FTA Driver of The Year Finalist 2017

Shot of London with the Shard in view

We are delighted to announce that Simply Waste Solutions driver Jamie Jarman has been shortlisted in the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Driver of the Year 2017 competition in the 18-tonne division.

The competition is open to all UK drivers from any business sector and is judged in three different vehicle contests: vans, 18 and 44-tonne trucks. This year saw a record number of entries for the FTA Driver of the Year and the selection process was tougher than ever.

Jamie was put forward by Simply Waste after being named the company’s best driver in an internal awards ceremony earlier this year.

“ I was shocked first of all becoming Simply Waste driver of the year and now to find out that I am, one of the chosen few to make it into the FTA Driver of the Year awards competition, I feel very honoured that Kevin and Simply Waste management had put me through to such a prestigious competition; a once in a work-life opportunity.

Working at Simply over the past few years has been enjoyable watching it grow, and growing with the company or family as it has now become, great group of friendly guys and girls from top management all way down to the guys you see on a regular 4 AM start”Jamie Jarman

To get to the final, Jamie has already had to compete in a series of elimination rounds, proving his competence in legal compliance and online hazard awareness tests.

The final will be held at Wentworth Park, Barnsley on Wednesday 13th September. The final assessment day will involve completing a variety of scoring tasks, testing both his knowledge and practical driving skills, he will be tested on things such as fuel-efficient driving, vehicle checks, obstacle/manoeuvring course and knowledge-based quiz. As well as the pride of being named FTA Driver of the Year, the overall winner will receive a £1,000-holiday voucher with second and third place receiving an iPad and a Red Letter Day voucher worth £150 respectively.

Internal investment is an important objective for Simply Waste and this has been driven by Academy Training Manager, Kevin Barcroft. As well as ensuring that drivers are being efficient and following all legal compliance, he notices who is excelling in their role and in Jamie’s case, puts employees forward for competitions such as Driver of the Year to reward their hard work. We feel it is vital to show commitment to our employees and make them feel valued for the important role they play in our ongoing success.

“ In the 18 months I’ve been with Simply Waste I’ve seen Jamie shine, both as a driver and a driver trainer. Like other drivers in our organisation, in relation to fuel efficiency, he has taken any advice on board and put it into practice, and although his standards were already high, he’s improved upon them still further. He truly does deserve to be put through to this prestigious competition and I’m confident that he’ll do well and make us all proud of him”Kevin Barcroft

Jamie has done extremely well so far and should feel proud that he has been included in the finals of this very prestigious competition and should consider himself to be among the elite of UK drivers.

Good luck Jamie!

FTA Driver of the year 2017