The removals industry is evolving, and now is the time for removal firms to invest in the future by committing to hiring and developing new talent. For too long, porters and removals operative roles have been undervalued, but that perception is changing thanks to the Level 2 Removals Operative Apprenticeship, which offers exciting pathways for young recruits.
By taking on a school leaver this summer for an apprenticeship, you can address critical staff shortages, enhance your team’s skills, and secure the future of your business.
Benefits to Employers
Here’s how creating a vacancy for a removals operative apprentice this summer can benefit your business:
1. Address Skills Shortages
Recruiting apprentices is a strategic solution to tackle the skills gap affecting the industry. Apprenticeships develop porters and operatives with industry-specific expertise who can contribute immediately, ensuring that your team has the workforce it needs to remain effective and grow.
2. Increase Loyalty, Motivation & Productivity
Investing in the development of your staff pays off. Apprenticeships not only improve the skills of your team but also foster greater loyalty and motivation, leading to higher retention rates and better performance. Employees who feel valued are more likely to remain committed to your business for the long term.
3. Access Government-Funded Training
Many businesses are concerned about costs when hiring apprentices. However, apprenticeship training costs are often covered by government funding, especially for SMEs. Whether you pay 5% or nothing at all, this is an affordable way to develop your workforce. You can also take advantage of the government’s £1,000 bonus for hiring 16-18-year-old apprentices, which can be reinvested—for example, funding their driving lessons for future HGV roles.
4. Raise Quality Standards
With apprentices trained in accordance with best practices, company procedures, and regulatory requirements, you’ll ensure your business operates at the highest quality standards. Every apprentice receives tailored training to meet industry needs, equipping them with the skills to excel in packing, moving, risk assessment, and customer service.
5. Free Bolt-On Courses from the British Association of Removers (BAR)
Every TRS apprenticeship includes a free bolt-on course offered by the British Association of Removers. Specialised training in areas like Export Packing, Fragile/Non-Fragile Packing, Moving Pianos, and more ensures your team has additional skills that set your business apart.
Long-Term Career Pathways
Apprenticeships are no longer just entry points; they are gateways to long-term careers. After completing a Level 2 Removals Operative Apprenticeship, apprentices can progress to higher roles such as HGV drivers, transport managers, and team leaders following the BAR Academy Pathways, underpinned by apprenticeships.
This progression route creates tangible career growth opportunities that help motivate apprentices and ensure stability for your business by nurturing highly skilled individuals.
Transform the Perceptions of Removals Work
By committing to just one apprenticeship opportunities this summer, you’re not only filling a critical role but also contributing to reshaping how removals roles are perceived. This isn’t dead-end work; it’s a valued profession with real pathways to success. Employers can contribute to redefining careers in removals by moving away from the stereotypical minimum wage for porters.
Any firm taking on a school leaver aged 16 to 18 is given a £1000 bonus to support them. We encourage employers to use this to fund car driving lessons for the apprentice on completion of their training. This will boost the number of applicants as many school leavers find car driving lessons financially out of reach. And getting their licence, means that your removals operative apprentice may well be suitable for developing into an HGV driver through an apprenticeship.
Take the First Step
By recruiting a removals operative apprentice this summer you’re contributing to a stronger workforce, a more motivated team, and a more sustainable future for your business.
Get in touch with TRS or BAR today to find out how to recruit a removals operative apprentice this summer.
Together, we’ll make removals a career of choice, not chance.
