For Jonathan Owen, gaining his CAT C+E (Class 1) licence was about much more than adding a qualification to his CV - it marked the culmination of an incredible personal journey of recovery, resilience and renewed confidence. 


Not too long ago, Jonathan's future looked very different. Following a motocross accident, he suffered a serious back injury that left him with a shattered vertebra. After emergency treatment at Stoke hospital and extensive surgery, Jonathan faced a long and challenging recovery.


"I thought I was 20 years younger than I actually was at the time and let's just say it didn't end very well," Jonathan recalls.


The accident left him unable to walk, unable to work and bed-bound for 12 months. What followed was an extremely long period of rehabilitation as he worked towards rebuilding his life and considering a return to employment. As his recovery progressed, Jonathan began exploring career opportunities and discovered that his Driver CPC had expired. Determined to get back into the transport industry, he started contacting training providers to understand his options. That's when he spoke to our Business Development Manager, Adam, here at Dulson Training.


"Adam was really informative and helpful. He told me about a fully funded training provision and explained that I could renew my Driver CPC and potentially upgrade my licence from Class 2 to Class 1 - all through a funded programme at no financial cost, other than my time and commitment."


The funded programme Jonathan is referring to is a Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP), delivered by Dulson Training. Designed to help individuals develop the skills and qualifications needed to enter or progress within the transport and logistics sector, the programme combines a 3 week classroom course with funded vocational training opportunities. Learners gain recognised qualifications in employability, customer service and warehousing, while also having the opportunity to achieve professional licences and certifications (such as HGV, PCV, ADR, Forklift and more). For Jonathan, the programme provided the chance to renew his Driver CPC and upgrade from a CAT C (Class 2) to a CAT C+E (Class 1) licence, helping him rebuild his career and confidence.


Initially, Jonathan wasn't convinced that he would successfully complete the classroom-based elements of the course and doubted whether he would progress to the driving qualification. 


"I wasn't sure I would pass the courses as my school years were a very long time ago," Jonathan explained. However, with the support of his tutor, and the wider training team, Jonathan quickly found himself enjoying the learning experience - "I actually ended up really enjoying the course. What started as something I was dreading became something I looked forward to. I felt a real sense of achievement because I wasn't only gaining qualifications - I was also gaining confidence."


Throughout the programme and continuing into his driver training, the support provided by Adam and Austin (Jonathan's driving instructor) played a key role in helping him succeed - "All the tutors were willing to spend the time reassuring me and helping me believe in my ability to complete the courses. Every question was answered quickly and clearly whenever I was unsure about something." 


By the end of the programme, Jonathan had achieved far more than he originally expected. During the classroom-based course, before beginning his driver training, he successfully gained industry specific qualifications. He then went on to achieve an up-to-date Driver CPC and a CAT C+E (Class 1) HGV licence. Alongside these qualifications, Jonathan developed increased confidence and self-belief, as well as a stronger understanding of recruitment processes and the workplace.


"This has not only improved my CV, but it has massively increased my self-confidence and belief in myself, especially after everything I went through during my recovery."


Looking back on the experience, Jonathan is clear about the impact the programme has had on both his career prospects and personal confidence. "I'm so glad I built up the courage to start the course," he said. "It helped me realise there are plenty of opportunities out there." Having gone from facing a long recovery after a life-changing accident to achieving his Class 1 licence and updating his CPC, Jonathan believes the programme could benefit a wide range of people, particularly those recovering from illness or injury, anyone looking to upskill, or those simply wanting to improve their employability and personal development.


When asked what he would say to someone considering the training, his advice was simple: "Don't even think about it - get it booked. Find the time. You won't regret it." And as for whether he would recommend Dulson Training, his answer was an emphatic "YEEEEEEEES." Jonathan added: "I've genuinely tried to think of something they could improve, but honestly, I can't. I know that sounds like a staged answer, but it's just the truth."


Jonathan's journey is a powerful example of how funded training opportunities can change lives. Through determination, hard work and the support of the team around him, he has turned one of the most challenging periods of his life into a springboard for new opportunities, greater confidence and a promising future in the transport industry. We are incredibly proud of everything he has achieved and wish him every success as he takes the next step in his career.


If Jonathan's story has inspired you, you could be eligible to join one of our fully funded SWAP programmes. Funding is available to eligible learners aged 19+, earning less than £25,750 per year and meeting residency requirements. To find out more and check your eligibility, complete our short enquiry form: Funded HGV & Logistics Training | Dulson Training Ltd