REVOLUTIONISING REMOVALS WITH APPRENTICESHIPS

Thanks to the relaunch of a dedicated apprenticeship, spearheaded by the British Association of Removers, the removals industry now offers substantial weight as a professional career option for this year’s school leavers. Employers looking to attract GCSE and A-level completers are encouraged to adopt the programme along with three key recommended measures to highlight the appeal of removals careers. 

The revised entry-level removals apprenticeship develops recruits to have all the skills to work productively and safely alongside the knowledge required for new industry focal points such as sustainability and automation.

Apprenticeships can be a game-changer for regional removals firms and individuals looking for long-term careers with potential for promotion and self-development. 

Why apprenticeships matter in the removals sector 

Apprenticeships are more than just a way to fill vacancies. They’re a stepping stone to revitalising the removals industry by building a skilled and committed workforce. Here’s why they’re crucial for the sector in Liverpool City Region: 

• Boost the sector’s profile in the region: Apprenticeships fit neatly together to provide a step-by-step career ladder that offers job seekers progression and promotion. An entry-level apprenticeship, such as the removals operative programme, can lead to next-step training routes, such as the LGV driver or team leader apprenticeship. These career routes are offered through the BAR Academy in partnership with TRS. Firms offering an apprenticeship-supported BAR career pathway, as opposed to just a job, help demonstrate that the removals industry is an exciting sector with real opportunities for career growth.
• Address skills shortages: With a growing demand for skilled workers, apprenticeships are a direct pipeline to train and retain talent.
• Strengthen the local community: Providing meaningful career opportunities to 16 to 18-year-olds in the Liverpool City Region benefits our region’s young people and develops a skilled local workforce to meet demand.

The Liverpool City Region is perfectly positioned to help transform the profile of removals jobs, which have historically been seen as stop-gap employment with little chance of progression. The city recently hosted the British Association of Removers (BAR) annual conference, where several regional companies committed to supporting apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships are funded by the Government or through the apprenticeship levy, which saves on training budgets. LCR Be More skills brokers can advise local employers on using the programme to recruit or develop existing staff. Any removals firm that opts to use the removals operative apprenticeship through the BAR Academy can bolt on a free BAR industry training programme, such as an export or specialist packing course.

Three tips for a successful apprenticeship programme 

To ensure apprenticeships deliver business benefits, employers should adopt three key measures when offering the opportunity to a recruit. These measures mean that the opportunity is worthy of a young person’s consideration for their long-term career. The industry has an ethical responsibility to ensure we are helping our region’s young people launch genuine professional careers, not enter a dead-end job. Here’s how to ensure your apprenticeship programme delivers for the business and meets your recruits’ expectations. 

1. Offer real opportunities and progression 

An apprenticeship isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to build a career. So, when recruiting, position the opportunity as the start of a clear pathway for growth within your company. Show recruits how they can climb the ladder to roles like team leader, HGV driver or transport manager. 

2. Leveraging the £1,000 apprenticeship bonus 

The government offers a £1,000 incentive for hiring 16 to 18-year-old apprentices. Why not attract applicants by using this fund to pay for driving lessons or other certifications when they complete their training? This shows you’re invested in their future and nurtures loyalty. 

3. Go beyond minimum wage 

Competitive pay demonstrates to young recruits that their contributions are valued. By offering more than minimum wage, you attract motivated candidates who see their apprenticeship as the start of a fulfilling career, not just a stopgap. Doing what we can to shift perspectives on removals as low-paid jobs with no prospects to promising long-term careers will increase interest from job seekers.

Offer apprenticeships to transform the sector

By committing to just one apprenticeship vacancy this year, employers can do more than support their business. They can help transform the reputation of the removals sector into one of opportunity, professionalism, and growth. 

With the support of LCR Be More and the level 2 removals operative apprenticeship, firms in the Liverpool City Region can play a pivotal role in fostering the next wave of skilled professionals in the industry. 

Start today. Leave your details on the BAR Academy webform. A member of the team will contact you within 48 hours to guide you through the next steps. 

By working together, we can ensure that removals becomes a career of choice, not chance.