Blaine Hudson, former Wrexham AFC football player, is setting his sights on a new career path as he transitions from the pitch to life beyond professional football. Hudson, who recently completed his HGV lorry driver training through the Welsh Government’s Personal Learning Account (PLA) scheme at Gatewen Training Services, is exploring exciting opportunities in logistics and transportation.

Standing at an impressive 6’ 4”, Hudson is best known as a commanding centre-half who started his career at Norwich City. After stints at Cambridge United, Wrexham AFC, and Chester FC, Blaine solidified his reputation at The New Saints (TNS), where he has been a key figure in defence since joining in May 2017. During his time at Wrexham AFC, Hudson made 84 competitive first-team appearances and netted seven goals, cementing his place in the hearts of Wrexham fans.

As he embarks on a new journey outside of football, Blaine recently visited the North East Wales Skills Academy (NEWSA), located at the JCB Skills Academy on the Wrexham Industrial Estate. While at NEWSA, Blaine took the time to speak with a group of young people from the WeMindTheGap ‘Gappies’ programme, an initiative designed to provide new opportunities and skills to young people. The visit was an inspiring experience for all involved, with the Gappies getting a hands-on feel for driving qualifications through the academy’s state-of-the-art simulators.

Blaine shared his thoughts on the transition from football to new challenges: “Learning new skills outside of football has been an exciting and rewarding journey. Gatewen Training Services and NEWSA offer incredible facilities here in Wrexham, and I encourage anyone considering a career change to explore the opportunities available. The logistics sector is in high demand, and I’m grateful to everyone at Gatewen and NEWSA for helping me on this path.”

Julian Hughes of Gatewen Training Services, and Craig Weeks from JCB, who hosted the Flintshire #WeGrow programme, praised Blaine’s engagement with the young people at NEWSA. His story of personal growth and career change served as an inspiration to the next generation.

Background
James Royce’s life took a dramatic turn during his time at HMP Berwyn. Facing the reality of incarceration prompted him to reflect deeply on his past choices and the kind of future he wanted to build. With limited direction and a strong desire for stability, James began searching for a new path — one that would offer purpose and a real chance at rebuilding his life.

Discovering Opportunity
While attending a resettlement session in prison, James was introduced to an HGV driver training programme delivered by NEWSA. The course stood out as a practical, hands-on route to employment with genuine job prospects — exactly what he was looking for.

Starting a New Chapter
Motivated by the desire for a fresh start, James enrolled on the NEWSA training programme. His experience there proved transformative. “The training was brilliant,” he recalls. “It wasn’t just about learning to drive. We covered safety, logistics, and vehicle mechanics. The instructors really cared and wanted us to succeed.”

Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from prison life to full-time training came with its challenges. “The structure was different and there was a lot to take in,” says James. “But having a routine and something to work towards gave me purpose.”

A Proud Achievement
Passing his HGV licence was a pivotal moment. “I hadn’t felt that proud of myself in a long time,” James admits. “It wasn’t just about the licence—it was about proving I could turn things around.”

Employment and Stability
Today, James is employed full-time by Ash Waste, driving HGVs across the region. “It’s amazing,” he says. “I’ve got a stable income, I’m part of a team, and every day is different. It’s hard work, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Reflections and Advice
Looking back on his journey from Berwyn Prison to professional HGV driver, James is filled with gratitude. “NEWSA gave me a chance, and Ash Waste believed in me. I’m proof that with the right support, you can rebuild your life.”

His advice to others? “Take the opportunities when they come. Don’t be afraid to start fresh. If I can do it, anyone can.”

 Mark Hughes served in the Army for an impressive 22 years. His life during that time was characterised by structure, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose. Mark excelled in his role, thriving in an environment where expectations were clear, and teamwork was paramount.

The Challenge of Transition:

Leaving the Army after more than two decades was a significant shift for Mark. He anticipated that his years of leadership, discipline, and work ethic would translate smoothly into civilian employment. However, he soon discovered that finding work was much harder than expected. Despite submitting numerous applications, responses were rare, and interviews even rarer.

Mark reflected on this period as a time of uncertainty. “I applied for countless roles, but I rarely even got a reply, let alone an interview,” he recalls. It was a disheartening experience that made him question how to bridge the gap between military service and civilian job markets.

Finding a New Path:

Determined to move forward, Mark decided to undertake FLT (Forklift Truck) driver training at NEWSA. After researching the demand for HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) licenses, he realised that acquiring these qualifications could open new doors. “I needed qualifications that were recognised outside of the military,” Mark explains. “NEWSA provided structured training and the support I needed to make that transition.”

The Training Experience:

Mark found the training process at NEWSA to be incredibly beneficial. The hands-on approach and supportive instructors made learning straightforward and confidence-boosting. More than just the technical skills, NEWSA helped Mark understand how to navigate civilian expectations and build on his strengths.

A New Beginning:

The turning point came when Mark successfully passed his FLT licence. With this new qualification, job opportunities began to emerge, and Mark soon secured a full-time role as a Production Operator at Kronospan. This role allowed him to apply his leadership and organisational skills from the Army in a new and challenging environment.

Life 12 Months On:

One year after completing his training and landing his role at Kronospan, Mark’s life has transformed. He feels settled, valued, and confident in his work. “It’s like night and day,” he says. “I’m using my leadership skills in a new environment, and I’m learning new things every day. My confidence is back, and I feel proud of how far I’ve come.”

Mark’s Advice for Veterans:

Reflecting on his journey, Mark has clear advice for other veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life: “Don’t be afraid to retrain or get new qualifications — it opens doors. Look for places like NEWSA that understand the transition and can support you with real skills. And most importantly, don’t lose hope. Your experience matters; you just need to find the right way to show it.”

Conclusion:

Mark story is a testament to resilience and adaptation. With determination and the right support, he successfully navigated the challenges of transitioning from the Army to civilian life, finding fulfillment and stability in his role at JCB Transmissions. His journey is a powerful reminder that new skills and perseverance can lead to unexpected and rewarding career paths.

As the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, the urgent call to break down systemic barriers for women in male-dominated industries is louder than ever. In the UK, less than 10% of forklift truck drivers are women, but two determined single mums from Wrexham are setting out to change that statistic.

Kirsty (30) and Zaoni (26) are defying the odds, training as forklift truck operators despite facing significant personal and professional challenges. Their goal? To inspire other women to explore careers in logistics and warehousing—fields that have traditionally been closed off to them.

Kirsty’s journey has been anything but easy. After leaving school at 15 due to an unplanned pregnancy, she spent years overcoming personal struggles, including substance abuse and an abusive relationship. Now, she is determined to build a better future for her two children. “There aren’t many roles that I would describe as single-parent friendly,” she explains. “Most opportunities would mean spending most of my salary on childcare. The process of finding suitable work has been daunting, but I’m determined to succeed for myself and my children.”

Zaoni’s experience mirrors Kirsty’s. Leaving full-time education at 13 also after an unplanned pregnancy, she has struggled to find support. “There has been very little help for someone in my situation,” she says. “But today, I am more determined than ever to show my little boy that I can make something of myself and be an inspiration to him.”

With the support of Caia Park Partnership, a community-led organisation in Wrexham, both women have enrolled in a fully funded Forklift Truck Operators training course at the North East Wales Skills Academy on the Wrexham Industrial Estate. They are now on track to becoming fully qualified FLT operators.

Shauni Thomas, Community Engagement Worker at Caia Park Partnership, praises their determination: “I am incredibly proud of these young women. They are not only an inspiration to their children but also to many other women who want to challenge traditional gender roles. Watching and supporting them as they seek to improve their lives is truly rewarding.”

The North East Wales Skills Academy is a pioneering initiative funded by the UK Government in partnership with Wrexham County Council. It aims to empower local individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to the region’s economic revitalisation. Founder Julian Hughes highlights the significance of Kirsty and Zaoni’s achievements: “These two women are incredibly inspiring. The logistics industry is booming, and skilled FLT drivers are in high demand. This career path offers stability and growth, which is exactly what they need at this stage in their lives. We are excited to support them on their journey forward.”

As they prepare to step into a traditionally male-dominated field, Kirsty and Zaoni are proving that women can thrive in logistics. Their story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of breaking barriers.

After realising that working at Amazon wasn’t the right route, James Smith was referred to NEWSA by Careers Wales – and has never looked back.

“I can’t believe how much my life has changed and how much I’ve achieved and progressed,” James said.

“During my training, the support I received from the NEWSA tutors was excellent and they were there whenever I needed them. I could tell they really care about their work and all their learners.”

When she joined the Skills Academy, ambitious James decided to enrol on the FLT pathway.

He gained a full understanding of top skills demanded by employers.

Dan Collin joined NEWSA in March 2021 after being recruited through his local Jobcentre. The 42-year-old had been brought up in foster care and was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. He had previously found it difficult to find regular, paid employment as a young adult and found himself moving from job to job with little security.

After qualifying at the end of the HGV course he started a four-week work placement at JCB Transmissions in Wrexham. He was soon offered a full-time post as a driver and has seen his role grow to include warehouse operations and shift manager