Former soldier keeping civvy street in good nick thanks to vets' charity

The 36-year-old served more than 14 years in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers after joining the British Army at 17.

His varied military career led to him receiving the operational service medal after active service in Afghanistan, where he served on the front line as part of a reconnaissance team.

He moved around after leaving the military and experienced homelessness, but when he contacted The Royal British Legion it referred him to Veterans into Logistics and the charity soon helped Meakins find a new role delivering highway solutions across the UK.

Meakins had worked as a vehicle mechanic in the army and already had his HGV licence, so Veterans into Logistics knew he’d be a perfect fit at EST.

He said: “I’d recommend this career to someone who has left the forces and is making the transition to civilian life.

“The shift pattern is 12 days on and two days off and you could get sent anywhere with the opportunity to work in different teams.

“Moving around to different locations across the UK when a job is completed has parallels to military life.”

Alongside his work at EST Eurovia, the former soldier has started an Open University health course and has long term plans to attend university and study physical therapy.

“Coming out of the Army in 2019 after 14 and a half years was an adjustment for sure!” Meakins added.

“I’m now on my second season at EST and I have a good understanding of how things operate.

“I’d recommend this work to veterans and service leavers and would encourage them to contact Veterans into Logistics.”

EST contracts manager James Atherton described Meakins as “a fantastic addition to the team”.

He said: “James’ military background has equipped him with discipline, attention to detail and a positive safety culture which are essential skills in the highway maintenance sector.”

John Harker, former army major and now GM at Veterans into Logistics, said: “We’re glad that James was referred to us by the British Legion, as our mission at Veterans into Logistics is to prevent unemployment and homelessness by providing HGV driver training and access to a logistics career.

“We know how much veterans and service leavers have to offer in new careers with the skills and experience gained from their time in the military.”