A big welcome to Keir, who’s joined our fast-paced Transport team in Witham as our latest Apprentice!

Join us as we hear about his journey so far…

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I’m 19 and a huge football fan, especially when it comes to my local team, Braintree Town, I haven’t missed a single game this season, even across the 7,000 miles we’ve travelled! In my previous role, I worked as a general manager for a pizza chain, where I developed strong leadership skills and really came to understand the importance of teamwork and staying motivated.

What made you interested in a career in transport?

I’ve always been drawn to a career in transport, ever since I was a kid. Growing up, I spent a lot of time traveling around Europe, and I was always fascinated by the different trucks and trailers on the road. I used to think, “One day, I want to do something like that.” So, in a way, I always knew I’d end up in this industry.

What does a typical day look like for you so far?

A typical day for me starts with coming in and saying hello to everyone, then checking any emails that came in overnight. I usually take a few minutes to recap anything I learned the day before, just to keep it fresh. After that, I like to get stuck in and help wherever I can.

What have you enjoyed most about the role so far?

So far, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my new colleagues and learning more about how the business works day-to-day. It’s been great to see how everyone plays a role in keeping things running smoothly 24/7.

What’s one thing you’ve learned already that you didn’t expect?

What surprised me most was just how many different processes are involved in getting a single pallet from A to B. There’s so much more going on behind the scenes than I ever expected.

What’s your go-to snack for a long day at work?

I’d say my go to snack has got to be a packet of Maltesers straight out the fridge.

Head of Transport, Gary Thurlow said, “We’re excited to welcome Keir, our newest Apprentice, to the busy Transport team in Witham! Under the guidance of our Operations Manager Chris and myself, Keir has already made a strong impression with his energy and work ethic.

Over the next 12 months, Keir will gain hands-on experience across all areas of our transport planning, covering national and local operations, pallet networks, express consignments, and container transport. He’ll also shadow both a Transport Planner and an LGV driver and join me at customer meetings to understand the importance of client relationships.
Alongside his academic work, Keir will complete internal and external training, including key topics like drivers’ hours and working time regulations. We’re proud to support the next generation through our apprenticeship scheme and look forward to seeing Keir grow with Simarco International Ltd. Welcome aboard!”