Overview
A removals operative is responsible for carefully packing items into boxes or crates, moving furniture and equipment, and managing storage processes. This role involves loading and unloading specialised vehicles and completing international or secured storage inventory forms. Operatives rely on manual and computerised systems to manage daily tasks and maintain meticulous records. Excellent communication and customer service skills are crucial, as operatives work flexibly to meet diverse customer demands and schedules, ensuring professionalism at all times.
Typical Job Roles
The Removals Operative apprenticeship equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and behaviour necessary for various job roles, including Furniture Handling Operative, Furniture Handling Operative Packer, Furniture Moving Logistics Specialist, Porter, Removals Operative, Removals Porter, Removals Specialist.
Skills Development
Apprentices will develop a range of skills aligned with best practices, company procedures, and regulatory requirements, including:
- Understanding of the removals industry and available services
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations specific to the industry
- Ability to identify hazards, control measures, and conduct risk assessments
- Proficiency in work organisation and time management techniques
- Familiarity with transport methods, auxiliary equipment, and factors impacting work completion
- Knowledge of standard operating procedures
- Teamworking skills
- Understanding of environmental and sustainability regulations
- Expertise in packing materials, their types, costs, and uses
- Competence in moving, handling, packing, loading, securing, and unloading hazardous goods
- Techniques for loading and unloading goods, including manual handling
- Use of lifting equipment and ensuring vehicle security
- Effective hand signalling
- Safe use of tools and machinery, including personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Skills in dismantling and reassembling items such as beds and tables
- Management of electronic and paper documentation, reports, and inventories
Apprentices can also enhance their maths and English skills if they have not achieved level 2 standards. TRS provides specialist tutors who deliver numeracy and literacy education in engaging, industry-relevant ways.
Duration
This apprenticeship lasts 12 months.
Progression Options
In collaboration with the British Association of Removers, TRS has developed BAR Academy Pathways for the removals section. The Removals Operative apprenticeship is one of several ways of starting on the removals career pathway. After finishing this apprenticeship, we encourage apprentices and their employers to explore the future career routes laid out in the BAR Academy removals pathway, supported by funded and commercial training. For example, a removals operative apprentice could, over time, progress on to the LGV C+E Driver apprenticeship and then on to the Transport Operations Supervisor apprenticeship.
Costs & Funding
Many employers are concerned about the costs of apprenticeships. However, there is very little, if any, cost to employers for apprenticeship training. SMEs benefit from government funding, covering between 95% and 100% of the costs. Large employers use their apprenticeship levy to cover all costs.
Bolt-on Option
Every apprenticeship delivered by TRS includes a bolt-on additional commercial course (paid for by TRS) chosen from our list by the apprentice in consultation with their employer. For the removals operator apprenticeship, we recommend one of the specialist removals courses available through the British Association of Removers, such as Specialist Packing and Transporting Pianos.
Why Choose TRS?
- Niche logistics industry experts
- Award-winning: TRS is the Transport & Logistics Apprenticeship Provider of 2024
- Additional “bolt-on” industry course for every apprenticeship!
- Free recruitment service for employers who have vacancies to fill
- Expert advice on maximising available funding
- Bespoke training curriculum and schedules to meet the organisation’s requirements
Reach Out
Want to learn more about this apprenticeship? Fill out our contact form, and we’ll contact you within 48 hours.
More information on the Institute for Apprenticeships website.