WILL you be shopping this Black Friday? Then how about a career dropping other people’s parcels? Driving and logistics is one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.
Job numbers have doubled since 2012 fuelled by online shopping and working from home and now the logistics sector now employs a huge 1.8 million people nationally.
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Driver salaries are on the up too, with some twice as high as in 2019.
Warehouse and driver roles account for a quarter of all jobs, making driving an easy and accessible way into the industry, so if you’re keen to drive your career forward, here’s how with some help from Sun Jobs.
What will I do in a driving job? The majority of driving jobs involve dropping off goods from a warehouse and transporting them either to a shop, factory or to customer’s homes.
Some driving jobs will see you moving people such as bus and coach drivers or school bus drivers.
What qualifications will I need as a driver? This will vary according to the type of driving you want to do.
For the most basic courier roles, you will either need a motorbike licence or a basic driving licence and some firms allow you to use your own vehicle.
HGV drivers require a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). Find out more at gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver.
Most roles require a good command of English plus a basic maths qualification too.
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Are there driving jobs with family-friendly hours? Absolutely!
Some courier jobs and even HGV driver roles have set routes and hours, so you can plan your working day around other commitments.
If you prefer a job which lets you travel, long-distance lorry drivers visit every corner of the UK and roles offer overseas driving too. Discover more at generationlogistics.org
What do drivers get paid? It depends on the type of vehicle and your contract. Casual work dropping parcels averages from £12 an hour.
The average salary for an HGV driver is now £37,000 but a specialist driver carrying cargo such as hazardous chemicals which requires extra training, can earn up to £60,000.
How do I get a driving job? The quickest way into the industry is to begin as a casual courier using your own vehicle.
Check if you need extra insurance before you begin, if you decide logistics is for you, apply for a permanent role and start studying for an HGV licence.
What are my career prospects as a driver? With many staff promoted from within companies, logistics offers one of the fastest routes into management for those who did not complete higher education.
Two-thirds of managers do not have degrees compared to just a third across UK business generally.
READY to deliver the goods? Here are Sun Jobs top driver roles this week
Driver, Skylight Transport Ltd, Southampton
TRANSPORT yourself to a whole new career with this no-experience needed driving role.
The Job: Logistics company Skylight Transport is looking for a Driver in Southampton.
What You’ll Do: You will safely and efficiently transport goods and products, loading and unloading delivery vehicles, as well as planning and following the most efficient delivery routes.
You’ll be providing exceptional customer service; and, of course, following all traffic laws and safety regulations.
You’ll Need: No experience is necessary, but you must have fewer than six points on your driving license, with no IN, DG or DR codes.
Van rental will be available, but van owners are also welcome (owner drivers will need courier insurance, together with Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance).
Apply Now: Apply now, or see more jobs at Skylight Transport.
Driver, Brewers Decorator Centre, Salford
HERE’S a great job at the heart of your local community.
The Job: Brewers Decorator Centre is looking for a Driver to join the team at its Salford location.
What You’ll Do: You will play a vital role in serving customers and helping with the smooth running of the branch, making contactless deliveries to customers and providing exceptional customer service to customers in the branch.
You’ll also be unloading deliveries and ensuring stock is distributed throughout the store; mixing paint, processing specialist orders, and requesting special stock within the branch network.
You’ll Need: You will be familiar with the area and have excellent customer service and communication skills.
Approachability and friendliness will be essential. Previous driving experience would be advantageous, but a full, clean driving licence is a must.
Apply Now: See all requirements, along with other opportunities at Brewers Decorator Centre.
Driver, Gi Group UK, Chelmsford
MAKE cash for Christmas and test out if driving is right for you with this super seasonal role.
The Job: Gi Group is recruiting a multi-drop van Driver to assist with Christmas deliveries.
What You’ll Do: You will drive a 3.5t long wheel-based van, collecting from approximately 10 locations each day, scanning parcels utilising a handheld device which provides a daily route planner to ensure on-time deliveries.
You’ll Need: The ideal candidate will have a full, valid UK Cat B Driving licence, with a maximum of six points on their licence.
Experience driving a 3.5t van is essential. A strong work ethic, flexibility and good people skills are a must, along with the ability to lift up to 30kg.
Apply Now: Apply for this position, along with other opportunities from Gi Group, here.
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