RETHINKING CAREERS IN REMOVALS & STORAGE
The Liverpool City Region removals and storage industry faces challenges resulting from a shortage of skills; unfilled vacancies and a lack of applicants…
Like the rest of the country, the Liverpool City Region removals and storage industry faces challenges resulting from a shortage of skills; unfilled vacancies and a lack of applicants impact firms’ ability to meet customer demand for services. But thanks to the recent launch of the new removals operative apprenticeship, spearheaded by the British Association of Removers (BAR), the tide may well be changing when it comes to attracting and retaining talent to the industry.
Launch of the Removals Operative Apprenticeship
August 2024 saw the launch of the new removals operative apprenticeship. Designed to address the industry’s skill gaps, this programme offers a structured pathway for individuals to begin exciting, new-era careers in removals, driven by developments in AI, digitalisation, and sustainability.
The launch of this apprenticeship has been warmly welcomed across the industry. A look through the curriculum will confirm why it is expected to kindle interest in removals as a career choice. Firms in the region that adopt the apprenticeship will have fewer unfilled vacancies, increased skills within their organisation, and better retention rates to boost productivity. For employees, working in a removals job will bring more job satisfaction, with the apprenticeship providing a focus on skills development for a long-term career.
Industry standards
On the removals operative apprenticeship, apprentices acquire a comprehensive skill set tailored to industry standards and regulatory requirements. Apart from developing knowledge of transport methods and health and safety regulations, apprentices become proficient in work organisation, time management, and teamwork. They learn standard operating procedures and how to work in accordance with environmental and sustainability regulations. They also develop packing expertise, including types, costs, and applications.
Of course, apprentices master how to properly move, handle, pack, load, secure, and unload non-hazardous and hazardous goods, utilising lifting equipment and ensuring vehicle security. Skills in dismantling and reassembling furniture and managing documentation, reports, and inventories are also integral to their training, preparing them for successful roles within the region’s removals and storage industry.
After completing the removals operative apprenticeship, porters can progress to more advanced apprenticeships with an eye on becoming an HGV driver, team leader, or transport supervisor.
Apprenticeship-driven career pathways
The British Association of Removers (BAR), has incorporated the new removals operative apprenticeship into one of several routes into the industry available through its training arm, the BAR Academy. On offer, in partnership with BAR affiliate TRS, are various apprenticeship-driven career pathways suitable for all job levels, ranging from porter right up to management. The apprenticeships are enhanced with a choice of the BAR’s short industry courses, such as moving pianos or expert packing, which results in a comprehensive combined training package, fostering growth and development within the removals sector.
“Our apprenticeship-led career pathways will certainly be on the agenda, as we support our members in adopting them as part of their core recruitment and skills strategies.”
When it comes to costs, this apprenticeship is valued at £5000, but SMEs in the region receive up to 100% government funding. Meanwhile, large employers can use their apprenticeship levy to cover all training costs.
The BAR Annual Conference 2025
For over 100 years, the British Association of Removers (BAR) has been dedicated to promoting professional excellence in the removals industry, developing and maintaining professional standards and services to benefit its members and their customers. Each year the BAR stages a high-profile conference for its members, which in 2025 is to be held in the Liverpool City Region. This hallmark event in the removals industry calendar is scheduled for May 15th to 17th and will be held at the Liverpool Hilton, featuring an exhibition, networking opportunities, awards, business sessions and a keynote speech from a yet-to-be-announced famous figure.
Director General of the BAR, Ian Studd, the driving force behind the realisation of the removals operative apprenticeship, said
“We are very pleased to be holding our annual conference in the great city of Liverpool next year. The BAR already supports numerous businesses across the region, and we look forward to welcoming them to the conference in May 2025. Our apprenticeship-led career pathways will certainly be on the agenda, as we support our members in adopting them as part of their core recruitment and skills strategies.”
Liverpool City Region removals firms not already part of the BAR are invited to consider the benefits of membership: enhanced reputation, increased recognition, discounted training, and access to a vast professional network. The BAR also gives its members a lobbying voice to the government, ensuring the industry’s interests are well-represented.
Individuals or businesses interested in exploring the BAR Academy apprenticeship-driven career pathways for the removals sector can leave their details for a callback.
