Skye Taylor joined Streamline in January 2024, when we took on Menzies’ operations on Orkney and Shetland. Since then, the 21-year-old Orcadian has excelled in our Kirkwall depot warehouse, gaining various forklift tickets – and is now on the road to achieving her Class 1 licence.
Forklift trainer Glenn Miller of GM Training said: “Skye was a really good pupil; very attentive and very good on all the machinery she has completed training on with me. I would have no hesitation in putting her forward for HGV training as she can drive anything that I have put in front of her, and I think she will take it in her stride.”
We sat down with Skye to find out more about her time with Streamline so far – and will be checking in with her in the weeks and months ahead as she undergoes her Class 1 training.
What was it like coming to Streamline?
It’s been a huge adjustment. Streamline is a lot bigger, and there’s so much more to learn. One of the highlights is not being the only one in the warehouse any more, though!
In my last job I was the only one unloading trailers and checking everything off. Now I’m part of a team of three or four, which is a wonderful change. It’s much less stressful.
I get on really well with all the boys at work. It’s lovely to come into work and have fun with your colleagues, as well as getting stuff done.
You’ve recently gained your Telehandler, Manitou and Heavy Lift forklift tickets with Streamline. What was your motivation for this?
Who wouldn’t want to drive the big forklift?!
When I came to Streamline, I had my forklift ticket. But when Vanessa asked me if I wanted to get certified to lift up to 25 tonnes I jumped at the chance.
It opens up my options, and makes me more useful. If containers need to be moved, or anything needs to be put onto trailers, I don’t have to stand around and wait for someone else to do it. I like to be helpful and keep busy.
After starting your career in the warehouse, what made you decide to pursue driving?
I work very closely with the truck drivers at Streamline. I quite often go out with them when they need a banksman for deliveries, or just an extra pair of hands. I’m always the first person to volunteer.
All the lads at work kept telling me I should go for it, and I kept laughing it off. But I love driving, and then suddenly the interal position came up, and I thought: “This could be the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.”
How close are you to gaining your Class 1 licence?
I’ve got my provisional licence, and my three theory tests booked – the hazard perception, multiple choice and CPC case studies. I hated the car one but here I am doing it all again, less than a year since passing that!
Once I’ve passed my theory tests, I’ll be onto driving lessons.
Logistics can be very male-dominated. How have you found working in the industry?
Working at Streamline has been absolutely wonderful. I’ve been given so many opportunities – and I really do feel those are available for anyone in the business who wants to take them.
Vanessa is a great boss, and it’s been nice having a female depot manager. That’s not something I’ve ever experienced before. Everyone is very supportive.
So have I felt any discrimination because of my gender while working at Streamline? No. But do I also surprise the boys in the warehouse every day? Yeah I do!
