Martin Crowned Greater Lincolnshire’s Learner of the Year

An HGV driver who took part in the Lincoln College SWAP program has been named as Greater Lincolnshire’s Learner of the Year by Lincolnshire County Council. 

Martin Spencer, who was initially referred by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to the College’s SWAP programme, received his prize this week at the Lincolnshire Show. 

SWAP, which stands for Sector-based Work Academy Program is a partnership between the College, an Employer and the Job Centre. 

A SWAP aims to provide the customer with training including a job-specific qualification, a form of work experience, and a guaranteed interview. 

Martin had the chance to progress onto the College’s HGV Driver Training programme. The course consisted of a Driver Logistics qualification and included modules on CV writing, appling for a job and Interview skills, Martin completed these within a week.  

At the end of the week, Martin attended an interview with the Driver training Co-ordinator in order to put his new skill to the test.  

Curriculum Lead for Adult Education at Lincoln College, Holly Clayton, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to hear that Martin has received this prize and it is fully deserved. 

“This programme was designed to give an opportunity to learners to gain a place on our fully-funded HGV driving course which would give the learners the full training on driving a Class 1 HGV gaining their licence to then seek employment using this new skill. 

“This was a fantastic opportunity for any learner as the training costs can be up to £4,000 if they self-funded. 
 
“Martin showed great determination in gaining a place on the course, he had already applied for his provisional licence off his own back. He had come through a very difficult time in the last year, due to health issues that caused him to lose his employment 6 months ago. He had to learn to walk and talk again during this period, but never lost focus as he was adamant that the disability he had was not going to beat him.” 

Martin was then accepted on the Driver training course because of his determination and strength that he had already shown in his recovery. 

Due to his disability the medical checks required for the HGV provisional licence was in-depth and did take longer than normal, but Martin was successful. Due to the time delay from his medical Martin was unable to progress on the course with the same timescale as all others on the programme, so when the licence was granted Martin wasted no time in completing the theory part of the course in record time. 

Holly added: “Martin then went on to complete his practical driver training within 10 days and passed his test, gaining his full HGV licence, which is amazing.  He then went and secured his own job without any support from the college. 

“He is now employed full-time at DK Tippers in Lincoln. Martin did not want to give up as many may have done in his situation and he never let his disability hold him back or saw himself with a disability.” 

To find out more about the SWAP programme and other ways to kickstart your career, visit www.lincolncollege.ac.uk