Tom is part of the Graduate Management Scheme at Hoyer, and is just finishing his first rotation.

“The scheme offers various rotations, and my first was as the Location Transport Manager for the Esso Birmingham Terminal.”

In other words, he’s been getting a real taste of the pace and dynamism of real world logistics.

“It’s one of Hoyer’s busiest terminals and since day one I have been involved in operations, managing over 90 drivers. It’s been great because not only have I learnt more about operations, trucks and logistics, but I’ve been able to develop myself as a manager, and understand the characteristics I need to become a leader of the future.”

Tom first found out about the graduate scheme at a Novus careers fair. He realised it matched what he wanted to do and offered an opportunity to build on his degree in Business & Supply Chain Management. As he expected, he’s enjoyed the diversity of experience that the scheme’s given him, and appreciates the ways in which logistics isn’t necessarily office based.

“I felt I needed to be out and involved with the operations. For me, that’s how I can really develop my skills and knowledge, and enjoy what I do.”

Naturally Tom’s keen to experience the next rotations in his scheme, but he also has a specific interest in sustainability.

“I’ve been getting involved with connected issues at Hoyer and have been involved with generating new business in regards to more sustainable fuels and changing the way we report our fuels emissions.”

After graduating with a degree in International Business and French, Hannah joined Hoyer in April 2016 as a Fuels Planner.

‘As my degree wasn’t directly linked to logistics I was delighted to be offered the Planner role and get my foot in the door with such a reputable company. Just over a year later I was successful in gaining a place on the company’s Employee Development Programme; I was given a Company mentor and structured development plan to help me to achieve my career goals. After only 2 years in the planning team I was offered the role of Planning Supervisor for one of the Bitumen contracts, an opportunity I grabbed with both hands,  I viewed this is a great stepping stone towards progressing further into management in the future’

Following a company restructure in 2020, the responsibility for Resource Planning moved from the field locations to Head Office and Hannah was appointed as a Regional Resource Manager.

‘My current role in the business poses challenges that must be solved in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. I am faced with new challenges to solve on a daily basis whether it be customer facing or through ensuring that I effectively manage my team of planners to ensure that the operation runs to its fullest potential. I have enjoyed being pushed out of my comfort zone during this time. Possessing strong communication and problem solving skills, and being able to manage your own time effectively, is a major plus for anyone coming into this type of working environment due to the ever changing nature of the job and the unpredictable situations that arise’

‘Hoyer offer excellent personal development opportunities for those with “can do, will do” attitude. I have learnt a lot and made some great friends over the last 4 years.  I am very eager to progress further within HOYER and to broaden my experiences as far as I can, I look forward to further progressing my career within the company’

Before 2015, Edward had worked in a variety of different roles, from collecting food waste to retail management. Working in transport had always appealed to him, so when an opportunity came up with HOYER, he was quick to apply for a career switch.

The opportunity for growth and ongoing training played a big part, “In the early days I started driving a van full of parcels, using a map, and have now subsequently progressed to driving Class 1 Vehicles… Whilst working in transport I have always recognised that being a fuel tanker driver is hard to get into and is also known as being a very good job.”

Edward enjoyed the initial three weeks of training. “Three weeks sounds a long time but there are a lot of things to cover. Even now issues can arise but there is always someone there to help.” He went on to complete additional training to improve his own standard of driving; from skid pan training to advanced road driving, allowing him to pass his knowledge on to his students.

“I’ve enjoyed the training provided, from first doing the initial training then progressing to ongoing improvement. This is how all industries should train but sadly it does not happen. There are always improvements to be made or other training to learn from.”

Day-to-day, Edward enjoys the freedom of being on the road, with its varied views, and the sunsets and sunrises that a changing shift pattern provides. The satisfaction of knowing a job has been done well is also important to him, “It’s rewarding seeing an empty truck at the end of the day when you didn’t think it would be possible.”

Since switching to a job in logistics, Edward has had the opportunity to become a Driver Training instructor and is relishing the new challenge: “This is a great opportunity to learn new parts of the business and develop skills I have previously used as a driving instructor. I’m looking forward to my initial training so I can provide quality training to the standard HOYER and drivers would expect.”