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Removals Operative

Do you want to become a Removals Operative? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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• Removals operatives work in a team, making sure that moves are carried out professionally.
• They may be moving household furniture and goods from one house to another, or into or out of storage. They also move office furniture, equipment for film and television companies and specialist fine art and furniture.
• Their work may involve storing goods and loading them into containers, unwrapping furniture and unpacking cartons.
• Sometimes packers go to a house before the move to wrap and pack delicate items such as glass or china. There are also export packers who protect goods for overseas moves in shipping containers, vehicles or aircraft.

Removals operatives usually work around 40 hours a week. There may be early starts and late finishes, as well as some weekend work. Long distance moves can involve nights away from home, which usually means sleeping in the vehicle.

Removals operatives earn from around £12,000 to £20,000 a year.

Removals operatives need:

• a presentable manner and appearance
• to work well as a member of a team and follow instructions
• to be physically fit, as the work is very active
• an honest and responsible attitude to other people's property
• the ability to read a map and follow directions to reach locations accurately
• an interest in travelling.

There are removal companies and depots of major removal companies of all sizes throughout the UK. They vary from large organisations with many branches, to small local concerns that may have only one or two vans.

There are no specific academic qualifications for a career as a removals operative, although GCSEs/S grades in English and maths are useful. Employers look for a presentable and friendly manner, a mature approach and physical fitness, as well as honesty and reliability. Apprenticeships may be available.

Firms welcome mature applicants with experience in a related industry, such as delivery or warehousing.

Training is normally on the job, together with training courses at the British Association of Removers' regional training centres. Large removal companies may have their own formal training courses for new recruits. Driver training may also be offered to experienced removals operatives.

A removals operative can be promoted to specialist packer, and then team leader. It is possible to work up through a company to management jobs. Some may set up their own businesses.

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