. We wanted to spend more time together, so we asked to be put on the same rotas. Now we get to work four nights a week and spend the rest of our time together - it’s great.”

Caroline has been driving lorries since she was 21,

“I always wanted to do it ever since I was at school, so as soon as I got the chance, I did my training and got my licence.” She added, “Driving a truck isn’t for every woman, but I love it. My job gives me flexibility, job satisfaction, a good salary and I guess for me more time with my other half!”

On the job training…

ASDA also offers on the job training to existing colleagues who might want to try their skills behind the wheel. ‘Driving Ambition’ is a course run by ASDA in depots to train selected colleagues to become drivers.

Jill Clarke, Head of People for ASDA Distribution commented, “Our drivers are some of the longest serving colleagues in ASDA, so that’s got to mean something positive. With flexible working hours and a competitive salary, we hope more drivers out there choose ASDA. We’ve got lots of Johns behind the wheel, a few more Janets would be nice”

For more information on driving for ASDA or for any other vacancies, visit our website: http://www.asda.jobs