<p class="MsoNormal">Discover what it takes to become a kitchen porter, a vital role in any kitchen. Learn about key responsibilities, how to apply for roles, what to expect during your first days on the job and how this entry-level role can be the first step for aspiring culinary professionals.</p>

<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Overview</span></h2>
<table style="width: 87.414%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 13.3333%;"><strong>Job Role&nbsp;</strong></td>
<td style="width: 86.4407%;">&nbsp;Kitchen Porter (aka: Kitchen Hand, Dishwasher, Pot Wash)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 13.3333%;"><strong>Responsibilities</strong></td>
<td style="width: 86.4407%;">&nbsp;Ensuring that all kitchen areas are clean. Washing plates, cutlery and kitchen equipment.&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 13.3333%;">&nbsp;<strong>Dress Code</strong></td>
<td style="width: 86.4407%;">
<p><strong><br><br>Top:</strong> Usually a plain <a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/shirts-t-shirts-and-polo-shirts/_/a33-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">t-shirt</a><br><strong>Bottoms:</strong> Usually plain black or navy <a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/staff-uniforms/uniform-trousers/_/a33-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">trousers</a><br><strong>Apron:</strong> You should be provided with a <a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/aprons/_/a33-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">waterproof apron</a> to protect you and your clothes<br><strong>Shoes:</strong> Usually black <a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/footwear/_/a33-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kitchen-safe shoes</a> (like plastic chef shoes) or trainers<br><strong>Gloves: </strong><a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/workwear-and-ppe/gloves/_/a33-2.f8-1?sort=match-rate-desc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">W</a><a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/workwear-and-ppe/gloves/_/a33-2.f8-1?sort=match-rate-desc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aterproof washing-up gloves</a> may also be provided to protect your hands from sharp items and hot water</p>
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</table>
<h4><strong>Handy Hints&nbsp;</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>Uniform should always be clean at the start of every shift and in good condition (eg. no rips or holes). Take note of what other kitchen porters are wearing and don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask what is allowed.</li>
<li>Always be sure to take water or another drink to your shift and stay hydrated.</li>
<li>If you&rsquo;re allowed to wear your own clothes, make sure you don&rsquo;t mind them getting dirty.</li>
<li>If a waterproof apron and gloves aren&rsquo;t provided, it would be reasonable to ask for some.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>What do I need to do to become a Kitchen Porter?</h2>
<p>No commercial kitchen can run without a good&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=Kitchen+Porter">kitchen porter</a>. As an essential part of restaurants, cafes, hospitals, schools, cruise ships and every other place that serves food to customers, you are crucial to the running of a successful workplace in the hospitality and catering sector.</p>
<p>This is a great job if you have no formal qualifications, like fast-paced environments and will enjoy a good day&rsquo;s graft. The ability to listen to instructions, reliably turn up and be flexible with when you can work will make you a perfect candidate. You&rsquo;ll be working upwards of 40 hours a week especially in busy periods like Christmas.</p>
<p>But how do you get a job as a kitchen porter? Also known as a kitchen hand, dishwasher, pot wash, &lsquo;dishie&rsquo; and sometimes abbreviated to &lsquo;KP&rsquo;, these jobs are often advertised online, on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/">specialist staffing websites&nbsp;</a>and on local job boards or in the newspaper. You might also find, especially if you live in a big city, that there are Facebook groups for hospitality and catering workers, which advertise for these sort of roles.</p>
<p>Make sure you read the job description fully, and apply in the way that it asks. Whether that means directly through the job website, by sending an email or by going in with your CV or resume in person. You&rsquo;ll want to show any experience you have that might be relevant, be clear about what days of the week you would be available and the earliest date that you could start the job. Remember if you have a contract with another job you should make sure you work your notice period or tell them a week before you&rsquo;re going to leave.</p>
<p>After applying, you may receive a phone call from the employer who might want a quick chat or to arrange a trial shift &ndash; in any case, ensure you&rsquo;re able to answer the phone. They will normally ask you to go to the workplace for a short trial. This should be for an hour or two, any more time and it is reasonable to ask whether you will be paid for your time. While it&rsquo;s not ideal to work for free, it is the best way to assess whether you can do this job as there are no qualifications necessary and you don&rsquo;t necessarily need to have done it before.</p>
<p>So what are they looking for in the trial? You can read about the usual dress code for a kitchen porter in the box above. The most important thing is to turn up on time, and to show the employer that you can listen and understand instructions. So they might explain how to rinse or scrub the dishes, and then put them in the machine. Make sure you listen carefully and ask if you&rsquo;re unsure about anything. They will probably give you a tour of the kitchen and areas you&rsquo;ll need to know about, remember as much as you can and make sure you smile and greet other people who work there. First impressions are very important, these will hopefully be your new work colleagues and you want to get off to a good start.</p>
<p>After a successful trial and you&rsquo;re offered the job, try to get the employer to send you an email or give you a job contract. If it&rsquo;s a more casual position, you&rsquo;ll need to ask how much you&rsquo;re going to be paid, and what sort of hours you will be working. If you&rsquo;re not sure about your working rights, ask someone you trust or read about it on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/employment-status/worker">government&rsquo;s website here</a>.</p>
<p>When you start out in this job, your day-to-day duties will include, but aren&rsquo;t limited to, washing plates, cutlery and kitchen equipment, changing and disposing of rubbish and recycling. Everything you&rsquo;re asked to do you should be shown how, either by another kitchen porter you work alongside, the chef in charge or the manager.</p>
<p>Once you learn the ropes of the role, you may also be asked to monitor stock levels of cleaning products and the things you use a lot. For example, if you often use rubbish disposal bags it would be helpful for the chef (who has a lot of other things to remember and think about in his/her own role) if you let them know at a suitable time (not when food is being served and it&rsquo;s busy) that you need more. If you are asked to do this, you could ask for a stock take sheet to help you count what you have and then work out what needs to be ordered. Keep in mind that you won&rsquo;t receive the things you need on the same day so try to think ahead and order before something runs out.</p>
<p>As a KP in the hospitality world, you may also be asked to help with basic food preparation. To be a standout employee, you should accept this and do your best to do it correctly and quickly. You&rsquo;ll always be shown by the chef or team leader who asked, and make sure you ask questions if you&rsquo;re unsure of anything or feel it&rsquo;s unsafe. As with cleaning the dishes, make sure you always keep you working area clean when working with food. Always wash your hands before and use the knife or peeler carefully.</p>
<p>As this is an entry-level role, especially if you&rsquo;re hoping to use this as a stepping-stone into the kitchen itself, these small tasks are a great way to show the head chef or other chefs what you can do. After working as a kitchen porter, you could apply for the role of&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-kitchen-assistant">kitchen assistant</a>&nbsp;</strong>or even a&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-commis-chef">commis chef</a></strong>. This is one of the most common career paths for chefs or job seekers looking to change careers into the food industry.</p>
<p>Browse the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=Kitchen+Porter">kitchen porter jobs</a></p>
<p>Read about taking the next step to becoming a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-kitchen-assistant">kitchen assistant</a>.</p>
<h2>What's it like to be a Kitchen Porter?</h2>
</article>
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<div class="VideoObject"><iframe id="widget2" class="optanon-category-C0004 " title="What's it like to be a Kitchen Porter? | Hospitality and Catering Jobs" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryhPPpFhRsw?enablejsapi=1" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-ot-ignore="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-13="true"></iframe>
<p>What's it like to be a Kitchen Porter? | Hospitality and Catering Jobs</p>
</div>
</div>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h3>Video Transcript&nbsp;</h3>
<p>"A typical day as a Kitchen Assistant involves all sorts of things, taking deliveries of new food and drink stock items, making sure they are in the right place. Cleaning tasks to meet hygiene standards and help with basic food prep like slicing fruit and veg.</p>
<p>The best part about being a Kitchen Assistant is most definitely learning and having a laugh with your team. I also love that there is always more to be done so time goes really quickly.</p>
<p>It really is a tough jobs sometimes, it's not uncommon that it's up to you to clean up unpleasant messes left by customers or staff and constantly changing circumstances means having to think on your feet.</p>
<p>Overall though I love being a Kitchen Assistant."</p>
</article>

How to become a Kitchen Porter?

<h2 style="color: #00aae3;">Overview</h2>
<table style="width: 634px; height: 35px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 17.5px;">
<td style="text-align: left; width: 124.375px; height: 17.5px;"><strong>Job Role</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 499.625px; height: 17.5px;">Production Operative (aka: Production Worker)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 17.5px;">
<td style="text-align: left; width: 124.375px; height: 17.5px;"><strong><br>Responsibilities</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 499.625px; height: 17.5px;"><br>Assembling goods, or parts, raw material handling and quality control.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What do I need to do to become a Production Operative?</h2>
<p>A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?distance=5&amp;keywords=Production+Operative" target="_self">Production Operative</a>, also known as a production operator or worker, is someone who works in a factory putting together goods that are later sold to customers. This could be putting together parts for a vehicle, a step in making electrical goods or furniture, or packaging food items. You could also be working on a production line for things like gift sets, children&rsquo;s toys or food hampers. Because there are a so many different companies you could work for, there are job opportunities all over the country. This type of work also gets much busier in festive periods like Christmas, so if you need a temporary job to earn some extra cash there will be lots of shifts going.</p>
<p>If you are employed on a full-time contract, you could be working up to 40 hours a week. However, shift work is common in this type of work, offering you greater flexibility with the hours and days that you work.</p>
<p>But what will you be doing? You will most likely be working as part of a team under a supervisor. You will be assigned to a section and shown how to do your specific role. You will be set personal targets as well as group performance objectives. You will be expected to maintain a clean and safe environment at all times.</p>
<p>As part of this role you may also be responsible for loading raw goods or materials onto the line, checking things like operating temperatures, overseeing the packaging of items, or doing quality checks on products. It&rsquo;s common to be moved around to learn different lines in the section of the factory where you work. Which is great for giving you variety in your work and the opportunity to learn new skills.</p>
<p>This job does not require you to have any specific qualifications or education background. Important skills that will help you do well in this role include a keen eye for detail and good concentration skills. These will help you to perform your job effectively and notice and report any problems with the machinery or packing. You&rsquo;ll need to be in reasonably good health as this role requires you to stand on your feet for most of a shift. It may also be necessary to move and lift heavy items.</p>
<p>In this type of role, it&rsquo;s essential that you are a good team player and enjoy working with others to get good results. This means not being work shy or expecting others to put in extra work to cover you. It also means being willing to help others from time to time and pass on tips and useful information to the people you&rsquo;re working with.</p>
<p>You will also need to be a methodical worker, this means listening to instructions and carrying them out step-by-step, in the right order. Being able to work quickly, without skipping any part of the process or compromising on quality, will make you stand out as a production employee.</p>
<p>This is the sort of role where you&rsquo;ll be meeting and working with a wide range of people, so it&rsquo;s a great way to meet people if you&rsquo;re new to the area. There are also many transferable skills to learn and if you find a company you like, there is plenty of room for progression and further training.</p>
<p>Vacancies for production operative jobs will be advertised on specialist jobs boards, and online on the careers page of company websites. You can use the search function to look for jobs in your local area or by type of contract.</p>
<p>When you apply for these jobs, make sure you read all of the job description and aim to show the employer why you would be a good fit. If you have any experience of working in a warehouse or stacking shelves this will be great to include on your CV and application. Being invited to an interview is the perfect chance to find out more about the job, and show the employer that you&rsquo;re going to be a good worker. Make sure you arrive to the interview at least 10 minutes before it is due to start, be polite and friendly, and ask any questions you have. Some good things to ask are &ldquo;what training will be provided?&rdquo;, &ldquo;what is the team like?&rdquo; and &ldquo;what shift patterns will I be working?&rdquo;</p>
<p>Once you have gained some practical experience working on the line, you could look to progress by becoming a supervisor; your responsibilities would include overseeing a section and its employees, and making sure targets are safely met. Or, you could move to another area of the factory or warehouse, such as areas like transport or logistics, equipment maintenance or quality control.</p>
<p>Another option after working as a production operative is to do your forklift driver training. This will enable you to apply for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-counterbalance-forklift-truck-driver">counterbalance FLT driver</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-reach-forklift-truck-driver">reach FLT driver</a>&nbsp;jobs. If you&rsquo;re already working somewhere, they may support you and provide you with this training meaning you don&rsquo;t have to pay for it.</p>
<p>Factories are busy places, so it&rsquo;s important to be aware that it can be loud and feel hectic. But don&rsquo;t worry, you just need to stay focused on your job and meet health and safety standards at all times. Although some warehouses and factories have been reported in the media to be treating their staff badly, it is possible to find a good employer for this type of work. A potential downside to bear in mind with this sort of shift work is that it can mean very early starts, working late in the evenings, at weekends, and sometimes doing overtime in busy periods. But if you are someone who needs the flexibility and can&rsquo;t work regular 9-5 hours then this could be beneficial for you.</p>
<p>Browse the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?distance=5&amp;keywords=Production+Operative" target="_self">Production Operative jobs</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/our-branches">Contact your local branch.</a></p>

How to become a Production Operative?

<h2>Overview of the Class 2 HGV Driver Role</h2>
<p>Class 2 HGV drivers operate rigid vehicles used for transporting goods, typically within shorter distances compared to Class 1 drivers. Their responsibilities include ensuring goods are delivered safely, performing routine vehicle inspections, and maintaining high standards of service. This role is ideal for individuals who are starting out in the logistics sector, with opportunities for flexible working and career progression generally on offer. Class 2 <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs/hgv-driving-jobs/">HGV roles</a> often serve as a stepping stone towards more advanced driving roles, which often include the handling of more specialised vehicles, or training others on how to operate them.</p>
<h3>Dress Code</h3>
<p>Class 2 HGV drivers are usually required to wear high-visibility vests, steel-capped boots, and weather-appropriate attire. Some roles may require uniforms that will be provided by employers.</p>
<h3>Key Responsibilities</h3>
<p>Responsibilities of Class 2 HGV drivers include transporting goods, ensuring cargo is secure, performing pre-journey safety checks, and adhering to road regulations to guarantee the speed and efficiency of deliveries.</p>
<h3>Class 2 HGV Driver Tips</h3>
<p>There are a few tips to develop skills to effectively perform as a Class 2 HGV driver. Understanding how to plan routes to avoid delays and conserve fuel is important, while safety procedures such as ensuring that you take regular breaks to maintain focus during long shifts, and sticking to legal driving limits are crucial.</p>
<p>You should always conduct thorough vehicle inspections before trips to prevent any issues and enhance the reliability of your service, while effective communication with logistics teams helps streamline operations and maintain excellent service.</p>
<h2>Class 2 HGV Licensing and Training Requirements</h2>
<p>Becoming a Class 2 HGV driver involves obtaining a provisional licence, completing Driver CPC training, and passing a practical test for full qualification.</p>
<h3>Obtaining a Provisional Licence</h3>
<p>To start, you&rsquo;ll need to apply for a provisional HGV licence via the DVLA. Applicants must hold a valid car licence, be at least 18 years old, and pass a medical assessment. This provisional licence allows candidates to begin training for rigid vehicles, preparing them for the challenges of driving professionally. The process includes gaining familiarity with vehicle controls and essential safety protocols.</p>
<h3>Completing CPC Training</h3>
<p>Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training is mandatory for all HGV drivers. The training consists of four parts: a theory test, case study, driving ability test, and a practical demonstration. The CPC ensures drivers meet industry standards for safety, vehicle operation, and professionalism. Regular CPC periodic training is required to maintain certification and stay up to date with regulations. Learn more about <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs/hgv-driver-training/">HGV driver training</a>.</p>
<h3>Final Licence Steps</h3>
<p>After completing CPC training, candidates must pass a practical driving test that evaluates their ability to operate rigid vehicles safely. This includes manoeuvring, reversing, and handling various road conditions. Upon passing, drivers receive their full Class 2 HGV licence, opening doors to employment opportunities.</p>
<h2>Key Skills for Class 2 HGV Drivers</h2>
<p>Success in this role requires excellent vehicle handling skills, time management, and a strong focus on safety and customer service.</p>
<h3>Vehicle Handling and Safety</h3>
<p>Class 2 HGV drivers must demonstrate precision in manoeuvring rigid vehicles, particularly in urban or congested areas. Familiarity with safety protocols is crucial, including conducting pre-journey checks and maintaining the security of any cargo. Staying alert to road conditions and adapting to weather challenges ensures safe and efficient deliveries. Regularly checking the vehicle&rsquo;s condition minimises risks and supports compliance with regulations.</p>
<h3>Customer Service Skills</h3>
<p>Customer interactions are common for Class 2 HGV drivers, requiring a professional and courteous demeanour. Whether delivering directly to businesses or clients, clear communication and problem-solving skills help maintain positive relationships. Handling customer queries and ensuring satisfaction at the point of delivery enhance the company&rsquo;s reputation and build trust in their services.</p>
<h2>Class 2 HGV Driver Job Options and Career Flexibility</h2>
<p>Class 2 HGV roles offer flexibility, with options for temporary or permanent positions that align with career goals and personal schedules.</p>
<h3>Temporary and Part-Time Roles</h3>
<p>Temporary Class 2 HGV positions provide valuable entry points into the logistics industry, allowing drivers to gain experience while maintaining flexibility. These roles are ideal for balancing personal commitments or exploring different industries. Drivers can build their skills and confidence before transitioning to more permanent positions. The variety in temporary work environments offers insights into diverse logistics operations.</p>
<h3>Transition to Full-Time Positions</h3>
<p>With experience, drivers can move into full-time positions, offering increased stability, competitive salaries, and additional benefits such as pensions and holidays. Permanent roles often include opportunities for advancement, such as becoming a trainer or transitioning to Class 1 HGV driving. These positions allow drivers to deepen their expertise and develop long-term careers in the logistics sector. Explore options with Blue Arrow.</p>
<h2>FAQs on Becoming a Class 2 HGV Driver</h2>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>What is a Class 2 HGV Driver?</summary>
<p>A Class 2 HGV driver operates rigid vehicles to transport goods, ensuring deliveries are made efficiently and safely, typically within local or regional areas.</p>
</details>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>How Much Do Class 2 Drivers Earn?</summary>
<p>Class 2 drivers earn between &pound;25,000 and &pound;35,000 annually, with variations based on location, employer, and experience level.</p>
</details>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>How Does Class 2 Differ from Class 1?</summary>
<p>Class 2 drivers operate rigid vehicles, while <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-class-1-hgv-driver/">Class 1 drivers</a> handle articulated lorries. Class 2 roles typically involve shorter trips and lighter loads.</p>
</details>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>How Long Can an HGV Driver Drive For?</summary>
<p>Drivers can legally drive for up to nine hours a day, with a break every four and a half hours. This limit can extend to 10 hours twice weekly.</p>
</details>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>How Many Hours a Week Can an HGV Driver Work?</summary>
<p>The weekly limit is 56 hours, with a two-week maximum of 90 hours, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and adequate rest periods.</p>
</details>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

How to Become a Class 2 HGV Driver

<h2 style="color: #00aae3;">Overview</h2>
<table style="height: 62.8889px; width: 633px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;"><strong>Job Role</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Assembly&nbsp;Operative</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;"><strong>Responsibilities</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Completing tasks in a specific section of an assembly line, whilst meeting targets.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>What do I need to do to become an Assembly Operative?</h2>
<p>An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?distance=5&amp;keywords=Assembly+operative" target="_self">Assembly Operative</a>&nbsp;is someone who works as part of a team to put goods together in a factory or warehouse. You&rsquo;ll normally work on a line, which is a conveyor belt of items needing your input in some way. There are lots of companies with factories and warehouses all over the country, which means you should be able to find a job that&rsquo;s close to where you live. You could be working on the assembly line for things like automotives, aircrafts, electronic goods or appliances.<br><br>Pay can vary greatly depending on your experience and type of work. However, roles that involve more complex assembly duties often pay more as you become more experienced.</p>
<p>This type of work is usually offered as shift work, meaning you could be working early mornings, evenings and sometimes through the night. There are variety of shift patterns that would suit you if working regular Monday to Friday, 9-5 hours does not fit with your lifestyle or other commitments. It&rsquo;s also great if you need some temporary work to earn extra cash.<br><br>Your day-to-day duties will depend on which section you are assigned to, and you will normally stay there for the whole shift. You will usually have targets to meet, and be responsible for reporting any issues with machinery or goods on the assembly line.<br><br>Vacancies for this type of role will usually be advertised on specialist jobs boards, and on the careers page of companies&rsquo; websites. Use the search function to look for jobs that match your experience, location and the type of employment you&rsquo;re looking for. Make sure you read the full job description, and apply in the way that it asks. This may be an online application form, sending your CV in an email or making a phone call to the company to get more information.<br><br>There are no specific qualifications or education subjects required to do this role. A good level (GCSE or equivalent) of Maths and English would be useful. A key skill needed to succeed as an assembly operative is the ability to focus on repetitive tasks and a keen eye for detail. This is because you need to be able to perform a task consistently, and notice any mistakes that you, the machine, or colleagues make. These errors can damage the product, and even put you or colleagues in danger. If you&rsquo;re ever unsure about something like this in the workplace, ask for help.&nbsp;<br><br>You will need to have good communication skills and work well in a team. You will also need to be self-motivated and be driven by your targets. These may be by number of items assembled, or work done per hour.<br><br>If you have any experience of working in a factory or warehouse, this will be a great addition to your CV. Stacking shelves and organising stock in a retail role will also have given you lots of skills that are relevant to an assembly operative role.<br><br>To do well in this role you&rsquo;ll need to be a methodical and reliable worker. This means listening carefully to instructions and carrying them out in order, and arriving on time each day for the correct shift. Working safely and making sure you meet health and safety requirements is extremely important. Your manager or supervisor should explain these procedures and precautions to you for each tasks and area of work. And you should always report any issues to your manager immediately.<br><br>If you want to progress your career in the manufacturing and production industry, you could aim to become a line supervisor or team leader. This would mean a pay rise and increased responsibilities. You will be looking after a section and its employees, and making sure targets are safely met. To get this promotion, you&rsquo;ll need to show you have good leadership skills and are eager to learn new skills.<br><br>This role can also be a great stepping-stone into other areas of work such as working in areas like retail and farming. Or, another option is to move to another area of the factory or warehouse. There are a huge variety of jobs like being a lorry or forklift truck driver in transport and logistics, to equipment maintenance or quality control.<br><br>If you like the company you work for and have made a good impression as an assembly operative, speak to your supervisor about your career goals. Companies are normally eager to support good employees who want to widen their skill set or seek out more responsibility.<br><br>This is also a good job for learning a great deal of transferable skills that will help you in other lines of work. For example, it will show you are able to follow instructions, and work safely within health and safety regulations. It will also improve your communication and team working skills. As you progress and gain more responsibility, you can also build up your people and leadership skills, which are great for any job where you manage a team.<br><br>It&rsquo;s important to realise that working on a factory line is a tough job, and it is a noisy and busy environment. But if you enjoy be active and meeting your targets, it could be a good fit for you. Another bonus with this sort of work is that if you want to pick up extra shifts to earn some more money there will likely be lots of opportunities.<br><br>As shift work is common in this line of work, think about whether the early starts, evening and weekend work will be suitable for you. You might be able to find work with set shift times, such as 7am-3pm so look at your options. Factories and warehouses are often out of town, and not always near public transport, so having a driving licence and car may be essential for you to get to work. If you don&rsquo;t have a UK-issued driving licence, you can<a href="https://www.gov.uk/learn-to-drive-a-car" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;read about how to get one in this step-by-step guide</a>.<br><br><br>Browse the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?distance=5&amp;keywords=Assembly+operative" target="_self">assembly operative jobs.</a><br><br><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/our-branches">Contact your local branch.</a></p>
</article>

How to become an Assembly Operative?

<h2 style="color: #00aae3;">Overview</h2>
<table style="width: 65.2901%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 17.8788%;"><strong>Job Role</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 81.8182%;">Waiter / Waitress&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 17.8788%;"><strong><br>Responsibilities</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 81.8182%;"><br>Seating customers, taking&nbsp; food and drink orders and serving and clearing tables&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 17.8788%;"><strong>Dress Code</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 81.8182%;">
<p><strong><br><br>Top:&nbsp;</strong>Usually plain white or black shirt&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><strong>Bottoms:&nbsp;</strong>Usually plain dark trousers or skirt&nbsp;- <a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/staff-uniforms/waiters-uniform/_/a33-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Waiter Options</a> / <a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/staff-uniforms/waitress-uniform/_/a33-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Waitress Options&nbsp;</a><br><strong>Shoes:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/footwear/_/a33-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Plain black shoes</a> that are comfortable&nbsp;<br><strong>Apron: </strong><a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/aprons/front-of-house-aprons/_/a33-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aprons</a> are usually provided by the employer</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Handy Hints:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For less formal establishments, casual clothes are normally worn. Ensure they&rsquo;re clean, in good condition and appropriate to the place of work &ndash; see what your colleagues are wearing or ask the manager</li>
<li>Always be sure to take water or another drink to your shift and stay hydrated. If you&rsquo;re not provided with food for your break, don&rsquo;t forget to take something to eat.</li>
</ul>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2><br>What do I need to do to become a Waiter or Waitress?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re friendly, love talking to people and don&rsquo;t mind being on your feet for most of a shift, then a job as a waiter/waitress would be perfect for you. It&rsquo;s a great place to start building experience in hospitality and catering if you&rsquo;re considering a career in this industry. Or, if you&rsquo;re a student needing extra cash while you study, the flexible hours and casual positions available may suit you well.</p>
<p>On a permanent contract you will be looking at upwards of 40 hours a week. For temporary positions it will depend on a number of things like how busy it is, whether they&rsquo;re fully staffed, if anyone is sick or going on holiday. When you start any new job as a casual employee, be clear about what hours would suit you. And, of course, try to be flexible and help them out in busy times if you can.</p>
<p>Vacancies will be posted online, on specialist jobs websites, in Facebook groups, newspapers and through word of mouth. Jobs may be listed under a number of names including waiter/waitress, wait staff, front of house or floor staff. Don&rsquo;t feel shy about going to places directly to see if they need any front of house staff. Take a few copies of your CV, but most managers will normally ask you to email it to them, so have an up-to-date copy ready. If you can, get someone to read over your CV and check for things like spelling mistakes.</p>
<p>As this is a practical job, you will usually be asked to go in for a trial shift at the place of work. This will involve an interview or chat with the hiring manager, and working for an hour or two on the floor. You should expect to be shown where things are, talked through the menu and how the till system works. This can be nerve wracking if it&rsquo;s your first job as a waiter/waitress. But remember it is a trial so you won&rsquo;t be expected to know how to do everything. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask for help and make sure you smile. During the interview, be ready with any questions you might have about the job such as about hours or pay.</p>
<p>After a trial, you may be hired on the spot or told they will call you. Ask when the manager thinks they will be getting back to you. It&rsquo;s also important to tell them the date when you could start work.</p>
<p>On your CV and in the interview, be sure to highlight any experience serving customers or dealing with money. Of course, previous experience as a waiter/waitress is a bonus. There are no formal qualifications needed for a job as a waiter/waitress, so it&rsquo;s a great entry-level job, which can be fun and a good way to meet new people.</p>
<p>It is possible to do formal hospitality training, such as a diploma in hospitality but this is not required to work as a waiter/waitress. You may want to consider this if you want to make a career in hospitality and catering, or run your own business one day. And you can always start in a job like this while you consider training options.</p>
<p>Any practical training such as first aid, basic food hygiene or relevant alcohol licenses will add to your application. An online search for first aid training will show you opportunities in your area and local council websites have lots of information about relevant hospitality and catering certificates.</p>
<p>The prime responsibility of a waiter/waitress is to serve customers. This involves seating them, taking food and drink orders, serving and clearing tables. You may also need to liaise with the kitchen about specials, or when people have intolerances or allergies. If you are unsure about food safety issues like this, be sure to clarify with the customer or the chef, and refer to your manager or supervisor if needed.</p>
<p>There are pros and cons to this type of work. It can offer great flexibility, no two days being the same, a good way to meet new people and usually a free staff meal. However, bear in mind that you may have to deal with difficult or rude customers, and late nights and weekends.</p>
<p>When choosing where to work, look for somewhere where you like the pace of work. A quiet caf&eacute; or a high-end fine dining restaurant can give you different working days but also hone different skills. This is also a job which can take you anywhere in the world, so it&rsquo;s a good option if you want to go travelling or live in different countries.</p>
<p>Depending on the size of your place of work, there will be roles with more responsibility and the chance to progress. You may be put in charge of a number of sections of the restaurant or be tasked with ensuring staff take their breaks. Once you&rsquo;ve gained plenty of experience with customers and the till systems, you could then apply for assistant manager roles or even try to go straight for a manager position. As long as you can show you&rsquo;re reliable, hard working and good with people there&rsquo;s nothing stopping you going all the way.</p>
<p>Browse the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=Waiting+Staff">waiter/waitress jobs.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/our-branches">Contact your local branch.</a></p>
<h2>What's it like to be a Waiter/Waitress?&nbsp;</h2>
</article>
<div class="flex-video widescreen">
<div class="VideoObject"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VZ2CNKT6CGc" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
</div>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h3><br>Video Transcript</h3>
<p>"A typical day as a waitress involves all sorts of things, going back and forth to serve drinks from the bar and meals from the kitchen, as soon as their ready. Clearing away plates and glasses and helping support the kitchen staff in different areas. Every job you do needs to be carried out at a fast pace. I think the best part about being a waitress is the tips, if your skills get better, you can really increase your earning potential.</p>
<p>If you love staying active and working flexible hours, then it's great work. It's not an easy job by any means, getting everything on people's orders right during busy times can be difficult and you're standing for long periods of time which can be tiring.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Overall though I love being a waitress."</p>
</article>

How to become a Waiter or Waitress?

<h2 style="color: #00aae3;">Overview</h2>
<table style="width: 74.4681%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 15.5346%;"><strong>Job Role</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 84.2043%;">Barista</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 15.5346%;"><strong><br>Responsibilities</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 84.2043%;"><br>Taking customer orders and payment, making and serving drinks and keeping the bar area clean.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 15.5346%;"><strong>Dress Code</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 84.2043%;">
<p><strong><br><br>Top and Bottoms:&nbsp;</strong>Usually your own clothes, that you don't mind getting messy<br><strong>Shoes:&nbsp;</strong>Every day <a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/footwear/_/a33-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">shoes</a> are fine, ones that you don't mind being splattered with coffee<br><strong>Apron: </strong><a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/chefs-clothing-aprons-footwear/aprons/front-of-house-aprons/_/a33-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aprons</a> are usually provided by the employer to protect your clothes</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>What do I need to do to become a Barista?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If precision and efficiency is your cup of tea, and you work well under pressure, you could make a great barista. As with many jobs in hospitality and catering, there are lots of different places you could work. You don&rsquo;t need a formal qualification, so building up your experience and knowledge in your field is key.</p>
<p>The day-to-day duties of a barista usually include setting up the coffee machine, taking orders and payment from customers, making coffees and serving them, cleaning as you go, machine maintenance and closing up at the end of the day. As you gain more experience and become a valuable member of the team, you will gain more responsibility. Such as keeping check of your stock and ordering what you need, including things like coffee beans, various types of milk, take away cups and cleaning equipment.</p>
<p>So what is going to make you stand out? It&rsquo;s all about a thirst for knowledge, says Adrian Mancuso, barista academy trainer at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fivesenses.com.au/">Five Senses Coffee</a>, &ldquo;I always look for a barista who knows their craft. If you&rsquo;ve never worked as a barista before, don&rsquo;t just guess. Ask the right questions and show a willingness to learn. Someone who has an open mind and is eager to learn is going to make the best barista,&rdquo; he says.</p>
<p>When starting out, you have two options: formal training or find somewhere that will teach you on the job. Lots of places say they require you to already have some experience so Mancuso recommends that new candidates look for a coffee training school. &ldquo;Find somewhere that specialises in all forms of coffee training. Starting with a basic espresso course is always best; this will give you the confidence you require in an interview and follow up trial shifts.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Spend some time to consider your training options, and what is right for you. There is usually the option to study part-time, which leaves time to work.</p>
<p>But if training isn&rsquo;t a route for you, don&rsquo;t give up yet. Try to find someone who is happy to employ you as a barista from the start. A good teacher is always key for perfecting a new skill. &ldquo;Look for a place that has a good level of service and a great understanding of the coffee they&rsquo;re working with, if they can&rsquo;t give you a job ask them to recommend places to check out,&rdquo; Mancuso adds. &ldquo;Be a good student, listen to them, ask questions and start soaking up coffee knowledge from wherever you can. Go into coffee shops on your days off, drink their coffee, and chat to the baristas if you can. See what information you can find online or even go to your local library.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Barista vacancies are often advertised on job boards, Facebook groups or through word of mouth. When applying for barista jobs, it&rsquo;s important to highlight all of your relevant experience. Any jobs you&rsquo;ve had serving customers or working front of house will be useful when applying for your first role as a barista.</p>
<p>Working as front of house staff is another route you could take to becoming a barista if you have no coffee experience. Firstly, find a place with an espresso machine that is looking for staff. The next step is to show your interest in coffee, and offer to help the barista out where you can; even if it&rsquo;s collecting clean mugs or restocking the milk fridge for them. When it&rsquo;s quiet on the customer front, and only if your manager is happy with it, you could then ask them for a few tips and demonstration on the espresso machine.</p>
<p>If you take this route, be honest with your manager about your intentions to become a barista from the start. And always make sure you are fulfilling the job you were employed to do. If you&rsquo;re going to do it this way, you&rsquo;ll need to be patient, grateful of any guidance and soak up as much as you can.</p>
<p>Some coffee shops are also independent roasters. As a way to educate customers, and ultimately sell their coffee, they sometimes offer public cuppings. These tasting sessions are often run by one of the roasters (read: extremely knowledgeable barista). Try to go to one, as it&rsquo;s a great way of learning about how coffee beans are grown, prepared and turned into delicious coffee. Make the absolute most of these sessions; ask questions, write notes, and you never know who you might meet. Your future boss might be standing next to you.</p>
<p>Pay and hours for baristas can vary greatly depending on where you work and type of employment. If you land a permanent contract you will probably be working around 40 hours a week. Hourly rates will differ depending mainly on your experience and responsibilities of the role.</p>
<p>Casual hours can be great for providing flexibility; when applying for jobs you&rsquo;ll have the choice whether to work somewhere that is open only during the day, all day and night, or from lunchtime until dinner. Think about what would suit your lifestyle and other commitments. For example, if you&rsquo;re a student who has classes during the day, evening barista shifts in a restaurant might suit you &ndash; just don&rsquo;t over work yourself or over commit to something you can&rsquo;t keep up.</p>
<p>When you start a new job, if the hours and shifts aren&rsquo;t set, be clear about which days you could work and the amount of hours that would be ideal for you. Remember as a temporary employee, you aren&rsquo;t guaranteed a number of hours, and could be sent home early if it&rsquo;s very quiet. This is the nature of temporary work in hospitality and catering. If you would like the extra shifts you can always offer to pick up some front of house shifts too.</p>
<p>In terms of career progression, it&rsquo;s up to you to push yourself and keep moving forward. As Mancuso points out: &ldquo;Baristas have a wide range of opportunities in the coffee industry." For example, moving into a management role, working in a roastery or as a roaster. Some other avenues may be working as a part of the training team or administration for a roaster or coffee school.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Browse the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=Barista">barista jobs</a>,&nbsp;and for CV and cover letter writing guidance,&nbsp;<a href="https://novoresume.com/career-blog/barista-resume">view this in-depth resume resource for Barista's</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/our-branches">Contact your local branch</a></p>
<h2>What's it like to be a Barista?&nbsp;</h2>
</article>
<div class="flex-video widescreen">
<div class="VideoObject"><iframe id="widget2" class="optanon-category-C0004 " title="What's it like to be a Barista? | Hospitality and Catering Jobs" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Hv6XtvwTdE?enablejsapi=1" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-ot-ignore="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-11="true"></iframe>
<p>What's it like to be a Barista? | Hospitality and Catering Jobs</p>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h3>Video Transcript</h3>
<p>"A typical day as a Barista involves all sorts of things; you make a lot of coffee.</p>
<p>It's really important to keep a tidy work station throughout your shift and organise the daily equipment to keep the service running smoothly.</p>
<p>The best part about being a Barista is receiving a smile from a happy customer when they get their coffee. You get to talk to people from all walks of life and hear their stories.</p>
<p>The most challenging parts about being a Barista is trying to stay upbeat especially during a very long shift and the repetitiveness can be a struggle sometimes.</p>
<p>Overall though I love being a Barista."</p>
</article>

How to become a Barista?

<h2 style="color: #00aae3;">Overview</h2>
<table style="width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 11.6486%;"><strong>Job Role</strong></td>
<td style="width: 88.154%;">Personal Assistant, (aka: PA, Personal Secretary)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 11.6486%;"><strong><br>Responsibilities</strong></td>
<td style="width: 88.154%;"><br>Assist one or more people with their work-related tasks and activities, e.g: Taking phone calls, diary management, managing email inboxes.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><br>What do I need to do to become a Personal Assistant?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>As a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?distance=5&amp;keywords=Personal+Assistant">personal assistant&nbsp;</a>(or PA) your primary responsibility is usually to assist one or more people with their work-related tasks and activities. Your hours will vary depending on the type of employment and business. If you&rsquo;re a personal assistant to someone who works evenings and weekends then you can expect to do the same. It is also possible to find a role requiring regular hours from Monday to Friday, or flexible hours.</p>
<p>There are many types of businesses that you could be employed by as a personal assistant. This could be working in the public sector, for example in the NHS or your local council. Many private companies, often the larger ones, employ personal assistants for senior staff to increase their productivity and efficiency. You could also be employed by a private individual or family, which means you may be responsible for more personal daily tasks as well as those mentioned below.</p>
<p>In the role of personal assistant, your everyday duties will usually involve taking telephone calls, and either acting upon them, or passing them through to your manager. You will also be organising their daily meetings. From booking rooms or setting up group telephone conferences, greeting the meeting&rsquo;s guests or callers, and taking the minutes, it&rsquo;s your role to ensure it runs smoothly. You may also be required to attend to emails on behalf of your manager, and receive and send postal correspondence.</p>
<p>As you gain more experience and responsibility as a PA, your role may extend to involve managing other administrative staff members, handling budgets and accounts, doing research and creating reports.</p>
<p>Does this sound like your ideal role? Then it&rsquo;s time to start applying for jobs. Vacancies are often advertised on specialist job boards or on the careers page of a company&rsquo;s website. Narrow down your search criteria for jobs that are a suitable to your level and location if you have a preference.</p>
<p>Before sending off your application, make sure you read through the entire advert carefully. You need to show how you meet the main points of the criteria on your CV and in your cover letter, or on the online application form. Even if you don&rsquo;t meet all of the requirements, it is still worth applying for the role, if you meet most of them. Try to get someone whose opinion you trust, especially if they work in a similar role, to read over your application to check for any spelling mistakes and readability.</p>
<p>If you are successfully invited to an interview, it&rsquo;s essential that you arrive on time and give a great first impression. Think about the questions the interviewer may ask you and the sort of answers you&rsquo;d like to give. And while you&rsquo;re there, remember to be friendly, polite and try not to show that you&rsquo;re too nervous.</p>
<p>There are no formal qualifications or certificates needed to get a job as a personal assistant. Literacy and numeracy skills up to at least GCSE-level are normally required in the role. Knowledge of Microsoft Office and other computer skills will be highly useful. This includes strong typing skills and an understanding of email systems, as these will enable you to be efficient in your job.</p>
<p>The ability to speak and write in other languages than English may be a prerequisite for some jobs that require you to use them. Always include any additional language skills you have on your application, as it could be a bonus for a potential employer. If you have any business certificates, evidence of industry-specific knowledge or a driving license, ensure to also add this to your application.</p>
<p>As with many roles in the administration and secretarial industry, good communication skills are essential. Whether it&rsquo;s written or verbal communication, being able to listen effectively and get information across clearly is very important.</p>
<p>People who tend to do well in this type of role are often highly reliable, organised, great with people and good at solving problems. These soft skills that will help you to succeed in a career as a PA can always be built upon. They are also the sort of skills you will have been developing in other roles or in your education. As a PA, it&rsquo;s also important to always dress and behave in a professional manner at all times, as you are representing your manager and the company who employ you.</p>
<p>Being able to manage your own workload, meet deadlines and prioritise the most important or urgent tasks is also important. You are there to support your manager or managers, who won&rsquo;t always have time to check on your work. If this is an area you need to improve on, think about how you can best use your time to achieve goals and use lists to keep track of tasks.</p>
<p>Previous experience in any administrative role will be a bonus when applying for PA jobs. Make sure you include a career history that highlights any relevant skills you have.</p>
<p>In terms of career progression within this role, you could aim to be promoted to PA to a more senior executive in the company that you work for. You could also consider a role as office manager or another management role in the admin team. With some experience under your belt, you could look at moving into another industry that builds on the skills you have learnt; such as human resources, project management, event coordination or recruitment.</p>
<p>This is a great job if you enjoy new challenges and variety in your work. If you love talking to people and going above and beyond to help others this could be a rewarding career. While it may feel like someone else is taking the credit for company successes, it&rsquo;s important to remember the part you played. You should keep a mental note of personal successes, and these should be highlighted in progress meetings with your manager or supervisor.</p>
<p>Browse the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?distance=5&amp;keywords=Personal+Assistant" target="_self">personal assistant jobs.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/our-branches">Contact your local branch</a>.</p>

How to become a Personal Assistant?

<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>If you have excellent attention to detail, able to work well in fast pace environment, and work well in a team, you&rsquo;ll make a great Warehouse Operative, Production Operative or Assembly Operative<strong>.</strong></p>
<p>Our free CV templates will help you write a tailored CV to ensure you stand out from the crowd.</p>
</article>
<article class="content-3col">
<div class="content-3col-left">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=DCDFB001CF59431E4723171E9A6D8740" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_a_production-warehouse-assembly-operative.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=A3219FD5B02BAFC4B8E872532DED791A" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=D2B7F71C5A3CC667637C48E41509BF36" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_b_production-warehouse-assembly-operative.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=A3219FD5B02BAFC4B8E872532DED791A" alt="Download"></a></p>
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<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=D70B4BF7DD9D5D09BFB9DB8AE8460973" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_production-warehouse-assembly-operative.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=A3219FD5B02BAFC4B8E872532DED791A" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>A guide to writing a CV for a job as a Warehouse Operative, Production Operative or Assembly Operative</h2>
<p>Tyler Summers<br>0000 0000 00<br>Tyler Summers@email.com<br>Home Street<br>Home Town<br>Postcode</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.</p>
<p>Try to include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><em>I am a hard-working and reliable individual with excellent attention to detail. I have three years&rsquo; experience working in the manufacturing sector, and have a full, clean UK driving licence. I am looking for a full-time role that will improve my skills and give me more responsibilities.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section is to show the potential employer what jobs or work experience you&rsquo;ve done. It is the first chance for you to highlight the skills and experience each one has given you, and this is turn should show why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Production operative, DHL Express, Nottingham, October 2017 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Responsible for unloading and recording new deliveries, and ensuring parcels are sent to the correct storage area. I also show new employees around the section and help them learn the ropes</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article.</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Any jobs you&rsquo;ve had in the Manufacturing and Production or Warehouse sectors will be useful to include here as lots of the skills will overlap and show you&rsquo;re a good candidate for the role</p>
</li>
<li>If you have recently left education, or are new to this type of work, try to include any jobs you&rsquo;ve had that will highlight the skills the employer is looking for. For example, if you have worked on a shop floor stacking shelves, you could use this to show you have experience of receiving and organising stock</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have done, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve done. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.</p>
<p>There are no specific qualifications or education subjects required to be an Assembly Operative, Warehouse Operative or a Production Operative. However, a good level (GCSE or equivalent) of Maths and English would be useful.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you complete the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>First aid at work, British Red Cross Centre, Nottingham, August 2018</strong>
<ul>
<li>Learned how and when to deal with specific illnesses in the workplace, and what do to if someone in injured while at work</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Skills</strong></h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li>Target driven &ndash; &lsquo;In my role at DHL I have improved my ability to focus on and meet performance targets. This has resulted in our section meeting and sometimes exceeding weekly workloads.&rsquo;</li>
<li>Working in a team &ndash; &lsquo;I have been continuously improving my team working skills by making sure my section is communicating well with each other and other areas of the warehouse. This was especially important over the Christmas period when our workload was higher.&rsquo;</li>
</ul>
<h2>References&nbsp;</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Arron Waters</strong><br>Supervisor, DHL Express, Nottingham<br>0000 0000 00<br>janesmith@email.com</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from your supervisor who you&rsquo;ve been working closely with in your most recent role. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you)</li>
</ul>
</article>

Warehouse /Production/Assembly Operative CV Template

<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>With rarely a dull moment and no two days the same, working as a&nbsp;sales advisor&nbsp;can be an exciting entry-level role or part-time job.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To land a job as a sales advisor, your CV will need to show that you have good numeracy and communication skills.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to start your career in retail, customer services or sales,&nbsp;or take that next step up the ladder, our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.</p>
</article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/sales-advisor/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=AB1383896E04C568B4612CC5DC6B2C59" alt="CV Template"></p>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/sales-advisor/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=AF3DE74492C9A8252A404002461C41F8" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/sales-advisor/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_b_sales-advisor.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/sales-advisor/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=81FE1CFFB6DECB52E1A5F70F492E237B" alt="Download"></a></p>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/sales-advisor/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=6AF0E8CBC2F5296DE028BA2E6AA5118C" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/sales-advisor/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_sales-advisor.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/sales-advisor/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=81FE1CFFB6DECB52E1A5F70F492E237B" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<h2>A guide to writing a CV for a job as a Sales Advisor</h2>
<p><strong>Name:</strong>&nbsp;Amber Shaw<br><strong>Tel No:</strong>&nbsp;0000 0000 00<br><strong>Email:</strong>&nbsp;AmberShaw@email.com<br><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;48 North Promenade<br>Dovercourt<br>CO12 3UD</p>
<h2>Personal Profile&nbsp;</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.<br><br>Try to include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job. For example if you have previous&nbsp;experience working in customer services, retail or sales and are used to working in a fast paced environment, mention this here.&nbsp;</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><em>I am a positive and hard-working sales advisor with two years&rsquo; of experience in this role. I enjoy working in a team as well as being able to manage my own time effectively. I also have experience of meeting sales targets, staying up-to-date with product information, and managing the breaks of some of my team.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section should highlight the skills and experience your current and/or previous jobs have given you relevant to the role your apply for. This in turn should show employers why you are a good fit for the job.&nbsp; You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Sales advisor, Vodafone, Bedford, January 2018 &ndash; present&nbsp;</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>My duties include working on different sections to ensure stock is well presented and tidy, serving customers on the till, issuing refunds and answering product queries</em></li>
<li><em>I have improved my ability to manage angry or difficult customers by ensuring I first listen to their issues and then work with them to find a reasonable solution</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article.</a></li>
Any jobs you&rsquo;ve had in the, sales, administrative and secretarial, call centre or retail sector will be useful to include here as lots of the skills will overlap and show you&rsquo;re a good candidate for the role.
<li>If you have recently left education, or are new to this type of work, try to include any jobs you&rsquo;ve had that will highlight the skills the employer is looking for. For example, if you have worked on the reception desk in a school, use this to show that you have developed a good telephone manner, paperwork organisation and the ability to prioritise your workload</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Although no formal qualifications are required to be a Sales Advisor, employers will expect you to have a good level of English and Maths.&nbsp;If you have completed courses or gained certificates in other work-related areas, such as first aid, include that information here also.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you complete the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Dual diploma of business and leadership and management, Bedford College, September 2016 &ndash; June 2017</strong>
<ul>
<li>Modules included leading teams, managing personal work, recruitment processes, professional documents, customer service, and managing workplace relationships</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Organisation&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; &lsquo;I have improved my ability to sort through new stock, organise it before taking it to the shop floor, and use my keen eye for detail to ensure each section is looking great.&rsquo;</li>
<li><strong>Working in a team&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; &lsquo;I have been focusing on my ability to communicate effectively with members of my team in order to work together to provide excellent service and deal with busy periods in the shop.&rsquo;</li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Kate Mitchel&nbsp;</strong><br>Supervisor at Debenhams<br>0000 0000 00<br>KateMitchel@email.com</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from a senior colleague or manager who you&rsquo;ve been working closely with in your most recent role. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job.</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you)</li>
</ul>
</article>

Sales Advisor CV Template

<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>A Receptionist is the face of the company, and the first person a customer, colleague or visitor will meet. To land a job as a receptionist, it&rsquo;s important that your CV shows that you have a passion for customer service, have excellent communication skills and able to multi-task.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to start your career as a Receptionist&nbsp;or looking for a new challenge in the hospitality and catering sector, our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.</p>
</article>
<article class="content-3col">
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/receptionist/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=E28839D9520E7F53B4D45ECB5F48DD6E" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/receptionist/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_a_receptionist.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/receptionist/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=AEAA9AA722211CDCB0405F7060534820" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/receptionist/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=C72B55FA3031E2A973E0E0AED4FC4D6B" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/receptionist/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_b_receptionist.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/receptionist/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=AEAA9AA722211CDCB0405F7060534820" alt="Download"></a></p>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/receptionist/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=158DD42447E53E44A46C93A9679401DA" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/receptionist/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_receptionist.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/receptionist/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=AEAA9AA722211CDCB0405F7060534820" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>A guide to writing a CV for a job as a Receptionist</h2>
<p><strong>Name:</strong>&nbsp;Tia Hurst&nbsp;<br><strong>Tel No:&nbsp;</strong>0000 0000 00<br><strong>Email:</strong>&nbsp;TiaHurst@email.com<br><strong>Address:&nbsp;</strong>25 Huntly Street&nbsp;<br>Ampthill<br>MK56 4UN&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Personal Profile&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The personal profile is your chance to professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.</p>
<p>You should try to include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job. For example, if you have previous experience of working as a receptionist and have any qualifications specifically in administration, mention this here.&nbsp;</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<em>I am a highly organised individual with great communication and interpersonal skills, and have two years&rsquo; experience working as a receptionist. I enjoy a varied and busy workday, and have good literacy and computer skills.</em>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>Use the work history section to highlight the skills and experience your previous jobs have given you. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts that are relevant&nbsp;to the job you're applying to. You can always write down and save further examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Receptionist, Central Beds Council, Chicksands, October 2017 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Working on the front desk of the building, I greet all staff and customers. I receive and log deliveries, and answer all phone calls through the main switchboard. I am also responsible for managing meeting room diaries and set up.</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</li>
<li>Any jobs you&rsquo;ve had in the administrative and secretarial sector will be useful to include here as lots of the skills will overlap and show you&rsquo;re a good candidate for the role.</li>
<li>If you have recently left education, or are new to this type of work, try to include any jobs you&rsquo;ve had that will highlight the skills the employer is looking for. For example, if you have worked on the reception desk in a school, use this to show that you have developed a good telephone manner, paperwork organisation and the ability to prioritise your workload.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history,show any relevant training you have completed. List what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve completed. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are no formal qualifications required for most receptionist roles. However, some do require specialist knowledge and training such as medical or legal receptionists, to ensure they can complete technical responsibilities that go with that role. Any formal business related qualifications should be listed here as they will help your application.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you have completed courses or gained certificates in other work-related areas, or first aid, include that information here also.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you complete the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Microsoft Office Plus Diploma, Pittman Training, Watford, August 2016</strong>
<ul>
<li>Covered the key areas of MS packages including word, outlook, excel, powerpoint and access, as well as two elective courses in excel expert and effective business communication</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li>Working independently &ndash; &lsquo;In my current role I have learned to effectively prioritise tasks and manage my own workload. Ensuring I deal with customer enquiries in a timely way, and supporting staff with administrative duties and meetings.&rsquo;</li>
<li>Communication skills &ndash; &lsquo;I have also been focusing on improving my communications skills. This is equally as important over the phone, in person or in writing. I have also been focusing on my listening skills to ensure all information is understood before responding.&rsquo;</li>
</ul>
<h2>References&nbsp;</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>David Jones</strong><br>Manager at Central Beds Council, Chicksands<br>0000 0000 00<br>DavidJones@email.com</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from a senior colleague or manager who you&rsquo;ve been working closely with in your most recent role. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job.&nbsp;</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you)</li>
</ul>
</article>

Receptionist CV Template

<p>Do you sometimes have an issue at work in the warehouse that you would really like to speak up about? Maybe it&rsquo;s a health and safety concern, a problem in the team or you just need to know how to do something. Sometimes it can be hard to know who the best person is to speak to and there may be things that hold you back.</p>
<p>Here we address some of the common issues that people have when it comes to speaking up at work and offer advice on how you can overcome any difficulties you perceive.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Why speak up?</span></h3>
<p>Speaking up at work means you are seen and known to have an opinion. It may be an indication that you are willing to stand up for what you believe or it could be fuelled by your desire to move forward in you warehouse job.</p>
<p>There are some common issues in warehouse work that often need to be spoken about:</p>
<ul>
<li>Health and safety concerns</li>
<li>Staff issues</li>
<li>Shifts</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have a problem in any of these areas then you need to have a voice. Management are not always aware, so by raising the concern you can work to solve it.</p>
<p>In the case of health and safety, not saying anything could put yourself and others at risk. If there are staff issues, then you need to be able to give your input and equally stand up for yourself. If you don&rsquo;t, then you may end up feeling resentful and more unhappy. It is best to deal with the problem and speak up to the appropriate person. The same goes for shifts - if you are not happy with your current shifts then you need to talk to someone to see if the situation can be resolved.</p>
<p>It is possible that your colleagues have been thinking the same as you but have been too afraid to say anything. By giving yourself and them a voice, you can establish yourself as someone to be heard and respected. However, if you want your opinion to be valued there are right and wrong ways to go about speaking up.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What holds you back from speaking up?</span></h3>
<p>It can be a scary prospect to speak up about your thoughts and opinions at work, you may fear what the reaction will be or you may be afraid you don&rsquo;t communicate the issue(s) at hand.</p>
<p>Certain issues can be daunting to speak about with your boss, especially if you are relatively new to the workplace. When you summon up the courage to speak to your Line Manager you want to know that they will listen and take you seriously.</p>
<p>These are some fears that may prevent you speaking up at work:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lack of confidence</li>
<li>Social anxiety</li>
<li>Worry about not getting shifts</li>
<li>Concern about losing your job</li>
<li>Feeling undervalued as a temporary worker</li>
<li>Language barrier</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How to speak up at work</span></h3>
<p><strong><em>Think carefully about what you need to speak about.</em></strong> Before you approach your Supervisor, decide if the issue is something that directly affects you. If so, then you have a right and a need to say something. Equally, if it is a matter of health and safety that could affect everyone, it needs to be brought to the attention of the appropriate people.</p>
<p><em><strong>Think about timing when you speak up.</strong></em> Is it urgent or can it wait? It is not a good idea to approach your Line Manager during busy periods as they will be less able to listen and focus on what you are telling them. Find a time at the beginning or end of the day when things are quieter; or ask you Manager if you can arrange a suitable time, so that you can both talk properly to understand and resolve the issue.</p>
<p>You need to do your homework about the problem. Anything that involves everyone needs to be addressed and if you know your stuff then you are more likely to be taken seriously. Check if your colleagues have similar concerns, you may want to approach your Supervisor together, which can make things easier. However, if the issue is more personal or if you don&rsquo;t like to speak in a group setting, then it is better to find a time to speak to your Supervisor privately.</p>
<p><strong><em>Think about how you speak up.</em></strong> You don&rsquo;t want to come across as overly critical or complaining as this can create a negative vibe before you get started. Consider how to approach the subject and then discuss it with your Manager in a positive way. As you talk, don&rsquo;t be defensive, stay calm and confident about the reason you are speaking up.</p>
<p>For example, if you feel that you are being overlooked for certain tasks, don&rsquo;t go in complaining that George always gets to do XYZ. Instead, explain that you would like to be challenged to improve certain skills by doing XYZ and you would really appreciate the opportunity next time it becomes available.</p>
<p>Speaking up does not always have to be about something negative. If you don&rsquo;t know how to do something then the only way to learn is to ask questions. Don&rsquo;t be afraid &ndash; if in doubt, it&rsquo;s time to speak up. To continue improving your knowledge and expertise to do your job well, speaking up is a positive thing. This way you will become more confident in the task and gain more experience.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What would help you to speak up more?</span></h3>
<p>Here are some things that you need to think about to make it easier for you to speak up at work:</p>
<ul>
<li>Improve confidence - step out of your comfort zone&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Be more assertive</li>
<li>Team up with colleagues</li>
<li>Know how to speak up in the right way</li>
<li>Know the appropriate channels to go through</li>
<li>Know your rights&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Improve your communication &amp; language skills&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>A big boost to confidence is knowing your subject. When you speak to your Warehouse Manager you must be well prepared for what you need to talk about. Be confident in your own knowledge and ability, if you have a positive frame of mind and believe in yourself, it will make you more assertive and this will come across when you speak up.</p>
<p>If the issue is something that involves more people than just you, then speak to your colleagues first. If there are a number of you, then perhaps appoint two or three as spokespeople, rather than all going as a big group.</p>
<p>When you are working as a temporary employee in a Warehouse, there may be occasions when you feel as if you are not treated in the same way as directly employed members of staff. So it is important that you know <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=BEF96CDDB0B247968F19333B190B57FF&amp;_z=z">your rights</a>.</p>
<p>Even if you work through an agency, you still have the same basic workers employment rights as permanent employees, regardless of how long you have been there and you are entitled to use the same facilities and services as everyone else. After 12 weeks in the same placement you qualify for all the same rights as the permanent employees and should be treated equally in all ways. If you feel this is not the case you should bring up it with your boss. Having the right knowledge is important when approaching your supervisors about any issues.</p>
<p>In the case of conflict, if you know you are in the right about something you are being held responsible for and you feel you cannot approach your Manager, then it may be necessary to ask a third party for advice or to intervene. As a Blue Arrow Flexible Employee, your best contact will be your <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=BAD1971831BF442B8B2BE0786ADE0448&amp;_z=z">Blue Arrow Consultant</a>.</p>
<p>When you are working in a Warehouse environment and English is not your first language, it can make things more difficult when it comes to speaking up. Listening to English all day, you may well understand most of what is said, but when it comes to speaking and saying what you want and mean to say, you may feel less sure. The best way to overcome the language barrier is to improve your English language skills.</p>
<p>There are lots of resources online for English language lessons. For practice lessons, courses and tests at various levels, <a href="https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The British Council&nbsp;</a>is a good place to start. <a href="https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cambridge English</a> also have free activities on their website to help practise your English.</p>
<p>If you prefer a classroom environment lots of local colleges offer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses for people living or wanting to settle and work in England.</p>
<p>Any English class will help improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, which will greatly improve your confidence when you need to speak up at work. It will also be helpful if you can spend time speaking with a native English speaker in a social setting. The more you use the language, the faster you will learn and become more fluent in English.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What else can you do if you have an issue at work?</span></h3>
<p>It can be difficult to know who to talk to when you have a problem at work, especially if you are relatively new in the workplace. If you still lack confidence to approach your Line Manager, are unsure about who you should approach at your place of employment or feel that your concerns are not being addressed, then you can always speak to your Blue Arrow Consultant by contacting your <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=BAD1971831BF442B8B2BE0786ADE0448&amp;_z=z">local Blue Arrow branch</a>.</p>

Speak Up at Work

<p>We had the opportunity to get a first-hand account of what is it like to be a warehouse Team Leader from Karina, a Lead Associate in a large food retail warehouse, during a recent one to one interview.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What was your first role in the warehouse?</span></h3>
<p>I started as a Blue Arrow Warehouse Operative and then quickly moved into a Lead Associate position. It took around 3 months between me starting and being promoted.</p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Did you always want to work your way up?</span></h3>
<p style="margin-left: 0cm;">Yes, I always knew I wanted to work my way up. I started as a Warehouse Operative just to get into a job then I set my sights on working hard to move into a higher position.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">How did you become a team leader?</span></h3>
<p>I think there were a few things. Most importantly I had a great attitude towards my work, I am good at my job and I genuinely love to work with people. I also made sure that I understood the systems really quickly. I think it helped that I had been in senior management for 6 years before when I was in Latvia but it wasn&rsquo;t the main thing that got me promoted.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What is the hardest part of being a team leader?</span></h3>
<p>My job is not just about managing people, it is also a big responsibility. I run the chilled department which is the busiest area with lots of multi skilled staff. &nbsp;We take care of a lot of things from bringing goods in, to sending them out, picking, packing and processing. We are also the only department that is fulfilling orders for the Channel Islands so we are working to really tight deadlines and the systems have to run perfectly to make sure we are not late.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Is it stressful leading a team and trying to hit targets?</span></h3>
<p>I love a challenge but yes it can be stressful, not enough to lose sleep over or anything but it can be a high pressure environment. I work really closely with my team and sometimes I need to pick up other people&rsquo;s teams too to make sure we stay on track. It can be stressful if you let it build up, so I do weight lifting at the gym to relieve any stress from a long day. It is important to leave your stress at the door when you leave and take time outside of work to do other things.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What type of people do you want on your team?</span></h3>
<p>I only want people with the right attitude to work on my team. They must put in the effort and want to be there, because you can train someone to have the right skills, but their attitude is down to them. They have to be physically fit as well - you need to be physically able as well as motivated to work as a Warehouse Operative.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">How do you inspire your team?</span></h3>
<p>My team know that I was once doing their job so I understand not only how to do it but also what their frustrations might be. They know I care and that I will always do my best to solve their problems, support is an excellent motivator. I make a real effort to get to know them and to ask about their lives outside of work. We also make sure we have fun! It is important for a team to know they can laugh, and joke, we are really trying hard to encourage a fun a positive environment.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What do you wish you had known before you started?</span></h3>
<p>I wish I had some more management knowledge from the aspect of human resources rules and UK management styles. I was born in Latvia and things are very different there, as Managers in the UK we work much harder to motivate staff and ensure they are happy in their job.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What skills do you think you use the most in your role?</span></h3>
<p>I rely heavily on my people skills and my organisation and productivity skills. I lead by example so it is important that I show them not only what I need but that I will also do my part.</p>
<p>I have a passion for making sure I do a good job, making the effort to do everything 100% so my commitment to my role is also really important.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What parts of your personality make you a good team leader?</span></h3>
<p>Easily my positivity and determination to succeed. If your team see you smile and remain positive even in tough times it makes a big difference.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Where can your job as a Team Leader take you?</span></h3>
<p>Becoming a Shift Manager is my next target and I am working really hard to show that I will be a good choice for that position. I say yes to all of the training I can get to help me progress, I have completed leadership training, labour management training and even fire marshal training. As for the next step after that, who knows, I like to focus on one goal at a time.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Are you well supported in your role by higher management?</span></h3>
<p>Yes, I am really lucky I have an amazing Shift Manager. He supports and coaches me in everything I need.</p>

Interview - working as a warehouse team leader

<p>With the rise of e-commerce and the continuing development of technology it is no wonder that we are seeing more and more warehouses put two and two together, embracing technology to enhance logistical operations and expedite product delivery.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The AI revolution has brought with it many autonomous tools such as robots, voice direction headsets, scanners, drones, and self-driving vehicles which all serve to boost productivity and accuracy especially when working alongside their human counterparts.</p>
<p>While some may see this as a stepping stone towards a dramatic decline in work opportunities, conjuring a negative vision for what the future could look like, we see this as a positive opportunity for humans and robots to work together, placing logistics and warehousing at the forefront for technological advances and work place development.</p>
<p>Most technology is designed with human assistance in mind, making our lives easier, reducing our workload or at least the areas that require the most effort. A fine example of humans and technology working together is the Freight 500 from <a href="https://fetchrobotics.com/products-technology/virtualconveyor/freight-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fetch Robotics</a>.This transportation robot is designed to carry up to 1,100 lbs around warehouses. What is so great is that they are designed to follow warehouse workers around as they complete their tasks picking goods from warehouse shelves assisting workers with their heavy load carrying duties.</p>
<p>AI technology is not always robots and drones, there are some instances where technology is implemented to assist the workforce in a more subtle way, instead of sharing your workload with a faithful robotic pet, in some cases your workload is analysed, calculated and optimised by technology behind the scenes before your pick list has even landed in your hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Systems that use Augmented Reality (AR) technology for optimised picking and warehouse planning can make significant improvements in warehouse operations. Reports show that with the use of AR systems, picking accuracy can improve by 40%.</p>
<p>From a human perspective if technology can alleviate the frustration of getting to a shelf and finding that the item that should be there, isn&rsquo;t due to a simple recording error at the point of replenishment, or if it can provide you with some comfort, knowing that the route you are taking while picking products is not only the shortest but also the most efficient, how can a symbiosis of humans and technology not be a good thing? <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/workplace-workout" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Who wants to walk an extra few miles if you don&rsquo;t have to?</a></p>
<p>If we look to other countries who have already implemented technology into their supply chain logistics, it is clear to see that AI technology is the future of warehousing and that we are not too far behind the rest, so the question shouldn&rsquo;t be &ldquo;Are robots taking our jobs?&rdquo; it should be &ldquo;How can I develop my skills to work alongside technology?&rdquo;</p>
<p>Well, we are glad you asked because we have 3 great ways you can upskill to make sure you are robot ready.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;"> 1. Learn the ropes, develop your knowledge and teach </span></h2>
<p>For technology to work it has to learn. It is key for AI technology to blend logic with human nature to ensure it is designing and running a robust system that can cope with last minute changes, inaccuracies and fluctuations in productivity and staff levels. Who better to teach these robots about being human than a human, or more accurately a warehouse employee with a long- standing wealth of knowledge in the operations aspects of the role.</p>
<p>If you have the knowledge and experience that comes from a career in the warehousing industry you could find yourself assigned with some of the first prototype designs, testing them out and feeding back to designers with improvements and suggestions as your workplace starts to blend their workforce with tech.</p>
<p>Find out how you can take 4 easy steps to warehouse career success <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/4-steps-to-warehouse-career-success" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;"> 2. Good with your hands? </span>&nbsp;</h2>
<p>One thing we all know about tech is that from time to time it can fail, usually at the most inopportune moment and in a warehouse manned solely by robots this could become a little counterproductive when none of them are programmed to be robot doctors.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is one area where humans will always have the upper hand, and if you are good with yours then this could be a great opportunity for you to upskill into repairing and maintaining robots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Many working environments will train their inhouse staff to look after the robots on an as-needed basis but if you want to take things up a level then you can opt to self-skill through courses like those provided by <a href="https://www.nobleprog.co.uk/robotics-training" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NobleProg</a></p>
<p>If you want to find out more about adult learning opportunities check out a recent post from <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/adult-learning" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Caree</a><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/adult-learning" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;R</a> that talks about the opportunities that are open to us and where to find more information.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;"> 3. Take Control </span></h2>
<p>Even robots need to report to someone, what else are they to do with all of the information they are processing? It is the role of a team leader, shift supervisor and warehouse manager to take the real time analytics on board, make the right decisions and distribute the workforce accordingly. Work your way up the warehouse career ladder and set your sites on a management role to maximise your employability and career longevity.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Download our free career path infographic to find out how to turn your <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/find-a-job/warehouse/infographics/20524-blue-arrow-infographic_career_full.jpg?la=en&amp;hash=0E00659A4EB81BA6EAF7D019AF4FF3346DB305C4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">warehouse job into a career.</a></p>

3 ways to develop your skills to work alongside robots

<p>As a Warehouse Team Leader you could earn between &pound;16,369 - &pound;27,049 per year if you were working full time which is a nice healthy step up from the general Warehouse Operatives rate of &pound;7.82 - &pound;9.97 per hour.</p>
<p>As part of your team Leader role, you would be responsible for managing a team of multi-skilled staff on the warehouse floor to ensure the workload stays on track, that orders are fulfilled and that everyone is working to efficient, proactive systems. You would also be overseeing the general warehouse environment, making sure it is safe and productive during your shift.</p>
<p>Knowing what the job entails is one thing but knowing what it is really like to do a job is invaluable. It is these first hand accounts that provide a glimpse into the parts of the job that perhaps do not get mentioned on the job description. With this in mind, we interviewed warehouse Team Leader Karina to find out what it is really like to be a Team Leader and to find out how she got promoted into the role. You can read the full interview with Karina <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/interview---working-as-a-warehouse-team-leader" target="_self">here</a>.</p>
<p>One aspect of the role that Karina talks about in her interview, is that a Team Leader job can be a high pressure and sometimes stressful position, especially because you have plenty of responsibility on your shoulders to ensure that everything goes to plan. This is an often overlooked aspect of promotion, especially when you are moving into a management role. You will find yourself calling on your natural leadership skills, enthusiasm and unfaltering positivity in order to lead a successful team and navigate the stressful times.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Top 10 skills of a warehouse Team Leader</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>Enthusiasm</li>
<li>Positivity</li>
<li>Decisiveness</li>
<li>People Skills</li>
<li>Organisation</li>
<li>Productivity</li>
<li>Team Working</li>
<li>Empathy</li>
<li>Understanding</li>
<li>Operational Skills</li>
</ul>
<p>If you are sure that you have what it takes to be a great Team Leader and you have your sights set on a promotion, these 5 steps will tell you exactly what you need to do to get there:</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">5 steps to getting a promotion</span></h3>
<p>1. Spend time working in a role such as Warehouse Operative or Forklift Driver so you gain invaluable working knowledge of the systems and procedures that are in place. Stay in this role until you are completely comfortable with how everything works. This is also a great way to get to know your colleagues before you step up to managing things.</p>
<p>2. Work every day as though you are being assessed for a promotion &ndash; you never know when you managers are taking notice so always be ready to impress.</p>
<p>3.Go above and beyond to do great work by putting in the extra effort to ensure the success of the entire team, even if it means picking up other peoples&rsquo; tasks to get the job done.</p>
<p>4. Make an effort to be a positive and enthusiastic member of the team, helping your colleagues and being a source of happiness and inspiration will stand you in great stead throughout your career.</p>
<p>5. Say yes to as much training as you possibly can. Always have an improvement mindset, let your managers know that you want to gain new skills and that you want to be considered for promotion when the time is right.</p>
<p>Remember, your managers and Team Leaders want nothing more than for you to succeed and move up through the ranks, so take all the support you can get. With the right skills, a heap of enthusiasm and to determination to succeed, you could find yourself promoted in no time at all.</p>
<p>Ready to find a warehouse job and get on the promotion track? Click <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehouse-jobs#Warehouse Jobs" target="_self">here</a>&nbsp;</p>

Becoming a warehouse team leader

<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>No commercial kitchen can run without a good&nbsp;Kitchen Porter&nbsp;or Kitchen Assistant. They are an essential part of restaurants, cafes, hospitals, schools, cruise ships and every other place that serves food to customers.</p>
<p>To land a job as a Kitchen Porter or Kitchen Assistant, your CV will need to show, you are flexible, able to work well under pressure and eager to learn.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to start your career in the Hospitality and Catering&nbsp;or take that next step up the ladder, our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.</p>
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<h2>A guide to writing a CV for a Kitchen Porter and Kitchen Assistant job&nbsp;</h2>
<p><strong>Name:</strong>&nbsp;Francesca Morley<br><strong>Tel No:</strong>&nbsp;0000 0000 00<br><strong>Email:&nbsp;</strong>FrancescaMorley@email.com<br><strong>Address:&nbsp;</strong>64 Front Street<br>Lady Hall<br>LA18 6QJ</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.</p>
<p>You should include your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job. For example, if you have experience working in hospitality, or another fast pace environment, and have a passion for cooking and to progress your career, mention this here.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>EXAMPLE:</em></p>
<p><em>I am a hard-working and reliable kitchen assistant with two years of experience working as a cook. I am looking for a full-time time job that will improve my skills and knowledge of cooking. I have a positive attitude and good organisation skills.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section is to show the potential employer what jobs or work experience you&rsquo;ve done. It is the first chance for you to highlight the skills and experience each one has given you, and this is turn should show why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<p>Try to include your work history for the last five years, if possible. Make sure you list any experience of working in a kitchen, as it will improve your chances of landing the job.</p>
<p>If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history and/or your age. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article.</a></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Cook, Butterfly Cafe, Hull, October 2017 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Responsible for making fresh sandwiches and toasties in the morning, mixing salads and making soup ready for lunch. I also prepare food for the next day, and work with the manager to order stock.</em></li>
<li><em>I have learned how to manage my preparation time effectively, prioritise serving food to customers, and the correct handling of dietary requirements and customer allergies. I have also had some experience serving customers and taking their orders at the till</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>If you have recently left school or college then put your education history first and then include any work experience in kitchens, or other jobs you&rsquo;ve had that might be relevant, such as working as a waiter in a restaurant or a retail job.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Use this section to highlight skills that you learned in each role that are relevant to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. The job description should have a list of things that the employer is looking for.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have done, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve done. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are no set requirements to become a kitchen porter or Kitchen Assistant, although some employers may ask for GCSEs at grades A* to E in English and Maths. if you have other certificates such as&nbsp;food hygiene or health and safety, include these hear as it will improve your chances of landing the job.</p>
<ul>
<li>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you completed the course
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>EXAMPLE:</h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>6 GCSEs, Sirius Academy, Hull, September 2014 &ndash; July 2015&nbsp;</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Grades A &ndash; C in maths, English, art, food technology and geography</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>First Aid at work (3 days), St John&rsquo;s Ambulance, Hull, May 2017</strong></em>
<ul>
<li><em>Learned how to deal with workplace injuries like asthma, bleeding, choking, allergic reactions and bone injuries</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have completed any courses or gained certificates in things that are relevant to the job, like food safety, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) or first aid, include that information here</p>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Working in a team &ndash;</strong>&nbsp;&lsquo;Working in the small team at the caf&eacute; has helped me to become a better team player. I have learned how it&rsquo;s important for everyone to pull their weight, and help each other when it&rsquo;s busy or someone is new.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Communication skills&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; &lsquo;I have learned to listen carefully to instructions from the caf&eacute; manager, and why it&rsquo;s important to communicate with the front of house staff about food orders in busy times.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Maintaining stock levels and writing daily prep lists</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; &lsquo;I&rsquo;ve learned the importance of keeping stock levels up and be prepared for the next day. This is especially important when ordering for the weekend delivery, and to be ready for the busiest times of customer orders.</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<div>
<div><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</div>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Jane Smith</strong><br>Manager at the Butterfly Cafe<br>0000 0000 00<br>janesmith@email.com<br><br></p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from a senior chef or manager who you&rsquo;ve been working closely with in your most recent role. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current head chef/boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job.</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you)</li>
</ul>
</div>
</article>

Kitchen Porter/Assistant CV Template

<p>Claiming Universal Credit now offers more than just a standard monthly allowance, following recent changes there are now additional benefits, discounts, grants and even a cash incentive for those moving over to the new Universal Credit scheme.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Universal Credit is a monthly payment intended to help with your living costs if you are on a low income receiving the NMW (National Minimum Wage 2020) or the NLW (National Living Wage 2020), out of work or cannot find work. The Universal Credit benefit replaces the six &lsquo;legacy&rsquo; benefits including Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit and Working Tax Credit with a single monthly payment. You will work closely with the Job Centre Plus as a Universal Credit claimant.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Moving all eligible claimants onto the new Universal Credit scheme is expected to take until 2023, by which time 7 million people are forecast to be claiming. More than 2.5 million households have made a Universal Credit application since mid-March alone.<sup>1</sup></p>
<h2>Move from legacy benefits to Universal Credit<sup>2</sup></h2>
<p>If you have not yet switched from receiving legacy benefits over to the Universal Credit scheme, now is the time to do it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As of Wednesday July 22, 2020, anyone already claiming income-based Jobseeker&rsquo;s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support, claiming Universal Credit instead will receive an extra cash payment worth up to two weeks of their legacy award.</p>
<p>This one-time payment known as a run-on, is intended to help people during their first assessment period, it does not have to be paid back and if you are eligible it will be paid automatically you when claiming Universal Credit for the first time.</p>
<p>If you are concerned about how switching over to the new Universal Credit benefit scheme will affect your payments, you can <a href="http://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators">use a benefit calculator</a> to help you see how much support you are entitled to through Universal Credit before moving.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>You don&rsquo;t have to wait to get paid</h2>
<p>As the Universal Credit benefit is paid in arrears many would-be claimants are concerned that they will be left with no money while they wait for their first payment. Don&rsquo;t let this put your off, you can request an upfront advance to help with the transition period. The government have paid more than one million new claims advances, getting hundreds of millions of pounds to those in urgent need within days of their claim.</p>
<h2>50% off public transport</h2>
<p>Public transport can be shockingly expensive, having recently enquired about the price of an annual season ticket we can certainly attest to this. But a three-month Jobcentre Plus travel discount card could make a huge difference getting you up to 50% off selected bus and train journeys.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The cards are awarded by Job Centre staff on a case by case basis but to be eligible one of the following must apply to you:</p>
<ul>
<li>You must be unemployed and in receipt of Jobseeker&rsquo;s Allowance.</li>
<li>Or, unemployed and claiming Universal Credit for 3 to 9 months if you are aged between 18 and 24.</li>
<li>Or, unemployed and claiming Universal Credit for 3 to 12 months if you are 25 or over.</li>
</ul>
<p>All train operators in England, Scotland and Wales including Transport for London accept the discount.</p>
<h2>Flexible Support Fund grants can get you back on the job market&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The Flexible Support Fund grant is intended to help cover the costs that starting work can bring. Clothing, uniform and travelling to interviews can soon add up and for many getting some help with these upfront costs can often mean the difference between getting back into work and not.</p>
<p>The Flexible Support Fund is not a loan, it is a grant that doesn&rsquo;t have to be paid back and does not affect your monthly benefit payment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Flexible Support Fund is awarded by the Jobcentre Plus staff so get in touch with your local Jobcentre Plus and see if you are eligible.</p>
<h2>Childcare costs</h2>
<p>If you are in work and on Universal Credit you can reclaim up to 85% of your childcare costs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can claim up to &pound;646.35 per month if you have one child and up to &pound;1,108.40 if you have two or more children.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To reclaim your childcare costs, you need to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) how much you paid in childcare costs by the end of the assessment period after you have paid the childcare charges.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This does mean you need to have paid the childcare changes yourself first in order to claim the money back. The Government has been under pressure to change the rule for Universal Credit claimants struggling to find the upfront cash themselves but currently the rule still stands, at least for now, so it is important to consider how you will pay the first set of costs in order to claim them back.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Reducing your council tax bills</h2>
<p>If you're on Universal Credit your council tax bill could be reduced.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What your council tax bill is reduced by all depends on your household income, whether you have children, whether you're in work, and whether you own your home or rent it but it doesn&rsquo;t hurt to ask so it is definitely worth checking to see if you can claim a reduction.</p>
<p>Different locations have varying schemes available so you will need to <a href="https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction">check the government website to find out</a> if your local council offers a council tax reduction - sometimes known as council tax support and how you can apply.</p>
<h2>Get a bonus just for saving&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If there was ever an incentive to start saving this could be it. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income">Help to Save is a type of government backed savings account</a> for those entitled to Working Tax Credit or claiming Universal Credit. If you pay into a Help to Save account, you will get a bonus of 50p for every &pound;1 you save.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can save between &pound;1 and &pound;50 each calendar month but you do not have to pay money in every month. The bonus is paid out in two parts, the first after 2 years and second after 4 years. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income/how-to-apply">To apply for the Help to Save scheme visit the government website here</a>.</p>
<h2>Expecting? Claim a &pound;500 Sure Start Maternity grant</h2>
<p>Prams, car seats, clothes and nappies it soon adds up and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant">a Sure Start Maternity grant</a> could help. If you are claiming Universal Credit and expecting your first child or a multiple birth and have children already, you can claim a one-off payment of &pound;500.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is a grant not a loan so it doesn&rsquo;t have to be paid back and it will not affect your benefits, but you must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby&rsquo;s due date or within six months after the baby&rsquo;s birth.&nbsp;</p>
<p>1. To apply for a Sure Start Maternity grant print out and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sure-start-maternity-grant-claim-form">fill in the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form</a>. A health professional (such as a doctor or midwife) must also sign your claim form.</p>
<p>2. Post it to &ldquo;Freepost DWP SSMG&rdquo; - you do not need a postcode or a stamp.</p>
<h2>Claim a Budgeting Advance for the cost you didn&rsquo;t see coming</h2>
<p>For those out of the blue expenses and household emergencies, as a Universal Credit claimant you could get help towards these unforeseen costs under what is known as <a href="https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/other-financial-support">a Budgeting Advance</a>.</p>
<p>You could claim up to &pound;348 if you are single, &pound;464 if you are part of a couple or up to &pound;812 if you have children. This is a loan and so does need to be paid back from your monthly Universal Credit payments. If you stop receiving Universal Credit you will still need to repay the loan.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To claim a Budgeting Advance you will need to contact your local Jobcentre Plus work coach.</p>
<h2>Alternative Payment Arrangements (APA) could prevent you from falling behind in your rent payments</h2>
<p>Juggling the bills and prioritising who to pay first is not easy. If you are struggling to juggle it all and are missing rent payments, you or your landlord could apply for an APA, Alternative Payment Arrangement. This means that your rent payment gets deducted from your Universal Credit payment and sent directly to your landlord, so you have one less thing to worry about.</p>
<h2>Where next?</h2>
<p>If you are not yet claiming Universal Credit, are unsure if you are eligible for help or want to switch from legacy benefits to claiming Universal Credit, you can contact the Universal Credit hotline on 0800 328 5644 or <a href="http://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk">visit the Understanding Universal Credit website</a>.</p>
<p>You can keep up to date with the latest blogs, information, tips, tricks, jobs via our website.</p>
<p><strong>References:&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>1 The Sun [Internet]&nbsp; https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/12369754/perks-millions-universal-credit-missing-childcare-costs-public-transport/</p>
<p>2 https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/government-announces-benefit-boost-thousands-moving-universal-credit-2917962</p>

What can I get when claiming Universal Credit?

<p><span style="color: black;">BT is a household name in the UK and their long history in telecommunications puts them not only at the forefront of technological research and innovation, but also places them as a highly experienced employer, valuing their employees and providing opportunities to learn and progress in a new career. Working at BT can be in office jobs, such as a Customer Service Advisor or in logistics with driving jobs or warehouse jobs.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Working at BT</span></strong></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">BT is a telecommunications company supporting domestic households, emergency services, hospitals and businesses through an infrastructure of communications, security, technology and logistics. They operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and employ over 82,000 people in the UK.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Over the past 180 years, BT has established their brand and created a work environment where everyone is equipped with the training, knowledge and expertise to be inspired and succeed in their role. BT employs Customer Service Advisors, Relay Assistants and 999 Call Handlers in locations around the UK, including Liverpool, Glasgow, Dundee, Nottingham, Wakefield, Belfast and Londonderry. They also employ driving and warehouse staff at their two BT Supply Chain National Distribution Centres in Magna Park (Lutterworth) and Northallerton, as well as in nine other Transportation Depots and many forward stock locations.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Blue Arrow has worked with BT for many years, successfully bringing together employer and staff for positions in office jobs, driving jobs and warehouse jobs around the UK.</span></p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What opportunities are there? </span></strong></h3>
<p><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Office jobs</span></strong></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0cm;">When you think of jobs with BT, telecommunications is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Many office jobs with BT are in Voice Services, as a Customer Service Advisor or Call Handler. In this role you are providing a service which requires you to understand customer requirements, giving the help they need by phone, email or online chat services.</p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0cm;">&nbsp;</p>
<p>A customer service role could be answering calls from customers using Directory Enquiries or Operator Services, using your good communication skills to answer queries and provide appropriate assistance. From time to time there are some homeworking positions with BT.&nbsp;If you have quick, accurate typing abilities when transcribing speech to text then you could consider a position as a Relay Assistant, relaying calls to deaf and hard of hearing people.</p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0cm;">There are also BT job roles answering 999 emergency service calls. This position is often fast paced, requiring the ability to stay calm under pressure whilst keeping the caller calm, and adhering to mandatory expressions and relevant procedures. A challenging, sometimes stressful, but truly rewarding job.</p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0cm;">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0cm;"><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Driving jobs</span></strong></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0cm;"><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0cm;">At Blue Arrow we also supply staff to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.supplychain.bt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BT Supply Chain (BTSC)</a>.&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Driving roles are often in high demand as </span>Drivers are needed throughout the UK to transport parts and equipment between the National Distribution Centres, Transportation Depots and forward stock locations. BT has driving jobs for qualified and experienced <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs/">Class 1 Drivers,&nbsp;Class 2 Drivers&nbsp;as well as Van Drivers</a>,&nbsp;for which only a clean full UK driving licence (category B) is required. BT sometimes offer additional weekly bonuses for some driving roles. Check <a href="http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/featured-employers/working-with-bt#BTJobs">here</a>&nbsp;for driving jobs currently available with BT.</p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0cm;">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0cm;"><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Warehouse jobs</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="background: white; color: black;">In addition to driving jobs, BT Supply Chain also has many warehouse jobs. Roles include Warehouse Advisors, Warehouse Operatives, Warehouse Supervisors and Forklift Drivers. These roles are great if you are self-motivated, have good organisational skills and enjoy an active job. You will constantly be on the move around the warehouse, lifting and carrying items and you will find that shifts can go by quickly as you are always busy.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Is BT a good fit for you?</span></strong></h3>
<p>BT is a great company to work for; their work ethic can be <span style="color: black;">partly attributed to the development of their three core values &ndash; Personal, Simple and Brilliant. These values are at the heart of BT culture, guiding decision making processes and helping shape a workplace where every person is included.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">On a </span><strong style="color: black;">Personal</strong><span style="color: black;"> level, BT encourages employees to be open to learning in their job role, to work as part of a team, to put the customer first and be responsible for their own actions.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">BT likes to make things </span><strong style="color: black;">Simple</strong><span style="color: black;">, avoiding confusion by creating straightforward procedures, making things easier for employees and customers alike.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">At BT the emphasis on </span><strong style="color: black;">Brilliant</strong><span style="color: black;"> means that they are always striving for high standards, thinking bigger and bolder, and encouraging employees to work together to do the right thing and achieve the best outcomes.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">If this sounds like the kind of work environment that you would like to be a part of, then read on.</span></p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Are you a good fit for BT?</span></strong></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">BT jobs in Customer Service require you to provide an exceptional customer experience, with the ability to deal with a range of different customers, identify what they want, and be confident in providing them with the answer or service they need.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;">You need to be able to work independently whilst also contributing to the team that you work with. Multitasking is a big part of Customer Service roles. You will often be listening and speaking to customers whilst using multiple systems to help solve their query, and/or typing at the same time. Previous experience in customer service is preferred and it will be necessary to take a typing test with Blue Arrow as part of your application. BT Customer Service positions require a typing speed of 50 words per minute with 98% accuracy.&nbsp;</span>Read our job descriptions to find out more about being a <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/featured-employers/working-with-bt/">BT Customer Service Advisor&nbsp;or Call Handler.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: black;">If you are looking for a role in logistics and you enjoy driving, have the flexibility to work shifts, are punctual and reliable, then you could be a good fit for a driving job. Commercial driving experience is preferred, but if you have a full UK driving licence and have no driving convictions you can apply for van driving jobs with BT. For those who have a clean UK Class 1 or Class 2 Driver licence and excellent driving skills then you can apply for driving jobs to drive Category C (or E with a Class 1 licence) vehicles all over the UK. </span>All BT driving jobs involve a full induction process prior to starting out on the road.</p>
<p>For warehouse jobs you must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and be organised and methodical in your approach to carry out your role efficiently. If you prefer a physical job to sitting at a desk, then this could be a good job for you to consider.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Where next?</span></strong></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">You can learn more about working at BT on our Feature Employers pa</span>ge <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/featured-employers/working-with-bt/">here</a>,&nbsp;and click&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/featured-employers/working-with-bt#BTJobs">here</a>&nbsp;f<span style="color: black;">or latest jobs.</span></p>

Office, Driving and Warehouse Jobs with BT

<p>Since the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, the world of work has been turned upside down with more and more working from home jobs becoming available across industries that had predominantly focused on utilising office working spaces over remote working. The office industry has weathered the storm easier than most thanks to its flexible nature and its ability to pivot and change working practices easily.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While remote working and online work from home opportunities are at an all time high right now so too are scams preying on those who are searching for other financial income options. It can be hard to tell the difference between a real position and a fake one so before you start applying for jobs that appear in your social feed or email inbox it is important to do your research and make sure it is a legitimate position that you will be paid for.</p>
<p>Online work from home jobs used to be mostly confined to three main options:</p>
<ul>
<li>Mystery shopping</li>
<li>Online surveys</li>
<li>Company reviews</li>
</ul>
<p>These can be long winded and tedious side hustles. Mystery shopping positions are not all they are cracked up to be, they are often unpaid or extremely low paid. A free dinner is ok once in a while but if you are looking for ways to earn extra cash this is not the best one to choose. There are very few mystery shopping opportunities available right now due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) restrictions and those that are advertised seem to be all about online customer experience, for example, you are required to take out an insurance policy and report on the process, customer service and overall experience, in exchange you might receive a discount off that insurance policy premium.</p>
<p>When it comes to online surveys bear in mind that you will have to complete hundreds of surveys to earn the equivalent of an hours work on minimum wage. Definitely read the small print with either of these options because in many cases, before you can draw down your hard earned money you could find that there is a lower earnings limit that must be met.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Spotting a fake position isn't always easy, scammers are becoming increasingly cunning and will go to great lengths to take advantage of those who are feeling the pinch so be on your guard. The first rule and most important rule is to forget any get rich quick schemes, if it seems too good to be true then it probably is.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With any position it is important to do thorough research before applying, our anti-scam checklist will help to guide you through the essential research you need to do before you apply for any position.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Anti-Scam Check list</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>Did you contact them, or did they contact you? If you have been contacted out of the blue by a company saying they found your CV online, it is highly unlikely that the position is legitimate.</li>
<li>Is this a real UK company. Use the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company">companies house search function</a>&nbsp;to check the status of the business and make sure it is real.</li>
<li>Do they have a real, working and well populated website? Some scammers have been known to set up nice-looking websites so <a href="https://www.domainwhitepages.com/">try using the Domain White Pages</a> and type the company&rsquo;s web address into the &ldquo;domain or IP address&rdquo; box and click the &ldquo;go&rdquo; button. The results will tell you the date when the website was created. If the website is relatively new (less than a year old) be wary.</li>
<li>The contact details on the website should match those in the advert, message or email.</li>
<li>Call the company directly using different contact details to the ones provided in the advert, email or message. Ask if the contact name you have been given is a real person and if the position actually exists.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Reviews/index.html">Use Glassdoor</a>&nbsp;to see reviews from other people who have worked for them, are they trustworthy, are there any horror stories?</li>
<li>Do you have to buy in? You should never have to commit your own funds to start a new job, any company that asks you to purchase a set up kit or a stock of goods should be avoided.</li>
<li>Use Google to search for both the company&rsquo;s name and the email address, if they are on scam lists, they should show up. It is also a good idea to copy and paste paragraphs from the email or advert into the search box. If others have been caught out by the scam it is possible that they will have posted sections from the advert or email online to warn others.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>Most importantly, trust your gut, even if the company seems to check out ok if something doesn't feel right then it is best to avoid it.</p>
<p>You can protect yourself from scammers by only applying for jobs listed on legitimate job sites that have privacy policies in place like ours <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3FA5F17B422F48BEA163914714DFC907&amp;_z=z">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Legitimate and reliable working from home jobs tend to be those that are often worked from an office but have the ability to be remote working positions too, there are some positions, like the 7 listed below that are great as either working from home jobs or office based jobs.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">7 best remote working jobs</span></h3>
<ol>
<li><strong>Customer Service Advisor</strong> - Taking calls from customers, making sales calls, obtaining information or fielding queries that come in on online instant messaging portals are great in office or work from home options. Good pay and the hours are flexible. You don&rsquo;t need a huge amount of experience to be a great Customer Service Advisor, if you have experience in dealing with customer queries in any capacity and you have patience, understanding and a desire to help, you have everything you need. You will <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=4FE3B71BB12D42DDA9FAC2493B40909F&amp;_z=z">find some big brand names</a>&nbsp;like Capita, Lloyds TSB and well known organisations such as NHS 111 are often recruiting new <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=1CABA24AE76541C9B62D74EFABB6D54D&amp;_z=z">Customer Service Advisors</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Administrator</strong>- Maintaining computer information systems, inputting data, completing forms, creating reports, organising data and sometimes carrying out accounting administration tasks are duties you could find yourself coasting through as an Administrator. With demand for skills like these across many industries, <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=administrator">Administrator working from home jobs</a> are perfect for a flexible but consistent remote working set up.</li>
<li><strong>Data Entry Clerk</strong> - If you can work through information quickly and your typing skills are better than average, you could pick up some consistent work and earn a good <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=064305CC62954A0EAC25B8D3DC9F4AEB&amp;_z=z">additional income as a Data Entry Clerk</a>. This is a great online work from home position as you can often choose when you do the work providing you hit the deadlines that have been set.</li>
<li><strong>Transcriber</strong> - Excellent listening skills and top notch typing skills are all you need to be a great Transcriber. Listening to audio files and accurately typing up what you hear is all it takes. From medical notes to meeting minutes and voice notes to lectures, the key to becoming a great Transcriber is to get the information typed up accurately and quickly.</li>
<li><strong>Translator</strong> - If you are lucky enough to be fluent in another language, being a Translator and picking up work translating websites, manuals, documents and even books is an excellent way to benefit from lucrative translation income streams.</li>
<li><strong>Virtual Assistant</strong> - If you have a good cross section of office skills and sound experience in office tasks such as calendar scheduling, cloud based filing systems, email monitoring and task management and if you know your way around plenty of office software packages you could find yourself with consistent work and a steady income stream as <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=Personal+Assistant">a Virtual Assistant</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Tutoring</strong> - If you are reading this post because you are looking for ideas for additional income streams, it makes sense that other people are too, so why not make the most of that opportunity. If high numbers of people are thinking about their career choices why not put your own office talents to use and share your skills with others who want to learn.&nbsp;You can become a tutor and earn a good extra income from the number of people who participate on your courses.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<p>If you have a good cross section of office skills and a bit of experience behind you there are many office career opportunities open to you, we recently posted on this topic, find out what jobs your office experience could lead to and get started with our 5 ways to&nbsp;<a href="~/link.aspx?_id=5E348DA0B44248419D67D1920D43E18D&amp;_z=z">turn your temporary office job into a permanent office job here</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Temping is the ultimate side hustle</span></h3>
<p>If you are looking for extra income, remote working is not your only option. Temping can be great a sole source of income but it can also be one of the best choices when you are trying to set up some extra income streams but don&rsquo;t have the equipment or a suitable environment for a remote working position.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Unlike some of the other side hustles such as online surveys, reviews and mystery shopping, temping is a pretty secure choice. As a temporary worker with a recruitment agency, the recruitment agency will ensure your rights are exercised and protected.</p>
<p>You will find that most office jobs are available as temporary positions, but there will be more job availability at certain times of the year. Different seasons and holidays create a spike in the demand for goods and services. Christmas for instance is by far the busiest time of year, not only for the fulfilment industries such as warehouses and retail outlets but also for their associated customer service centres. Financial institutions such as banks tend to follow the same season demand patterns as fulfilment and so, great Customer Service Advisors are highly sought after.</p>
<p>At the start of a busy season, to keep up with customer demand and ensure that the call centre phone lines are answered, many additional temporary staff are required but as the season draws to a close, the demand may dissipate and these high numbers of additional staff may no longer needed so their temporary contracts come to an end. For many employers, temporary workers who can settle in and learn quickly are a fantastic boost to their workforce when they are needed the most and the very best temp workers are often offered permanent contracts to stay on after the busy season ends.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our resident writer Caree wrote about temporary working being the ultimate side hustle some time ago and the information provided still rings true today, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=D1F0497C775E4A389E39C78C4A6452A6&amp;_z=z">check out the post here</a>.</p>
<p>If temping sounds like the ideal solution for you check out our list of current jobs to see if we have <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3FA5F17B422F48BEA163914714DFC907&amp;_z=z">the perfect temping position for you</a>.</p>
<p>Working from home will require a bit of consideration to who is around you, how much space you have and if there is the possibility of having some quiet time to work. Many underestimate the distractions that come with working from home and struggle to maintain steady working hours, be realistic with your expectations and start with just a few hours a week while you get into a routine.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You will also need some equipment to set up your work space to ensure you can work effectively with everything you need around you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The 5 main things you will need are:</p>
<ul>
<li>A quiet place to work</li>
<li>Desk or worktop</li>
<li>Reliable internet connection</li>
<li>Computer or laptop with the Microsoft office and Google suite installed.</li>
<li>Mobile phone</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have these things you can create a remote working space that is not too different to what you would have in a shared office space. If you don't already have some of the more expensive items, do be sure that you have secured a remote working job before committing to buying any equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Online work from home jobs will no doubt become more and more prevalent, especially while the world is navigating the uncertainty brought about from the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak so if you are looking for additional income streams now is a good time to get started on researching your options, building your skill set and preparing your application toolkit, click over to our recent post where you will find out how you can <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=ADE6A25A8E4B4ADE9A7AA2EEE451A40D&amp;_z=z">make the most of your lockdown time</a> with online learning and skill development resources, career ideas and job hunting advice.</p>

Remote working and other income possibilities

<p>A job change or career change from your current Warehouse Operative job might at first seem like a challenge. If you aren&rsquo;t really sure which direction to go in, think about something you enjoy. Do you like working with people? Do you know your espresso from your cappuccino? Then maybe you could turn that into a positive career move and consider a Barista job.</p>
<p>Although known as a nation of tea drinkers, it seems that the British are now consuming more and more coffee. Whether it is the result or the cause, we can find a coffee shop on any street corner in any town throughout the country. With this comes a new career opportunity; if you are a coffee lover, enjoy working with people and are looking for a career change from your Warehouse Operative job, then embarking on a Barista career could be the job change you are looking for.</p>
<p>Until a few years ago the word &lsquo;Barista&rsquo; was not commonly known in the UK. It&rsquo;s an actual translation from Italian means &lsquo;bartender&rsquo;, but for us it has taken on the meaning of &rsquo;a person who makes and serves coffee&lsquo;. Being a Barista is not as simple as just pouring coffee and frothing milk, there is quite a lot more to it; you will likely have the necessary skills to get started but there is a lot more to learn.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the basic requirements of a Barista?</span></h3>
<p>As with any career, you will do your best if you enjoy what you do. So one of the most important requirements of a Barista job is that you should love coffee! As a Barista learning and developing your skills in the art of making coffee, you need to understand the flavours of the coffee beans and smell and taste the products; if you don&rsquo;t like coffee then this will be a challenge.</p>
<p>Working as a Barista is a customer service job, so it is important to have excellent people skills. You will be dealing with the public so a positive, approachable manner, as well as patience, are necessary attributes. A Barista works as part of a team to serve the customers so you need to be able to work alongside others, especially when service gets busy, as it often will. You need to be able to work within the team and manage your time to continue to work well under pressure.</p>
<p>Initially there will be a lot to learn as you are faced with a shiny espresso machine, an extensive menu of coffee drinks and a cash register, so the desire to learn new skills and a genuine interest in the Barista job role is important.</p>
<p>Making coffee is an art and attention to detail is needed and expected.</p>
<p>If you are interested in learning more, read our <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering-jobs/working-in-catering/whats-it-like-to-be-a-barista/">what it&rsquo;s like to be a Barista</a>&nbsp;article.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What transferable skills are there for a Warehouse Operative to become a Barista?</span></h3>
<p>As a Warehouse Operative you may think that you have no relevant experience to work as a Barista, but you will find that you have many transferable skills that can help you in any career change you make. The following list are some of the things that are most likely necessary as part of your job in the warehouse and are all aspects that will also help you in a Barista job role:</p>
<ul>
<li>Team player</li>
<li>Good communication skills</li>
<li>Ability to work under pressure</li>
<li>Ability to be on your feet for long periods</li>
<li>Time management skills</li>
<li>Basic numeracy and writing skills</li>
<li>Machinery operation</li>
<li>Data entry</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How can you overcome any experience gaps with this job change?</span></h3>
<p>While your transferable skills from the warehouse will help you in a new Barista job role, there will be some specific technical skills that you likely won&rsquo;t have yet. Amongst other things, you will need to learn how to operate the espresso machine to create the different kinds of coffee, the process to correctly steam and froth the milk and how to make and present the extensive range of drinks. It is expected that many new Baristas will need to be taught these skills when they start and many will learn on the job.</p>
<p>Some Barista positions will prefer you to have some experience, so it can be helpful to gain a qualification as a Barista. If you look around you will find there are a lot of independent coffee establishments that offer Barista training, but a good place to start is to look at the Barista skills courses offered by<a href="https://www.cityandguilds.com/qualifications-and-apprenticeships/hospitality-and-catering/hospitality-and-catering/7102-barista-skills#tab=information&amp;acc=general-info" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City &amp; Guilds</a>. These will teach you about coffee equipment and ingredients, as well as how to prepare and make a variety of drinks and some customer service basics. While not always essential to get a Barista job, gaining a qualification will help extend your knowledge and give you confidence in your new skills. You can study either before you make your career change or when you have started your new Barista job. Having a formal qualification can also help with your future career progression.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you get a job as a Barista?</span></h3>
<p>When you go for your interview for your Barista job, you need to show that you have good people skills, so let your friendly personality shine. Be prepared to talk about situations where you have had to deal with different personalities or conflicts in your current workplace or from previous jobs. You also need to convey that you are open to learning new skills and using them in your day to day role. Think back to when you started your Warehouse Operative job; what didn&rsquo;t you know when you started? What do you know now? Use these examples in your interview to show your willingness to learn new skills and your ability to implement them.</p>
<p>Coffee shops have now become a part of our culture resulting in vast numbers of opportunities for Barista jobs all over the Country. To find a Barista job check out our latest <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=Barista">Barista jobs</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you overcome challenges and progress in your new career as a Barista?</span></h3>
<p>One of the biggest challenges of any customer service role is&hellip; the public! Dealing with different personalities can sometimes be difficult, but always remember that for every &lsquo;tricky&rsquo; customer there will be many more &lsquo;lovely&rsquo; ones. You will likely soon have your regulars and one tip we heard from a Barista is to remember the name of your regular customers and their usual drink &ndash; little details like that can go a long way.</p>
<p>So how do you handle the &lsquo;challenging&rsquo; customers? We asked a Barista for her advice:</p>
<p>&ldquo;Be patient. Be attentive and learn to make people feel like they are being heard. Accept that some people are never easy to please but continue to smile and be professional&rdquo;.</p>
<p>As you start out in your Barista job it may at first seem a little overwhelming with all the new things you need to learn. Take it a step at a time, keep asking questions and don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. A good boss will understand that this is how you will learn and they will give you the help and training required to do a good job &ndash; after all, this is their business and they want to their staff to do the best job they can. So, keep practicing and you will soon have the coffee-making skills of a professional Barista.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the future career prospects for a Barista?</span></h3>
<p>As we talked about in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/future-of-work---top-10-job-roles-of-the-future/">Future of Work </a>blog, customer service job roles are set to be one of the top 10 job roles of the future. If a Barista career appeals to you then you might be wondering about the career prospects. With experience as a Barista you could consider moving up into a supervisor role. Eventually, you could work your way up to being a Coffee Shop Manager or you might even want to consider opening your own coffee shop business one day.</p>
<p>There may also be opportunities to move into managing a chain of coffee shops or, with the extensive knowledge of coffee that you have acquired, you may decide to move into the sales and marketing side of the coffee business.</p>
<p>Barista and coffee shop experience could also lead you into other hospitality roles, such as front-of-house jobs or even Chef jobs, where people skills, time management and the ability to work under pressure are all extremely important skills.</p>
<p>To learn more about starting your career change, read our article on <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-barista-/">How to become a Barista</a>. You can register your interest in Barista jobs with your <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/our-branches/">local Blue Arrow branch</a>.</p>

How to change careers from a Warehouse Operative Job to a Barista Job?

<p>What would it feel like to be able to teach your colleagues how to do something just once and have them remember enough that you don&rsquo;t get asked the same thing again and again?</p>
<p>You know how this goes: You are the only who knows what to do when the server goes down because no one else has made it their business to know and you don&rsquo;t teach anyone because it is just quicker to do it yourself.</p>
<p>Believe me this gets old really quickly, especially when you want to take a couple of days off and they have to call you at home for the fourth time because they don&rsquo;t know how you fixed the problem last time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is not just about the internet connection, oh no, this is about setting up emails, troubleshooting the blue screen or spinning wheel of death on your computer, knowing how to create a specific formula in Excel and a million other things that people ask for help with on any given day in the office.</p>
<p>Microlearning might just be the answer to breaking the curse of the office know-it-all and start us all on a journey that creates a multi-skilled, cross-trained workforce, who is able to develop knowledge, problem-solve, troubleshoot and resolve difficulties independently.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Micro learning is an approach to training categorised by brief learning modules, comprising bite-sized educational activities designed for quick consumption</span>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Let me do a bit of jargon busting for you before we move on:&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Microlearning is a bite-sized learning tool created by people for people</span>.</p>
<p>So, the basic idea is:</p>
<p>We choose a topic or skill that we want to teach and record our knowledge as an interactive learning module that can deliver an explanation and a step-by-step walk-through of the process that people can learn from.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Why? Because next time you are asked how to do something, you can refer your colleague to this instructional. They go away and use the material you have created and learn how to do it for themselves.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Then when another colleague wonders, &ldquo;how do I do this?&rdquo; colleague 1 no longer says go and ask Caree, instead they say, watch this video or read this cheat sheet, it will explain it all.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Bam, just like that you are suddenly enjoying your day off undisturbed and they have got the buzz of confidence that can only come from learning something new.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Let&rsquo;s not stop at just making our colleagues less dependent on us, let&rsquo;s open this up and make them less dependent full-stop.</p>
<p>If everyone in the workforce all contributed a module that covers something they know how to do and that they feel could benefit others, we could create a library of Microlearning Modules, and before long we will have achieved a knowledge sharing, self-developing workforce.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This would be so great for new members of staff. They could access basic information on their first day to help them orientate quickly without the need for a buddy to help them learn things like, how the filing system works, or who takes milk in their tea.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ready to get started? Here are a few examples of Microlearning Modules that you could create:</p>
<p><strong>Tech tips or resolutions</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>How to set up your email</li>
<li>How to screencast</li>
<li>How to use the shared drive</li>
<li>How to fix the server</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Employee Housekeeping</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>How to reclaim expenses</li>
<li>How to request holiday</li>
<li>Preparing for an appraisal</li>
<li>Tea coffee preferences, especially helpful for anyone new</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Productivity tips</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>An innovative way to time block</li>
<li>Eat the frog method</li>
<li>Tried and tested note-taking</li>
<li>&nbsp;Basic Shorthand (I wish I knew this)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>Once you have decided on your subject matter you need to decide how you will deliver the information, remember they need to be short and snappy with lots of visuals.</p>
<ul>
<li>Video</li>
<li>Infographic</li>
<li>Fact sheet</li>
<li>Quiz</li>
<li>Cheat sheet</li>
<li>Podcast</li>
<li>Branching scenario</li>
</ul>
<p>Before you get stuck in, here are a few basic characteristics of standard Microlearning Modules:</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Purpose</span></p>
<p>The purpose of a Microlearning Module overall should be to address a need. By this I mean that it should exist to answer a question or assist in resolving a problem.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Time limit</span></p>
<p>Each training module must only require a couple of minutes to complete. They should deliver information in a short concise burst that can be consumed quickly. Think about when your audience might be accessing this info.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Goal-centred</span></p>
<p>Each module must focus on a specific learning goal, due to the time constraint, one objective is best delivered well than multiple sections delivered insufficiently.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Easily accessible</span></p>
<p>You have to think mobile-friendly when you are dreamlining up your course. The information needs to be in a format that can be accessed on a mobile or tablet with little effort. Having a learning module contained in a complicated spreadsheet is just not going to work here.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Self-contained</span></p>
<p>The learning activity must contain a complete learning unit in one place. A series of videos to learn one skill is not conducive to Microlearning. It should be possible to learn the skill in one module without the need for additional reading or learning unless the learner decides to specialise or delve deeper into the subject.</p>
<p>Before you run off and start creating your own learning module, as an added bonus I have thrown in a few Do&rsquo;s and Don&rsquo;ts to help guide you along the way.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Do</span> consider your audience .&nbsp;</p>
<p>Think about who will be using your learning module and what level of skill they are starting with, so you can tailor your module accordingly. Consider a beginner and an advanced version if needed.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Don&rsquo;t </span>tackle complex topics.</p>
<p>If the subject is highly detailed and needs lots of additional reading, then it is not ideal for Microlearning.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Do </span>add multimedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Your module should be interactive. Utilising video, images, gifs and graphics will engage your audience and enrich their learning experience.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Don&rsquo;t </span>over-do-it.</p>
<p>Keep your content focused and remember it should be produced with the intention of providing one clear learning goal. Try starting with the sentence &ldquo;By the end of this video you will be able to......&rdquo; That should keep you focused.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Do </span>test the experience.</p>
<p>Finishing your module with a short pop quiz will help the learner to gauge if they have absorbed all of the information or if they need to take another look at the material.</p>
<p>If I have inspired you to create a learning module and you are looking for a simple place to start, why not turn this post into a fact sheet or even a video to share with your colleagues so everyone can have a go. Don&rsquo;t forget to send it to me too, so I can add it here for others to use.</p>

A little knowledge goes a long way

<p>Warehouse work can have its ups and downs with busy periods where shifts are abundant, not so busy periods when moving between warehouses to follow the work is necessary.</p>
<p>Getting back to work after a quiet period or even moving to a new warehouse job after being in one place for a while can be a daunting prospect. Brushing up on your employability skills is an excellent way to develop your confidence and give you the very best chance of succeeding, not only in a warehouse job search but also in your everyday work as a warehouse operative.</p>
<p>In the world of work, things change fast and the competition for job opportunities is extremely high. Upskilling (developing the skills you already have) is a great way to set you apart from other candidates, boost your career and your pay packet.</p>
<p>Investing in your skills while you are between jobs or on your days off helps you to stay ahead of the competition and be in with the best chance of securing a job fast.</p>
<p>If you don&rsquo;t already have a driving license, begin working towards getting one and your chances of finding work double straight way. If you do have a license, have you considered developing it to get a HGV or LGV license?</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s not just driving on roads that can boost your career, the ability to operate machinery such as holding a forklift license can make you an excellent candidate for many work opportunities and often brings increased rates of pay.</p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">These accreditation bodies for forklift training can help you find a reputable training course:&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black;">Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB)</span><span style="background: white; color: black;">&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;</span><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0066cc;"><a href="http://www.rtitb.co.uk/"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><strong>www.rtitb.co.uk</strong></span></a></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black;">Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR)</span><span style="background: white; color: black;">&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;</span><strong><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0066cc;"><a href="http://www.itssar.org.uk/"><span style="color: #0066cc;">www.itssar.org.uk</span></a></span></strong></li>
<li><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black;">Construction Industry Training Board, (CITB)</span><span style="background: white; color: black;">&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;</span><strong><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0066cc;"><a title="CITB" href="http://www.constructionskills.co.uk/"><span style="color: #0066cc;">www.constructionskills.co.uk</span></a></span></strong></li>
<li><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black;">Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT)</span><span style="background: white; color: black;">&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;</span><strong><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0066cc;"><a title="AITT" href="http://www.aitt.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #0066cc;">www.aitt.co.uk</span></a></span></strong></li>
<li><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black;">Lantra National Training Organisation Ltd.</span><span style="background: white; color: black;">&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;</span><strong><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0066cc;"><a title="LANTRA" href="http://www.lantra.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #0066cc;">www.lantra-awards.co.uk</span></a></span></strong></li>
<li><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black;">National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS)</span><span style="background: white; color: black;">&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;</span><span style="background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #0066cc;"><a title="NPORS" href="http://www.npors.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><strong>www.npors.com</strong></span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<p>There is no doubt that the internet is an excellent resource when you are looking for a job and learning new skills but nothing can completely replace real people working together to support you and your unique needs. Blue Arrow have branches located throughout the UK and their branch staff are uniquely placed to help you find work, move between work placements and support you in your applications, skills development and interview techniques. You can find your local Blue Arrow branch using our <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=562C11532F9943609C27E0048DECB50C&amp;_z=z">branch locator here</a></p>
<p>JobCentre Plus also has centres located across the UK providing many valuable services to those looking for work, seeking skills training, voluntary positions, or vocational development opportunities among many other services. You can find your local <a href="https://www.jobcentreguide.co.uk/jobcentre-plus-guide/28/jobcentre-plus-offices">JobCentre Plus here</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Online Resources &amp; Courses</strong></p>
<p>Free courses are abundant across the internet that teach the fundamental skills we all need in order to be successful at work. From literacy and numeracy, to IT and digital skills not to mention employability and social development skills.</p>
<p>Make the Blue Arrow website your first port of call, it contains lots of information for all aspects of your career.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=B2486CA4C55B47F899744D6B59E210D2&amp;_z=z">Job Seekers</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=B2486CA4C55B47F899744D6B59E210D2&amp;_z=z">Warehouse Workers Career Development and community</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=D7C76031B3E94C70B2E04D94E8DE85D9&amp;_z=z">Career Advice &amp; Support</a></li>
</ul>
<p>If you are looking to take a skills development or vocational course these are some excellent options available to you, many of which are free.</p>
<ul>
<li>Employability Essentials &ndash; A free <a href="https://www.learndirect.com/funding-options/free-employability-skills">LearnDirect</a> course that helps you to find a job, write a CV and covering letter, and learn interview skills.&nbsp;</li>
<li>National Careers Service &ndash; <a href="https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/course-directory/home">Find college courses your area</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cityandguilds.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City &amp; Guilds Vocational training</a> &ndash; A City &amp; Guilds qualification can be the perfect way to boost your career.&nbsp;</li>
<li>English maths and It functional skills &ndash; <a href="https://www.learndirect.com/funding-options/free-english-maths">Access free English and Maths courses here</a></li>
</ul>
<p>If warehouse work is not for you but you are not sure what sort of job you would like you can check out our <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=D7C76031B3E94C70B2E04D94E8DE85D9&amp;_z=z">&lsquo;how to become&rsquo; guides </a>that will help steer you in the right direction for the training, licences, skills and experience needed for many excellent career choices.&nbsp;</p>

Resources for Skill Development

<h2>Modern Slavery - (noun)</h2>
<p><span style="background: white; color: #0b0c0c;">The recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of children, women or men through the use of force, coercion, abuse of vulnerability, deception or other means for the purpose of exploitation. It is a crime under the&nbsp;</span><span style="text-decoration: underline; background: white; padding: 0cm; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4c2c92;"><a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/30/contents"><span style="color: #4c2c92;">Modern Slavery Act 2015</span></a></span><span style="background: white; color: #0b0c0c;">. </span></p>
<p>When I saw this topic come up on my list, I did briefly question why I am writing a historic piece about the slave trade. I thought perhaps I was going to be calling out our ancestors for their questionable decisions and actions when it came to exploitation. I thought maybe I would be taking the moral high ground over how we are now so much more superior, worldly wise and in control. But no, I am in fact writing a piece about Modern Slavery, as in, slavery from the present-day perspective. Even though I am here, actually writing it, I still can&rsquo;t quite believe it.</p>
<p>I was under the impression that slavery had been abolished in 1883, at least that is what we were taught in history class, but it didn&rsquo;t take very much research to find that it was never really eradicated at all, it has simply hidden itself in plain sight. It is right here in our towns, our streets, our shops, our factories, even in our homes.</p>
<p><span style="color: #202020;">I wanted to start-off by explaining the context behind some of the words we use when we talk about Modern Slavery;</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Slavery</span><span style="color: #202020;"> - where ownership is exercised over a person.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Servitude</span><span style="color: #202020;"> - the obligation to provide services imposed by coercion.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Forced or compulsory labour </span><span style="color: #202020;">- work or service extracted from any person under the menace of a penalty and for which the person has not offered him or herself voluntarily.</span></p>
<h2 style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202020;">How do we identify when someone is deemed to be in slavery?&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p style="background: white;">Someone is in slavery if they are:</p>
<ul>
<li style="background: white;">Forced to work through mental or physical threat.</li>
<li style="background: white;">Owned or controlled by an 'employer', usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse.</li>
<li style="background: white;">Dehumanised, treated as a commodity or bought and sold as &lsquo;property&rsquo;.</li>
<li style="background: white;">Physically constrained or have restrictions placed on his/her freedom.</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="background: white;">What are the types of slavery?</h2>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Sexual exploitation </span>&ndash; a person is forced to perform non-consensual or abusive sexual acts against their will, often working in prostitution, escorting and pornography.</p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Human trafficking </span><span style="color: #202020;">- arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploiting them. Child trafficking involves persons under the age of 18. </span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Debt bondage</span> - being forced to pay off unrealistic debts through work, crime or other endeavours that if they fail to repay, could be passed down to their children.</p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Forced labour </span>&ndash; a person being forced to work against their will, often working long hours for little or no pay in awful conditions under the threat of physical or verbal abuse towards them or their families.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Criminal exploitation</span>- victims are forced into crimes against their will, this can be anything from cannabis cultivation to pickpocketing and everything in between.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Domestic servitude</span> &ndash; a person is forced into domestic servitude, made to carry-out housework and domestic chores in private households with little or no pay, restricted movement, limited or no free time and minimal privacy.</p>
<p>Definitions have a way of feeling a little cold and impersonal. I don&rsquo;t think they really set the scene well enough. I want to conjure up the same emotional response for you that I experienced during my research, so let&rsquo;s dive right in with some facts that go some way to providing some real-world context.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">There are more slaves in the world today than there were during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.</span></h3>
<p>Let&rsquo;s just read that one again, read it aloud and speak up for those in the back of the room &ndash; that&rsquo;s right folks there are more slaves in the world today than there was during the Transatlantic Slave Trade&hellip; Hands up if you are not completely floored by that fact alone. I sat there for a good few minutes, open mouthed, flabbergasted, I even had to rewind the video to hear it again because I was convinced that I had heard wrong.</p>
<p>Let&rsquo;s not stop there, I have more for you;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Modern slavery affects an estimated 29.8 million people around the world.</span></h3>
<p>Using the word million in short form almost undervalues the reality of the figures so I want to show you what that actually looks like, in numbers, with all of the zero&rsquo;s in place - 29,800,000 people.</p>
<p>Still more...</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">1 in 4 of those affected will be a child.</span></h3>
<p>One in four sounds pretty bad but when you do the math and realise that it means 7 million, 250 thousand children are currently victims of modern slavery around the world today, it is breath taking.</p>
<p>Researching for this post has proven to be a truly heart wrenching task, reading real-life accounts, watching promotional videos from organisations desperately trying to help and gathering some staggering statistics left me feeling appalled, astounded and downright disappointed with humanity as a race.</p>
<p>After a few deep breaths, a cup of tea and a couple of rants about the injustice of the world, my initial shock and outrage had settled itself into a simmering determined focus, to bring this information to the forefront and do what I can to enlist all of you to help in the fight against Modern Slavery.</p>
<p>As a community there are things we can do. We can be on the look-out for the signs of slavery even though there really is no typical profile or stereotype that you could point to.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">In 2018 nearly a quarter of all trafficking victims found in the UK were British.</span></h3>
<p>Trafficking does not just affect foreigners, despite what we might think, or what the UK media portrays. The dark world of slavery in all of its despicable forms really can affect anyone, it transcends age, gender and ethnicity but there are common identifiers that highlight when something isn&rsquo;t quite right. Have you noticed anyone who may be affected in the following ways:</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Physical appearance: </span>Look for signs of physical or psychological abuse; malnourished, unkempt, withdrawn.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Isolation: </span>Are they allowed to travel on their own, do they seem to be under the control of someone? Do they interact with others and are they familiar with the area?</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Poor living conditions: </span>Are they living in a dirty, cramped or over-cramped accommodation? Do they live and work at the same address?</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Personal items: </span>Do they seem to wear the same clothes all of the time, do they have many possessions?</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Identity: </span>Do they have access to their identification documents? Do they share an email address with someone else? Are their bank details in someone else&rsquo;s name?</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Avoidance: </span>Do they avoid eye contact, appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers?</p>
<p>If you are concerned for the welfare of a person or group of people, or if you suspect that modern slavery is happening near you, you can report it in many ways:</p>
<ul>
<li>In emergency situations &ndash; always contact the police.</li>
<li>In the UK you can contact the Modern Slavery helpline anonymously and free of charge from landlines and most mobiles. 0800 0121 700.</li>
<li>Report your suspicions online using the dedicated home office website <a href="https://modernslavery.co.uk/contact.html">https://modernslavery.co.uk/contact.html</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Importantly, please do not attempt to let the victim know that you have or are going to report your suspicions. Please do not confront anyone involved, you need to ensure their safety and your own.</p>
<p>Download our Modern Slavery factsheet <a href="-/media/1a2aa2a02b404ede9d11c082b6ef6cf4.ashx">here</a>.</p>

Modern Slavery

<p>Many businesses have apprenticeship opportunities for people of all ages and all walks of life. So as a Warehouse Operative, what apprenticeships are available as part of your career development? Or perhaps there is an apprenticeship that will support your transition into another sector?</p>
<p>If you are new to the idea of an apprenticeship and you are currently considering whether it is right for you, start by reading our blog &lsquo;<a href="~/link.aspx?_id=9DAF74A85BEB4AD88828DC60EB4D93AE&amp;_z=z">Why do an apprenticeship?</a>&rsquo; to quash any misconceptions you may have.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Warehouse Apprenticeships to further your Warehouse Career</span></h3>
<p>If you have been working in temporary warehouse jobs and are thinking about making a more permanent career as a Warehouse Operative, then it is worth looking into a Warehouse Apprenticeship. A good place to start is to search for <a href="https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Government apprenticeships</a>. These are provided by independent businesses, but they receive funding from the Government to cover some of the training and assessment costs. As there are warehouses in a wide variety of sectors, think building materials, art supplies, furniture or food, you will be able to search for a warehouse apprenticeship in an industry where you would like to continue your career.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.totalpeople.co.uk/apprenticeships/sectors/warehousing-and-supply-chain" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Warehouse apprenticeships</a>&nbsp;are an important step in career development and will cover the basic duties of the warehouse job role such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Processing orders</li>
<li>Picking and preparing orders for dispatch</li>
<li>Handling and processing received goods</li>
<li>Checking and maintaining stock levels</li>
<li>Identifying and reporting damage or quality issues</li>
<li>Completing paperwork to maintain records</li>
<li>Operating equipment (e.g. Forklift trucks)</li>
<li>Warehouse housekeeping and health and safety</li>
<li>Dealing with customers</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Logistics, Supply Chain and Distribution Apprenticeships</span></h3>
<p>Another option to further your career in the Warehouse sector is a logistics or supply chain apprenticeship. A <a href="https://www.e4s.co.uk/jobs/5-supply-chain-operations-apprenticeships.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">supply chain apprenticeship</a>&nbsp;incorporates various aspects of the supply chain, managing the movement of goods from factories, warehouses and suppliers to their final destination.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Apprenticeships in this sector are available at various levels from Operator to Management. A <a href="https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/transport-and-logistics/transport-apprenticeships" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">logistics or transport internship</a> can lead you into a variety of different sectors as they cover road, rail or airline. If you are interested in finding out more about driving jobs then you can learn more on our <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F2EAEF2C54944067BBB0D4A07DABF6AE&amp;_z=z">Blue Arrow Driving Jobs</a>&nbsp;page.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Management and Leadership Apprenticeships</span></h3>
<p>If you are already experienced in the Warehouse Sector, it may be time to take the next step in your career. Management and Leadership apprenticeships are a popular choice for many sectors and working in a warehouse is no exception. <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehouse-jobs/warehouse-career-prospects#WarehouseManager" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Warehouse Managers</a>&nbsp;oversee the running of the entire warehouse which means, as well as being responsible for their immediate staff, they must also liaise with other departments, customers, suppliers and transport providers. View our &lsquo;<a href="~/link.aspx?_id=8943DCEFF9CF4FDF9D0ED9AB7F5CE356&amp;_z=z">Top 5 skills of a Warehouse Manager</a>&rsquo; blog.</p>
<p>You don&rsquo;t have to be a school leaver to do an apprenticeship so a higher-level apprenticeship to help develop those management and leadership skills could be an ideal career move. This way you can work and study at the same time gaining a valuable qualification whilst also getting real work experience and, of course, still earning a salary.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cityandguilds.com/apprenticeships/become-apprentice" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City and Guilds Apprenticeships</a>&nbsp;cover a wide variety of sectors and this is a good place to start in your quest for information and to search for available apprenticeships at different levels.</p>
<p>If you have a specific company in mind that you would like to work for, then go to their website or write to them directly to see what apprenticeship opportunities they may have available.</p>
<p>Other useful resources for more information about a management or leadership apprenticeship include:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.i-l-m.com/learning-and-development/management-apprenticeships/apprenticeships-for-apprentices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ILM</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.professionalacademy.com/management-apprenticeships" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Professional Academy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.managers.org.uk/apprenticeships-and-epa/apprentices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Chartered Management Institute</a></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Apprenticeships for a Career Change</span></h3>
<p>An apprenticeship is a way to prepare for your future. It gives you the opportunity to get into a new industry while also gaining skills and a qualification that can be used to help further your new career.</p>
<p>Many companies in a wide and varied range of sectors now offer apprenticeships &ndash; the difficulty may be deciding which one you most want to do. Apprenticeships can be in anything from catering to engineering to marketing to finance. You can even find apprenticeships in more unusual career choices such as blacksmithing or a sail maker.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In our recent series of blogs on how to change careers from a Warehouse Operative, we have looked at some alternative future proof careers. So far we have considered <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=BDAAB69F5DF949AA97F9243FED7F825B&amp;_z=z">Barista jobs</a>, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0470EC8D8B91407C980B31D14FDEF6B1&amp;_z=z">Call Centre jobs</a>&nbsp;and <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=EF7E3AF883D64EE295950D09AC4C88B1&amp;_z=z">Receptionist jobs</a>.</p>
<p>There are many ways to change career &ndash; you can <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?job-type=Temporary" target="_self">find a temporary position</a>&nbsp;to gain experience in a new sector, or you can <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?job-type=Permanent" target="_self">look for a permanent job</a>.</p>
<p>Another option is to approach employers direct or to consider an apprenticeship. For example, check out the well-known coffee shop websites for apprenticeships if you are considering a career in the coffee industry or visit company websites for industry specific apprenticeships. For ideas and inspiration, view some of the Featured <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=4FE3B71BB12D42DDA9FAC2493B40909F&amp;_z=z">Employers we work with at Blue Arrow</a>.</p>
<p>The first step in looking for an apprenticeship is to do some research about what is available for the sector you are interested in. <a href="https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentice/what-is-an-apprenticeship" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Apprentice Hub</a>&nbsp;on the Government Apprenticeships website is a good place to start for general information and to begin your search for apprenticeship vacancies currently in your area.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Steps to Starting an Apprenticeship</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>Read &lsquo;<a href="~/link.aspx?_id=9DAF74A85BEB4AD88828DC60EB4D93AE&amp;_z=z">Why do an apprenticeship?</a>&rsquo;</li>
<li>Decide the sector you want to work in &ndash; stay in the warehouse or change career?</li>
<li>Visit <a href="https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apprenticeships &ndash; GOV.UK</a>&nbsp;to learn more about government apprenticeships.</li>
<li>Register your interest on <a href="https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentice/what-is-an-apprenticeship" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Apprentice Hub on the Government Apprenticeships website</a>&nbsp;and search to see what apprenticeship vacancies there are in your area and chosen sector.</li>
<li>Visit specific company websites that you might like to work for and see if they offer internships.</li>
<li>Check you have the required experience and/or qualifications for apprenticeships that interest you.</li>
<li>Follow the application instructions - these will vary from one employer to another. For advice and to produce a CV that stands out from the crowd, view our&nbsp;<a href="~/link.aspx?_id=B38074B662EE4092909B3B8CCAE9A5EF&amp;_z=z">how to write a CV</a>&nbsp;blog.</li>
</ul>

Apprenticeships for Warehouse career development

<p>On many occasions, employers of temporary workers also have a select number of permanent positions available and what better place for them to find the perfect candidate than in their current temping workforce. After all, you already know the systems, you have learned the ropes and you have made friends in the workplace, there couldn&rsquo;t be a more perfect candidate.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The problem is, you are often one temp worker in a workforce of many so how do you make sure that you are the one that stands out from the crowd? What is really important to an employer, is it qualifications or is it experience?&nbsp;</p>
<p>To find out the answers to these questions we had a chat with John Williams from <a href="http://www.securon.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Securon</a> a safety harness manufacturer with a production and warehouse facility. John gave some excellent insight from the employer&rsquo;s perspective and some invaluable advice for those who do have their sights set on a permanent role.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Top 5 tips for turning your temp job into a permanent position</span></h2>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">1) Make a great impression</span></h3>
<p>Go above and beyond to show that you really do care about your job and the work that you do, pay close attention to detail and always strive to do your best.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">2) Show you mean business</span></h3>
<p>Be reliable and punctual, employers want to see that you are serious about your job and that you can be trusted to turn up for your shifts.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">3) Embrace learning opportunities</span>.</h3>
<p>If you have the chance to get a forklift license, jump at it!&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">4)&nbsp; Be a team player</span></h3>
<p>Be helpful to your colleagues, remember that all staff are working together to achieve the same goal. Training new starters or helping someone who may be struggling are all great traits that show an employer that you are a great person to have in the workforce.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">5) Experience isn&rsquo;t everything</span></h3>
<p>A great attitude towards work is your biggest asset. Employers are often willing to give the most enthusiastic candidates a chance even if they don&rsquo;t have quite as much experience as others.</p>

How to go from temp to perm?

<p>The office of the future has been a widely debated topic for some time now with Google style campuses becoming the norm through to open plan collaborative offices that are decked out to the nines with mood setting colours, ambient lighting and team working style desks all being predicted to be the top office trends&nbsp;for the coming years.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Then out of nowhere lockdown happened and suddenly all of these theories have been turned on their heads. Hordes of staff sharing open plan offices and lifestyle blending work campuses couldn't be further from our minds, but where are we headed instead? Has lockdown really spelled the end of office work as we know it?&nbsp;</p>
<p>In just a few months, the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis brought about unprecedented changes to the workplace that would have otherwise taken years to implement. No one could have predicted that millions of workers would be simultaneously enjoying the benefits of swapping an office desk for their front room or garden shed, putting the theory of en-mass remote working being a viable option to the test.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 2014 the <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1398/made">UK's flexible working regulations</a>&nbsp;were introduced providing a universal right to ask for flexible working arrangements for all employees, prior to this only workers with caring responsibilities were eligible. While anyone could request flexible arrangements, employers didn't have to agree, they could refer to the following list of eight reasons to say no:</p>
<ul>
<li>it costs too much</li>
<li>reorganising the work among other staff is not possible</li>
<li>it would force them to recruit more staff</li>
<li>there will be a negative effect on quality of work</li>
<li>there will be a negative effect on the business&rsquo; ability to meet customer demand</li>
<li>there will be a negative effect on performance</li>
<li>there will not be enough work during the requested time frame</li>
<li>there are planned changes to the business and the request will not fit with these plans</li>
</ul>
<p>These reasons are much the same as those previous given by employers when considering the idea of entire offices moving to remote working set ups. However, since the enforced lockdown period, reports are now surfacing that mass remote working was not only successful, but it was in fact a preferable way to work for many businesses and employees. One in ten business premises in London have permanently closed since the beginning of lockdown, with many other businesses big and small, including Barclays and Twitter already deciding to shift to remote working in favour of having commercial offices.</p>
<p>If the office of the future is in fact not an office at all but instead a network of home offices, what impact will this have on some of the working preferences we have all grown used to?</p>
<h2>6 ways our working practices could change</h2>
<p><strong>Commuting</strong></p>
<p>Before lockdown, experts estimated that most people in the UK spent more than a year of their lives travelling to and from work. No matter what happens with remote working solutions, we can be certain that packed commuter trains and stampedes of suits marching through the capital every morning and evening could be a thing of the past.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Meetings</strong></p>
<p>The average UK employee has 4.4 meetings per week and spends over 5 hours per week in these meetings, and nearly five hours preparing for them <a href="https://workplaceinsight.net/unnecessary-meetings-costing-uk-business-191bn-year/">according to a survey</a>&nbsp;conducted by <a href="https://eshare.net/">meeting technology firm eShare</a>. Face to face meetings were seen as an essential form of business communication, a necessary and more productive method of getting through reams of information, collaborating and planning. The announcement that the UK would be locking down suddenly forced organisations to improvise and come up with new ways of working and the idea that businesses will cease to exist without these 'essential' meetings was finally exposed as myth.</p>
<p><strong>Automation in the workplace</strong></p>
<p>The term automation in the workplace has taken on a whole new meaning, instead of finding way to connect a workforce who are simply a few feet away from each other, employers are now seeking out technology that supports remote workforces. Video call software such as Zoom and project management software such as Monday.com enables individuals and teams to collaborate effectively no matter the distance between them. Being up to speed on a variety of automation and collaboration software&rsquo;s will become a basic requirement of office workers everywhere. Find out more about what technology you should be learning to use, <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/top-10-office-work-skills-you-will-need-for-2020-and-how-to-get-them-for-free/">check out our top 10 office work skills blog</a>&nbsp;that details all of the tech advances and skills you will need for 2020 and beyond, plus how to get them for free</p>
<p><strong>Jobs Market</strong></p>
<p>If remote working becomes commonplace this opens up the possibilities for work further, then just your hometown or surrounding area. With workforce connected over the internet, distance is no longer a barrier to work, you could apply for a home working job with a European, American or even Australian organisation with ease. Equally for employers this open up the potential for finding talent and creating diverse elite workforces that bring a variety of skills and knowledge to the role.</p>
<p><strong>Working hours</strong></p>
<p>Flexible hours and remote working go hand in hand so finding that work/life balance could become easier for everyone. Not all jobs require you to be at your desk between the hours of 9 to 5, in many cases you will be working on predefined projects or tasks so providing you work your allotted number of hours, when you actually work them is less important. With automation that enables you to schedule emails to be sent at a later date, you could work outside &lsquo;typical office hours&rsquo; and set everything to send at 9am the following morning maintaining the outward view of 'office hours' to your customers.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Wages</strong></p>
<p>If businesses shift to remote working as a mainstay, the money saved on premises costs could spell a larger investment into staff renumeration and training. It is likely that this will come with an emphasis on skills, access to equipment and availability so ensuring that you have a good office space set up at home will be imperative.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5 things you will need for a remote working set up</span></h3>
<ol>
<li>A clear desk space away from distractions</li>
<li>An ergonomic office chair to look after your back</li>
<li>Plenty of natural light sources</li>
<li>A clean uncluttered background for video calls</li>
<li>A headset for taking and making business calls</li>
</ol>
<p>Check out this post to find out what the ideal desk and screen set up is for <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/staying-healthy-at-work/">looking after your physical health</a>&nbsp;while sitting at a desk for long hours.</p>
<p>So far, all of these potential changes appear to be for the better, less travelling, more money and more time at home with your family but there is a danger that we could see an increase in some of the more toxic working practices as a result.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5 things to watch out for when remote working</span></h3>
<p><strong>Burnout</strong></p>
<p>Having the freedom to work from home can be a double edged sword, those who are new to remote working can struggle to find the balance between being available and being always available. When your home is also your work it is easy to fall into answering emails at all times of the day and night. Jumping on a quick Skype call while cooking dinner for the kids and replying to instant messages the moment they arrive seems ok to start with, but it quickly sets a precedent and buys you a way ticket to burnout.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Avoid burnout with these top 5 remote working tips:</p>
<ol>
<li>Set your working hours and stick to them</li>
<li>Switch of your tech when you are not working</li>
<li>Pack away your office equipment at the end of each working session</li>
<li>Set a plan for what you want to achieve in your work time and stick to it</li>
<li>Take regular breaks away from your desk to stretch and do something fun</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Social interactions</strong></p>
<p>For many of us, going to work provides an opportunity for social interactions with people outside of our family unit. Long standing friendships are often born from working together as are many relationships. Having your colleagues around you for chatter, problem solving, knowledge sharing and reassurance is sorely missed by those working from home and so it is important that employers recognise the possibility of their staff feeling isolated and a potential breakdown in team relations. Regular check in's, monthly meet ups and even yearly retreats seem to be on the agenda for many businesses who are looking to stick with remote working long-term.&nbsp;Check out our post for mental health awareness week that provides lots of tips for making sure you are maintaining good working practices to <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/mental-health-awareness-week/">care for your mental health</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Promotion</strong></p>
<p>There is valid concern for the future of promotional opportunity among remote workers. Many believe that the more visible you are to your boss the more likely you are to be promoted so if you are no longer in front of your boss all of the time what will make the difference? Will promotions be governed purely on merit or will those who are always available and the most responsive to messages and emails be given favourable treatment. This could have a dramatic adverse effect putting increasing amounts of pressure on workers to be online all of the time at home.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How you can be prepared for the office of the future&nbsp;</h2>
<p>One of our blog posts during lockdown gave lots of top tips on how to make the most of your lockdown time such as skill building and which software you should be learning. Just because we are heading out of lockdown that doesn't mean you have run out of time, quite the opposite in fact. Now is a great time to embark on a personal development regime preparing for the office of the future.</p>

The future office

<p>We are currently in the midst of a situation never before experienced in the UK or, in fact, the world. The outbreak of Covid-19 has changed the way of life for many of us in various ways. As restaurants and hotels have had to close, some Chef jobs have been lost, but now, more than ever, key workers are needed and <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering/care-home-chef-jobs/">care home Chef jobs</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering/hospital-chef-jobs/">hospital Chef jobs</a>&nbsp;are something to consider as the next move in your catering career.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We recently spoke to Blue Arrow Chef, Paul Williams-Allen, who has a wide range of experience as a Chef working in various different catering environments. Currently he is a key worker in a position as Head Chef running the kitchen in a care home.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How long have you been a Chef?</span></h3>
<p>I&rsquo;ve been a Chef for about 32 years. I started working at a hotel in Luton for work experience and then they took me on for weekends. I later went to college to train as a Chef. I love the job, I&rsquo;ve got a passion for cooking.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Where are you working now?</span></h3>
<p>My current job is Head Chef at a care home in Leighton Buzzard. It is a small care home, only about 15 residents, so I am the only person working in the kitchen.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What different Chef environments have you worked in?</span></h3>
<p>I&rsquo;ve worked in most parts of catering in my career as a Chef. A lot of my work has been in corporate dining, working for large companies in their staff restaurants. I&rsquo;ve been in a restaurant management position setting up menus and managing the Chefs to get the service done. My last position before here was as Area Manager for a group of hospices. I was hands-on in the kitchen, but the job involved more of the logistics of making sure the patients got good nutritious food. I&rsquo;ve also worked in other care home Chef jobs and hospital Chef jobs during my career.&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve now started my own business doing Events Catering, but due to the Coronavirus situation I&rsquo;m currently a key worker in a nursing home.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Where do you feel you learnt the most as a Chef?</span></h3>
<p>When you train as a Chef in college you gain a foundation of knowledge, learning all the basics and classic recipes and techniques. It gives you a good basis so that as you progress through your career you can pull things from this. It&rsquo;s really important to have this, but I&rsquo;ve learnt even more through working on the job.&nbsp;I think it&rsquo;s good to start out in a restaurant as there&rsquo;s a discipline that a Chef needs to have and you need to go through the hard stuff &ndash; slicing onions for 6 hours, cleaning pots and pans, late night shifts;&nbsp; it humbles you a bit and makes you better at your job. It&rsquo;s like you need to go through the fire and come out the other end.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do care home Chef jobs differ from Chef jobs in other environments?</span></h3>
<p>I think the type of food that you deliver. You are dealing with an older generation so some of the modern cooking techniques in restaurants are not suitable in a care home. When I&rsquo;m working here I make a lot of stew-based food. You have to think more about the eating needs and dietary requirements of the residents in a care home, whereas in a restaurant you can be a bit more creative.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What is a typical daily routine as a care home Chef?</span></h3>
<p>They usually have quite a few meals in care homes. For me a typical day starts with a cooked breakfast for those who want it, then preparation for lunch. They have their main meal at lunchtime which is served at 12.30pm. The menu goes out to the residents in the morning and they pick what they want. On that list there will be some puree meals and specialist diets, so I do those and put them in the hot cupboard and then get all the other meals served. At about 4 o&rsquo;clock they have a light supper, here we do buffet-type food like sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes, which I make after lunch is served. In a small place like this it&rsquo;s a bit of everything, because I&rsquo;m by myself, so it means cleaning the kitchen as well. Cleanliness and hygiene&nbsp;are really important.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the hours like?</span></h3>
<p>In a care home the hours are usually 7 or 8am till 3pm, 5 days a week. The latest a care home Chef will work is about 6pm. Care home Chef jobs usually involve weekend work but you&rsquo;ve got the evenings free so it&rsquo;s a lot easier on&nbsp; the social life.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Do you require any special training to work in a care home?</span></h3>
<p>All Chefs should have a basic understanding of allergen and dietary training, but I think to work in a care home you need a specialist understanding about purees. There are different puree and soft diets and in this kind of environment there are vulnerable people with swallowing issues so you&rsquo;ve got to be really aware and very careful that the food you serve is as safe as possible for them.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Do you find working in a care home a challenging environment?</span></h3>
<p>It can be challenging because everyone has their own different dietary needs. For example, if there are 3 meal options that could easily be trebled just by people having certain requirements such as one needing food pureed, one not being able to eat carbohydrates, two being diabetic another needing high sugar foods; you have so much variation your food choices can actually extend into about 15.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What extra challenges are you facing in the current Covid-19 outbreak?</span></h3>
<p>Obviously I am working in an environment with elderly people so they&rsquo;re really high risk so I&rsquo;ve just got to be so careful. Basically I just go to work and go home, go to work and go home. I keep myself totally in the kitchen and I don&rsquo;t let many other people come in. I think every Chef anywhere has a really good knowledge of washing hands, transferring germs and cross contamination, but I think even now those skills have to really kick in in a nursing home because they are so vulnerable at the moment. You&rsquo;ve got to be careful of everything you do.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How does being a hospital Chef differ from being a care home Chef?</span></h3>
<p>The job roles are totally different because of the numbers. In the average care home you might have about 3 or 4 staff, depending on the size of the home. In a hospital you&rsquo;re looking at about 10-15 staff on the shift with probably about 30 staff in all that rotate around the shifts.&nbsp;In a hospital everything is made in bulk and then they have like a conveyor belt, each Chef adding things to the tray, so it&rsquo;s a production line serving hot food to go into a hot cupboard. In a care home it is much smaller so the quantities are totally different.&nbsp;Catering for different diets is easier in a hospital because you have a Chef that prepares food specifically for people with special diets, in a care home you have to spread yourself over quite a few areas because there&rsquo;s only one of you.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Is a care home a good place to gain Chef experience?</span></h3>
<p>I think it is. It is often something that good Chefs come to after working in the industry for so long and they want an easier life, so they change to become a care home Chef. But you&rsquo;re still learning. Everyone in the care home has their own individual needs so you learn how to cater for them. You might have residents that will be here for years so you build a relationship with them and you learn about your customers a lot more than if you worked in a restaurant.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What skills and knowledge have you gained from working in a care home that you couldn&rsquo;t get from other Chef job environments?</span></h3>
<p>I think it&rsquo;s 100% about knowing your customer. Getting to know the people, listening to their opinion on the food and making sure they get what they want. Building up a relationship with all of the residents and learning how to feed them is very important in this environment.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Why is being a care home Chef a good career choice?</span></h3>
<p>One of the reasons would be to see a different side to catering. It&rsquo;s an environment where you can really get to know your customers. In the past, I&rsquo;ve built up nice relationships with some of the people I&rsquo;ve cooked for over the years because you&rsquo;re cooking for them, you&rsquo;re seeing them day in day out and you know them on a first name basis. In a restaurant your customers are all important but they&rsquo;re faceless and perhaps all you&rsquo;ve got to worry about is the review you get. In a nursing home they&rsquo;re stuck with you, you&rsquo;re stuck with them so you better make sure that you give them good food!If this has inspired you to work in a care home kitchen, then search <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering/care-home-chef-jobs/">Blue Arrow&rsquo;s latest care home Chef jobs</a>.</p>

Working in a Care Home

<p>Warehouse Operative jobs are usually in high demand, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, not all warehouses have been operating business as usual. So what better time to start investigating your future career prospects? If you enjoy working in the supply chain industry then you might want to consider other roles within the sector and here we will look at how to change careers from Warehouse Operative to Delivery Driver.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;ve worked in Warehouse Operative jobs you will be used to picking, packing and shipping orders, but do you ever think about what happens to those orders once they leave the warehouse? The next step in the supply chain is the Delivery Driver and you may already have some experience with loading and unloading delivery vehicles, so perhaps the idea of a career change to a Delivery Driver job has already crossed your mind.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Even before COVID-19 was heard of, the past few years have seen a continuing rise in demand with online shopping, resulting in an increased availability of Delivery Driver jobs. Now, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been even more opportunity for driving jobs as the supermarkets have had to increase their home delivery service for customers unable or preferring not to go to the store. If you are not yet sure about this career change, there are often temporary positions available for Delivery Driver jobs which would give you the opportunity to experience a driving job before deciding on it as a career change.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What does a Delivery Driver do?</span></h3>
<p>The basic role of a Delivery Driver is to collect goods from a warehouse, shop or collection point and deliver those goods and packages to the customer or client. Delivery Driver jobs are available in a wide variety of sectors including supermarkets, other retailers and courier services. Driving jobs are available all over the country and many Delivery Driver jobs will be local so you don&rsquo;t have to drive long hours or be away from home.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Delivery driving jobs tend to have flexible hours and shift patterns which may involve an early start or a late night, something you are probably used to if you have been working in Warehouse Operative jobs.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What skills do I need for a Delivery Driver job?</span></h3>
<p>When thinking about a job change it is important to consider the skills needed for that new position and when it comes to driving jobs, the obvious necessity is, of course, the ability to drive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, it is not enough to just to have a driving licence, if you are going to do a driving job where you are behind the wheel and on the road for the majority of your working day, then you need to be physically able and you should enjoy driving.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Driving Skills</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Have a good driving record and the correct valid licence.</strong>The majority of Delivery Driver jobs involve driving a light delivery van. A standard car driving licence allows you to drive any category B vehicle, which includes vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes; most delivery vans fall into this category. So if you have a clean driving licence you can apply for Delivery Driver jobs or Courier driving jobs.</li>
<li><strong>Be physically able to drive and spend long periods on the road.&nbsp;</strong>You will be sitting in your vehicle for the majority of your working day, so it is important that you are physically able and fit to drive. You must also have good eyesight and wear glasses as needed when driving.</li>
<li><strong>Enjoy being behind the wheel.&nbsp;</strong>Your van will become your office so it is important that you are happy driving for the majority of the day and that you remain patient behind the wheel. You need to be able to stay calm in stressful situations if you are you are considering a driving career.</li>
<li><strong>Have good concentration.&nbsp;</strong>Being on the road for an entire shift means you must be able to focus and stay alert for long periods of time.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>Besides your driving ability, there are numerous other skills needed to be a good Delivery Driver.&nbsp;When thinking about how to change careers, consider your experience from Warehouse Operative jobs you have done and how that will help in your career change.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Ability to Work Independently</strong></p>
<p>Driving jobs require you to be self-motivated. Once you are in your delivery van you are responsible for organising, prioritising and carrying out your own workload. You need to be reliable and dependable.</p>
<p><strong>Organisation and Problem Solving Skills</strong></p>
<p>It is important as a Delivery Driver that you are able to think independently. You need to organise your route and your time efficiently as you will have deadlines and targets to work to. You must be able to check ahead for problems on the road so you can adapt your schedule accordingly to meet your delivery times. Map reading skills are also helpful in case of reliability gaps with online maps or the sat-nav.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Communication Skills</strong></p>
<p>Even though you are working independently for the majority of your shift, you are still part of a delivery team. You need good verbal and written communication skills to liaise with your manager and colleagues and to talk to customers. You will also have paperwork to deal with so must be organised and prompt with completing forms and reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Customer Service</strong></p>
<p>Part of the Delivery Driver job is providing good customer service. You need to be polite and friendly when delivering items to the customer whether it&rsquo;s to their home or business. You also need to be able to handle any customer issues calmly, patiently and professionally as you are the face of the company you work for.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Physical Fitness</strong></p>
<p>Delivery driver jobs require you to be fit and mobile. Besides being able to drive for long periods, you will be jumping in and out of your vehicle throughout your shift and lifting and carrying packages. From experience in Warehouse Operative jobs you should already be aware of correct procedures for manual handling of parcels and boxes.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Attention to detail</strong></p>
<p>There are a few extra things that will make your job as a Delivery Driver run more smoothly and this is where good attention to detail comes in. Planning the details of your schedule, finding alternative routes and checking the fuel level, oil and tyre pressure of your vehicle are all small things that go a long way in ensuring success with your career change.</p>
<p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p>
<p>Delivery Driver jobs that require you to drive a light delivery van smaller than 3.5 tonnes don&rsquo;t usually require you to have any further qualifications other than a clean driving licence. Most driving jobs will need you to have Maths and English GCSE.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What challenges might you face as a Delivery Driver?</span></h3>
<p>As in any job, you may have certain challenges to deal with in your Delivery Driver job. If there is an accident or heavy traffic you may have to change your route at the last minute. If you are late or the package is not as expected, you may have to deal with unhappy customers. If your vehicle has issues you need to be able to recognise them. The best way to overcome any challenge is to be adaptable, have good customer service skills and maintain a calm, professional manner at all times, whether dealing with a difficult customer or calling your boss to explain about a mechanical problem.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do I get a Delivery Driver job?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>When you apply for driving jobs, think about all the skills covered above and how you have achieved them in your Warehouse Operative job role. This will help you write an impressive CV and job application.</p>
<p>For more CV writing advice, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F90A5AF5FEE240F1BE9ADA203D8BC829&amp;_z=z">read our top 5 tips for CV writing</a>. You can also <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=81AADAF8C92042898A26B6778FBD1271&amp;_z=z">use our Delivery Driver CV template</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can find Delivery Jobs with us <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F2EAEF2C54944067BBB0D4A07DABF6AE&amp;_z=z">at Blue Arrow here</a>, and temporary Delivery Driver jobs are a good opportunity to try this job change before deciding if a driving job is the best long term career change for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=FE0F1072D4374D87A299A4F84C9926CB&amp;_z=z">View our Delivery Driver jobs</a> page for our latest positions available.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Career Progression</strong></p>
<p>If you are thinking about how to change careers to become a professional driver, then experience as a Delivery Driver will put you in a good position for furthering your career in transport and logistics and will help when applying for future driving jobs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Being a Delivery Driver can be stepping stone to a driving career without having to get your HGV licence, giving you the opportunity to decide if this is the right career change for you. <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=C9ABBC58B1A5405B9BCA59423949C016&amp;_z=z">Learn more about driving career prospects</a>&nbsp;here and for more information on licence classifications, view our <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6FE86845597E4B3CBA33C2B3B67A7ED3&amp;_z=z">Commercial Driving Licences Explained</a>&nbsp;page.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Want to know how to become a Delivery Driver? <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0BF00C9C49F64CB6ADB84D7A0BA4AE43&amp;_z=z">This page</a>&nbsp;will tell you all you need to know.</p>
<p>To continue in your Warehouse career, check out the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=B2486CA4C55B47F899744D6B59E210D2&amp;_z=z">latest Warehouse Operative jobs</a> here.</p>

Change careers from Warehouse to Driving

<p><span style="color: black;">In early 2020, the UK job market looked very different from today. As people were confined to their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, </span>driving<span style="color: black;"> jobs, for example, became more prevalent than ever. As in-demand job roles change, and more tasks become digitalised, now is the time to upskill and future-proof your career.&nbsp;<br></span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What is upskilling?</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">Upskilling is the process of acquiring new and advanced skills relevant to the job market. Upskilling may take the form of hard skills such as professional licences for d<span style="background: white;">riving jobs, Heavy Goods Vehicle </span>(HGV), Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), digital learning or on-the-job training. In addition, upskilling can focus on soft skills including teamwork, communication, creativity and leadership.&nbsp;<br></span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Why is upskilling important?</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">The World Economic Forum has stated that by 2022, almost half of the global workforce will need to either expand or replace their current skills</span><span style="color: black;">. So, as we emerge from a difficult year, it is important to upskill now.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">The results of a survey in the Skills and Employment Report 2020 show employers struggled to fill vacancies due to lack of relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.&nbsp;</span>B<span style="color: black;">y upskilling now, you </span>gain<span style="color: black;"> an advantage by having the right skills and qualifications which employers are looking for.<br></span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What upskilling can do for you</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">Upskilling is your opportunity to take control and future-proof your career in the following ways:</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black;">Boost employability</span> - </strong>gaining new sought-after skills will make your CV stand out to employers. Analysis has indicated that by moving up just one level of education (e.g. from no qualifications to GCSE level, or equivalent) <span style="color: black;">a worker can reduce the average length of time they spend unemployed by around 4 weeks<strong>.</strong></span></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black;">Improve confidence </span>- </strong>learning new skills gives you increased confidence in your knowledge and abilities.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black;">Earn more&nbsp;</span>- </strong>employers will pay more for higher value skills and relevant qualifications. E.g., a Class 1 HGV D<span style="color: black;">river in the UK can expect an average salary of &pound;28,000 per year compared to &pound;22,600 for a </span>D<span style="color: black;">elivery </span>D<span style="color: black;">river. </span><strong><span style="color: black;"> </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black;">Find skills you didn&rsquo;t know you had</span> - </strong>sometimes you don&rsquo;t realise what you are capable of until you try something new. Through upskilling, you could achieve things you didn&rsquo;t believe were possible.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black;">Experience</span> - </strong>upskilling is not only about training, but also experience. Equally, experience is not only about skills gained in the workplace; you will have also achieved valuable skills in other areas of life that are transferable to a career. This is especially relevant when it comes to soft skills such as team work and communication which can be gained through things like volunteering or sports.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">How to approach upskilling</span></h3>
<p><strong><span style="color: black;">Work out your objectives</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Your approach to upskilling will depend on your end goal. If you have an ideal job in mind, then you need to research the skills and/or qualifications you need for that job. Alternatively, you could identify your current interests and find a suitable job role. Or perhaps you are already working in the sector you enjoy and can upskill to improve your prospects.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Many job roles still rely on hard skills, especially in sectors such as </span>d<span style="color: black;">riving, </span>w<span style="color: black;">arehouse, </span>c<span style="color: black;">atering, manufacturing and production. However, soft skills including creativity, collaboration, communication and leadership are now also seen as significant qualities. A LinkedIn survey from 2019&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;">found that 80% of companies believed soft skills were growing in importance for company success.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">When considering your next move, identify the current trends and </span>in-demand<span style="color: black;"> jobs to future-proof your career. Cleaners<span style="font-size: 10px;">,</span>&nbsp;Customer Service Advisors, Care Workers and Drivers are just some of the job roles expected to grow over the next few years. </span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black;">Choose a direction</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;">Carry out an analysis to determine the skills needed for your chosen job. This could be looking at a new sector e.g., changing from catering to warehouse, or changing roles such as Class 2 to Class 1 </span>D<span style="color: black;">river.&nbsp; A search of job advertisements is a good place to start identifying the skills required.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Determine at what level you need to be to fulfil the job requirements, then identify where the gaps are and what you can do to fill them.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Consider complimentary skills or areas for wider learning. E.g. If you are looking for </span>D<span style="color: black;">elivery </span>D<span style="color: black;">river jobs, brush up on your highway code.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Once you know the skills you need to acquire, identify how you learn best. Are you disciplined enough for self-guided learning or do you learn better in a classroom environment?&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: black;">Stay Nimble is a useful resource that can assist you to discover your current skills and strengths, acquire new ones, and identify your next career move. Learn more <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://staynimble.co.uk/how-it-works/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a><br></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Explore your options</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">Upskilling can either be by yourself, in a classroom, online, or through on-the-job training. If you want to stay in your current industry, then you may be able to upskill via company supplied training with your employer, enabling you to move up or across to a different role within your existing company.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black;">Resources for upskilling</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://advanced-driving.co.uk/specialist-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Professional driving courses</a>&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;">- improve your driving skills for </span>D<span style="color: black;">elivery </span>D<span style="color: black;">riving jobs. Book online via the website.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Functional skills courses in English, maths and I.T. are available through many local libraries. </span><a href="https://www.gov.uk/search-library-catalogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.gov.uk/search-library-catalogue</a></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: black;"><a href="https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalworkshop-eu/courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Digital Workshops </a></span><span style="color: black;"> - free online<span style="background: white;"> training courses with an accredited certification at the end.&nbsp;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: black;">Digital skills bootcamps</span><span style="color: black;"> - a new government initiative for 2021. Learn more <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://feweek.co.uk/2020/10/16/digital-skills-bootcamps-what-are-they-and-how-will-they-work/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span>.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: black;"><a href="https://staynimble.co.uk/how-it-works/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stay Nimble</a></span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: black;">- free and paid options to help you discover and improve your skills.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: black;"><a href="https://www.skillshare.com/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Skillshare</a></span> <a href="https://www.skillshare.com/home%5d-"><span style="color: #1155cc;">-</span></a><span style="color: black;"> online educational videos available through a subscription.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Podcasts - accessible on most devices so you can listen and learn on the go.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: black;"><a href="https://www.coursera.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Coursera</a></span> <span style="color: black;">- Sign up for free to browse available courses.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: black;"><a href="https://www.ted.com/talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ted Talks</a>&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;- video presentations by expert speakers from various industries.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Industry newsletters &ndash; sign up for good relevant content.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Creating your upskilling plan&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">You can create your upskilling plan by following these steps:</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Break the skills you need into categories</span><span style="color: black;">:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: black;">Small &ndash; acquiring knowledge independently through research.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Medium - skills development through classes, training and experience.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Large - gaining qualifications such as degrees, HGV Licences.<br></span><br>Consider how much time you have and work out a realistic plan. It might mean sacrificing some Netflix time, but it will be worth it to achieve your goal. For example, each week you could schedule to work on one large and/or medium scale learning task plus a couple of small tasks such as listening to a relevant podcast or reading a book.<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Identify anything that could jeopardise your progress ahead of time so you can plan</span><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><span style="color: black;">to avoid any distractions.</span></li>
<li>P<span style="color: black;">ut together your own syllabus </span>based on your analysis. <span style="color: black;">Learn how to create a syllabus <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/three-steps-to-creating-a-personal-learning-syllabus" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span><a href="https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/three-steps-to-creating-a-personal-learning-syllabus">.</a> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;">
<li style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Schedule regular progress reviews to keep on track.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: black;">The world of work is changing and when it comes to skills, the future is already here. Now could be the time to take action to upskill and adapt.</span></p>
<p><strong>References</strong></p>
<p>1. weforum.org. 2020. We need a global reskilling revolution &ndash; here's why. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/reskilling-revolution-jobs-future-skills/.</p>
<p>2. Logistics UK Policy, Skills and Employment Report 2020, pp. 6</p>
<p>3. Chapman, A. and Wheatley, H., 2021. Crisis Support to Aviation and the Right to Retrain. New Economics Foundation, [Online]. Available at: https://neweconomics.org/uploads/files/aviation-workers.pdf</p>
<p>4. LinkedIn. 2021. LinkedIn 2019 Talent Trends: Soft Skills, Transparency and Trust. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-2019-talent-trends-soft-skills-transparency-trust-bersin/.</p>
<p>5. In-Demand Skills &mdash; what are they, and how can I get them? 2019. Stay Nimble. [ONLINE] Available at: <a href="https://staynimble.co.uk/">Stay NImble</a></p>

A helpful guide to upskilling for your career

<p>If you want to know how to budget when you are paid weekly, you have come to the right place. We have all been there, (in fact some of us still are there) bouncing between being over cautious and eating nothing but bread and jam or, throwing caution to the wind and splashing out on a take away just to find out that you have bounced a payment and your phone has been cut off&hellip; again.<br><br>Weekly pay cheques make it extremely difficult to keep track of what you can spend when you have to hold enough back for your rent and bills at the end of the month. It also makes saving for Christmas presents and holidays abroad seemingly impossible.&nbsp;<br><br>With a little bit or preparation, a calculator, a pen, a note pad and access to the internet you could be a budgeting pro in just 10 easy steps.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Step 1 : Create a list</span></h3>
<p>The first place to start is to get all of your information in to one easy to reach place. Create a list by writing down all of your fixed monthly or weekly bills and their amounts. Don&rsquo;t forget to write down any debt repayment plans that you already have in place.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Step 2: Control fluctuations</span></h3>
<p>Watch out for any bills that have changeable amounts such as utilities. Once you have identified them call the companies and see if you can switch these on to direct debit payments to spread the cost. This way you are contributing towards the bill before it has even been issued and you will never miss a payment and incur a late charge.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Step 3: Get an overview</span></h3>
<p>Use a paper or online calendar to see an overview of your month and the payments that you need to make on what days as they currently stand.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Step 4 : Work with your providers</span></h3>
<p>Try work out how you can have your bills come out on different days throughout the month. Think about your rent, mortgage, utilities, telephone, internet etc. If they are all due for payment in the same week then it can mean one really lean week of eating beans on toast. Call the companies and ask them to move your payment dates throughout the month so they are spread out evenly. For example: Your rent or mortgage payment in week 1, your phone and internet in week 2, council tax in week 3 and utilities in week 4.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Step 5: Important costs&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>Write down how much you need to spend each week on travel to work, fuel, bus, train. This is money you must account for as a priority because you can only earn money if you can get to work.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Step 6: Plan for other eventualities&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>It is important to plan for other costs that crop up outside of your monthly or weekly bills. Set a small amount aside each week as a kitty against each of these categories that are relevant to you. Even if you can only afford to save &pound;1 per week against each you have made a start and it will soon mount up.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Holidays</li>
<li>Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries</li>
<li>School uniforms, equipment</li>
<li>School trips</li>
<li>Clothing</li>
<li>Car MOT, tyres, repairs</li>
<li>Home repairs</li>
<li>Treats, meals or days out.</li>
<li>Vet bills</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Step 7: Calculate your weekly take home pay</span></h3>
<p>Work out your weekly income in advance for the next 4 weeks based on your shifts and any overtime you have agreed to work. You can use the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=CAD2DE25B71D430DB0BC3D64F81D3FEF&amp;_z=z">salary calculator</a>&nbsp;tool to help you work out your weekly income and take home pay.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Step 8 : What do you have left over?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>Now that you have an overview of the bills due to be paid, the money you will be spending on travel, setting aside for emergencies and other expenses you will have a good idea of how much is going to be spent each week.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Take this figure away from the weekly income you calculated in step 7 and see what you have left over.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Step 9: Allocate the rest</span></h3>
<p>You know that you have allowed for some eventualities in step 6 so whatever is left should be allocated to purchasing food and toiletries. If you find that you have more money left than you need for food, then you have a couple of options:</p>
<ul>
<li>If you have any debt that is not already on a repayment plan, then use the left over money to start paying one debt off at a time as a priority.</li>
<li>If you don&rsquo;t have any debt to repay you can increase the amounts you allocated to the kitty&rsquo;s in step 6.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Step 10: Do your homework</span></h3>
<p>There are many online resources to help you create a budget, take control of your finances, get debt under control or just talk to someone if you are feeling overwhelmed by financial burdens. Pop over and check out the most useful links below:</p>
<ul>
<li>The <a href="https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/budget-planner" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Money Advice Service</a> has an excellent budget planner on their site to help you take control of your finances.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/Budget-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Money Saving Expert</a> provide lots of useful information on creating a budget, saving money, cutting costs on their site. Be sure to take a look at their free downloadable spreadsheet for creating a budget.</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://https//www.stepchange.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Step Change</a></strong> are a debt advice charity who are there to help you with your financial problems, settling up repayment plan, working on your behalf and selecting the right debt management plan for your circumstances. They are an excellent resource if things have got a little out of control. You can get free, expert debt advice online or over the phone.</li>
<li>If you use your bank card to pay for things online or in shops, then seriously consider using a round up app. These apps round each of your payments up to the nearest &pound; and places the difference into a savings fund. Many of them offer bonus payments and incentives such as adding an additional 10% to the difference fund. Some of the services are free such as <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.withplum.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.<span style="background: white; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">withplum.com</span></a>&nbsp;</span><span style="background: white; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">and others charge a monthly free, some will offer options to invest your pot of savings and others will pay you benefits. Check with your own bank to see if they offer the service and if not, be sure to shop around before you settle on one provider.</span></li>
</ul>

Weekly Budget

<p>As the end of another year looms we have been reflecting on all of the tips, tricks and advice that now adorns our warehouse blog pages.</p>
<p>Part one of this two part series addressed the warehouse industry in general, getting a warehouse job and budgeting and pay advice, <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/epic-guide-to-working-in-a-warehouse-part-1" target="_self">if you missed it, you can read part 1 here.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Once again, get comfortable and grab a cuppa as we proudly bring you part two of the most epic guide to working in a warehouse covering the topics, warehouse career development and how to survive and thrive when you are working shifts. There is a bit to get through and sometimes it can be difficult to find what you are looking for, so you can either scroll to read through all of the sections in turn or use the contents list to jump to the section you are most interested in.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><a href="#S1">Section 1. How to survive and thrive in warehouse shift work</a><br><a href="#S2">Section 2. Warehouse Career Development</a></h2>
<h2><a id="anchor_1576168017731" name="S1"></a>Section 1. How to survive and thrive in warehouse shift work</h2>
<h3>Caring for your back and wrists</h3>
<p>For most of us, time off work is a luxury we cannot afford so taking care of yourself and ensuring you are protecting your joints from overuse and strain should be your primary concern. <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/how-to-care-for-your-back-and-wrists-as-a-warehouse-worker" target="_self">This article provides detailed advice and tips for protecting your back and wrists.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br></a><br><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/blog/warehouse-community/wrapped-in-bubble-wrap/warehouse-workers-guide-to-protecting-back-and-wrists.pdf" target="_self">You can also download our handy infographic if you would prefer a quick reference guide.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;<br><br><strong>Taking care of your feet</strong></p>
<p>Foot pain from standing and walking all day can turn an otherwise enjoyable job into one you would rather avoid at all costs, but there are things you can do to stop your feet hurting at work and bring that spring back into your step.&nbsp;</p>
<div><strong>Top Tips for selecting the right shoes</strong></div>
<ul>
<li>Always have both feet measured &ndash; many people have different sized feet. Even a small variation can affect how comfortable the shoes are.</li>
<li>Make sure there is 1cm space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.&bull;</li>
<li>When choosing shoes consider the width and depth of the shoe, not just the length. Different manufacturers provide wider and narrower shoes, so it is best to try a few varying brands to get the right fit for you.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Look at all aspects of the shoe and make sure they are all suitable:&nbsp;<br><br></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Top Tips for looking after tired feet</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Stretching&nbsp;</li>
<li>Ice baths</li>
<li>Massage</li>
<li>Elevation</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Taking care of your hands</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Combat Dry Skin - Cracked, split and dry hands can be avoided and relieved with the use of a good purpose-built moisturiser.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Gloves - The best way to keep your hands healthy when you wear gloves is to make sure that your gloves are clean when you put them on.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Washing &amp; Drying - Wherever possible, avoid using fragranced soaps because they will dry out your hands.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>You rely on your hands to complete almost every aspect of your work and so if you don&rsquo;t take care of them, they can quickly become extremely painful and can limit even the simplest day to day tasks.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/how-to-avoid-sore-dry-and-cracked-hands-from-manual-work" target="_self">Check out the full article for more information and links to some great tried and tested hand care products.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br></a><br><strong>Dealing with tiredness</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Stress &ndash; Reduce stress with momentum</li>
<li>Tiredness &ndash; Make the most of your break</li>
<li>Negativity - Seek out the positive people</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/3-steps-to-combat-tiredness-stress-and-negativity-for-shift-workers" target="_self">Read the detailed article here to find out more about combating tiredness, stress and negativity at work.&nbsp;</a></p>
<p><strong>Choosing the right workwear</strong></p>
<p>No matter where you are working in the warehouse, from frozen to ambient and all of the areas in between, we have got you covered for affordable and durable workwear from top to toe not forgetting the all-important accessories too. <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/best-warehouse-workwear-picks" target="_self">Check out the full article here.</a></p>
<p><strong>Related Content</strong></p>
<p>Caring for hands and feet.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/blog/warehouse-community/tired-hands-and-feet-infographic/caring-for-tired-feet--hands.pdf" target="_self">Check out our handy quick reference download for looking after tired feet and sore hands&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/blog/warehouse-community/tired-hands-and-feet-infographic/caring-for-tired-feet--hands.pdf" target="_self"><br></a><br><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/how-can-you-make--your-feet-hurt-less-at-work" target="_self">Avoid sore feet.</a></p>
<h2><a id="anchor_1576168063163" name="S2"></a>Section 2. Warehouse Career Development</h2>
<h3>Going Perm</h3>
<p>6 ways to make sure that you are the one at the top of the permanent contract shortlist.&nbsp;<br><br><strong>1. Stick with it</strong></p>
<p>How much time you have under your belt is your number one asset so stick with the job and learn as much as you can.<br><br><strong>2. Make a great impression</strong></p>
<p>Go above and beyond to show that you really do care about your job and the work that you do, pay close attention to detail and always strive to do your best.<br><br><strong>3. Show you mean business</strong></p>
<p>Work hard and strive to hit your targets. Being punctual and reliable goes a long way, management will always know who they can trust to get the job done and a reputation for hard work and reliability will stay with you throughout your career.<br><br><strong>4. Be a team player</strong></p>
<p>Be helpful to your colleagues, remember that all staff are working together to achieve the same goal. Training new starters or helping someone who may be struggling are all great traits that show an employer that you are a great person to have in the workforce.<br><br><strong>5. Listen</strong></p>
<p>Keep your ears open, make this business your business. What are the company plans? Are they hiring, are they expanding? Are they short of skilled staff? Is this your chance to get your forklift license and enjoy a pay bump?<br><br><strong>6. Be Vocal</strong></p>
<p>Talk to your supervisors, make it clear that you are willing to learn, to train, to try new things. Be open about your ambitions and where you see your career leading you.</p>
<h3>Boost your career with upskilling.</h3>
<p>There are 3 ways to upskill</p>
<p><strong>Give Yourself a Lift&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>As a warehouse operative one of the most useful and highly prized skills you can have is the ability to drive a counterbalance or reach forklift. Receive higher pay than for a standard warehouse operative role, increases your overtime opportunities and your chances of landing a sought-after position with a new employer if you choose to move onto other opportunities.<br><br><strong>Computer Skills&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Being able to use programs such as Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets, Word for documents and Powerpoint for presentations will be essential if you are hoping for a promotion to Team leader in the future so get ahead of the game and enrol on an IT skills course to ensure you have what it takes when the opportunity arises. Vision2learn provides a range of fully funded, nationally accredited e-learning courses including a Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills.&nbsp;<br><br><strong>The Full Package</strong></p>
<p>Immersing yourself in the warehousing industry shows your commitment to building a long and rewarding career for yourself. Studying a full NVQ Qualification in Warehouse and Storage will give you a broad understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to work and succeed in higher warehouse roles.<br><br><strong>5 steps to getting a promotion</strong>.</p>
<p>Do you have what it takes to be a great Team Leader? If you have your sights set on a promotion, these 5 steps will tell you exactly what you need to do to get there:</p>
<p>1. Spend time working in a role such as Warehouse Operative or Forklift Driver so you gain invaluable working knowledge of the systems and procedures that are in place.&nbsp;<br>2. Work every day as though you are being assessed for a promotion &ndash; you never know when you managers are taking notice so always be ready to impress.<br>3. Go above and beyond to do great work by putting in the extra effort to ensure the success of the entire team, even if it means picking up other peoples&rsquo; tasks to get the job done.<br>4. Make an effort to be a positive and enthusiastic member of the team, helping your colleagues and being a source of happiness and inspiration will stand you in great stead throughout your career.<br>5. Say yes to as much training as you possibly can. Always have an improvement mindset, let your managers know that you want to gain new skills and that you want to be considered for promotion when the time is right.</p>
<p><strong>Upskill and become a Forklift Driver</strong></p>
<p>The three most common forklifts used in the warehouse industry are;</p>
<ul>
<li>Counterbalance Forklift</li>
<li>Reach Truck</li>
<li>Pedestrian Controlled Lift Truck.</li>
</ul>
<p>These accreditation bodies can help you find a reputable training course:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.itssar.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.citb.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Construction Industry Training Board, (CITB)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.aitt.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.lantra.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lantra National Training Organisation Ltd.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.npors.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.rtitb.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB)</a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-forklift-truck-driving-experience-and-license" target="_self">Find out what to expect from your training course here.</a></p>
<p><strong>Upskill and become a HGV Driver</strong></p>
<p>There are 6 main steps to becoming an HGV/LGV Driver;<br><br>1. Get your car driving license<br>2. Get a medical &amp; obtain a medical exam report (Form D4) from your doctor<br>3. Apply for a provisional lorry license<br>4. Sit your theory test<br>5. Take the driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) Test<br>6. Take the relevant category practical test<br><br><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/how-to-go-from-being-a-forklift-driver-to-an-lgv-hgv-driver" target="_self">See each of the steps in detail here</a></p>
<p><strong>Related Content</strong></p>
<p>Going Perm. <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/how-to-go-from-temp-to-perm--top-tips-from-an-employer" target="_self">Find more information on how to go from temp to perm here.</a><br><br>Career Progression. <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/4-steps-to-warehouse-career-success" target="_self">Find out more about our 4 steps to career progression here&nbsp;&nbsp;<br></a> <br>Boost your career and pay. <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/3-ways-to-upskill-and-boost-your-career-and-pay-packet" target="_self">Find out how you can use upskilling to boost your career and your pay packet here</a><a href="ttps://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/3-ways-to-upskill-and-boost-your-career-and-pay-packet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><br></a> <br>Becoming a Team Leader. <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/becoming-a-warehouse-team-leader" target="_self">For more information about becoming a Team Leader click here.</a><br><br>As we prepare for 2020 and all of the exciting opportunities it brings for the warehouse and logistics industry, this is the perfect opportunity for you to let know what we missed in 2019. Is there something you would like us to write about or any advice you wish we had included? <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MXMJYJ9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Let us know here.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Epic guide to working in a warehouse part 2

<p>We all think we know the difference between what food is good for us and what is bad for us. It usually revolves around:</p>
<p>&nbsp;junk food = bad | salad = good</p>
<p>and that&rsquo;s where it ends. But who wants to eat salad at work? Has anyone ever said the words, ohh I could murder a nice iceburg lettuce salad, nom nom.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There has to be a better way, there has to be more to staying healthy than Iceburg lettuce or the occasional splash out to the more exotic Romaine variety on a Friday to mix things up a bit, but what is the answer?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, we are not about to bust a ton of myths here and tell you that a Big Mac, Fries and strawberry milkshake combo is the new superfood, but there are a couple of tips and tricks to bring a some of healthier habits into your working day.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Germs</span></h2>
<p>Let&rsquo;s get the gross bit out of the way first. The average a work station, whether it is a desk, a production line or a packing station is 400 times dirtier than your toilet, yuck. So, sneaking a quick snack while you are on the job is not best advised. Wait for your breaks when you can wash your hands and get away from the gross working environment.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Sugar</span></h2>
<p>Let&rsquo;s face it, sugar is everywhere. It is in most things that we consume, even those that we think are good for us, so cutting it out of your diet is just not going to be possible, but you can keep it under control by knowing how much sugar is in your everyday snacks and drinks. If you have a soft drink, a can of soup and a chocolate bar for lunch you will have consumed an astonishing 26 teaspoons of sugar! This is without any sugar that may be added to your hot drinks like tea and coffee throughout the day.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The recommended daily limit for sugar is 6 teaspoons (25 grams) so try to spend your allowance wisely. Soft drinks and chocolate bars are obvious things to avoid but when it comes to the soup, well that&rsquo;s just sneaky. Try to take home made foods to work so you know exactly what is in them. Also, opting for protein rich foods like nuts and seeds will help you to keep the sugar cravings at bay and your energy levels up.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Water</span></h2>
<p>Humans are made up of 70% water so keeping our liquid levels topped up is super important.</p>
<p>On a day where you do nothing but lounge on the sofa and watch Netflix you need around two litres of water, so in a working day where you are hiking around a warehouse and running about picking and packing items you need to ramp up that intake by quite a bit.</p>
<p>If you are not used to drinking water regularly then try to make a habit of combining your usual drinks with a glass of water. Every time you have a coffee or a soft drink, drink a pint of water alongside it. This will help you to remember.</p>
<p>Staying healthy at work goes beyond what we eat, so be sure to take a look at some of our other advice articles including, <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/shift-your-thinking" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">surviving shift work</a> and our <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/3-steps-to-combat-tiredness-stress-and-negativity-for-shift-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3 Steps to combating tiredness, stress and negativity&nbsp;</a></p>

Staying healthy at work

<p>Go from being a Forklift Driver to becoming an LGV driver and you could earn up to a 50% more each month.</p>
<p>Career progression in a warehouse usually entails moving from Operative to Forklift driver and on to Team Leader, and other Management positions but not all of us want to, or are cut out for, managing other people.</p>
<p>Management positions can often take us away from the more practical aspects of our work which for those of us who dislike paperwork, is not an appealing prospect.&nbsp; But to get a decent pay bump, management is not your only option, there is a more practical, hands on route to moving up the ranks and boosting your income.</p>
<p>As a forklift driver in a warehouse you can earn anywhere between &pound;8.23 and &pound;11.20 per hour which is around &pound;14,642 and &pound;25,204 per year.</p>
<p>You could convert your <a href="http://https//www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-forklift-truck-driving-experience-and-license" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">forklift license</a>&nbsp;to enable you to operate different types of lifting machinery increasing your chances of getting a job in another warehouse but the truth is, this is unlikely to make a huge difference to your pay packet.</p>
<p>If you really want to see a jump in your take home pay, then why not take your practical experience and apply it to getting an HGV or LGV qualification. Once you are qualified you could see this upper pay bracket of &pound;25,204 as a forklift driver, become your <span style="text-decoration: underline;">starting</span> basic salary as an LGV truck driver.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What qualifications do you need to become an HGV / LGV driver?</span></h2>
<p>You need to be 18 or over and hold a full car driving license before you can become an HGV Truck Driver.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Steps to become an HGV/LGV Driver</span></h2>
<ol>
<li>Get your car driving license</li>
<li>Get a medical &amp; obtain a medical exam report (Form D4) from your doctor</li>
<li>Apply for a provisional lorry license</li>
<li>Sit your theory test</li>
<li>Take the driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) Test</li>
<li>Take the relevant category practical test</li>
</ol>
<p>Like any new qualification, getting your LGV license can seem expensive. The training, tests and licenses combined can cost anywhere between &pound;900 and &pound;1500 which is without a doubt, a significant amount of money. But remember, this is an investment into your future so don&rsquo;t be put off by the affordability of the courses before you have explored all of your options.</p>
<p>There are a few funding options open to you as a prospective new driver:</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Workplace Training</span></h3>
<p>If you already have a job in a warehouse then your best, first port of call is your manager. Many warehouse and logistics companies offer training incentives to their existing staff, so you may find that your employer is willing to fund some or all of your training, in return for a longer term contract.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Career Development Funding</span></h3>
<p>If your employer does not offer any training incentives, you could try to source funding from the government under a Career Development Scheme. Contact National Career Service on 0800 100 900 Monday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Job Centre Funding</span></h3>
<p>If you&rsquo;re unemployed and looing to get back into work, then the Job Centre could help you to get your training funded through a return to work scheme. You don&rsquo;t know until you ask, so your first step is to find your local <a href="https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">job centre</a>and have a chat with one of the advisors who can let you know what schemes are available in your area</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Train Now, Pay Later</span></h3>
<p>Many driving schools offer a <a href="http://https//www.hgvtraining.co.uk/hgv-training-finance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">train now pay later incentive</a>. Specialised HGV allow new drivers to start their training with just a &pound;10 deposit&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Training &amp; Job Guaranteed Schemes</span></h3>
<p>Eddie Stobart&rsquo;s driving school offers a <a href="https://eddiestobart.com/careers-and-training/driving-school/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full training scheme</a> that is guaranteed to result in a job with Stobart&rsquo;s upon successful completion.</p>
<h2>Video: How to transition from an FLT Driver to an HGV Driver?</h2>

How to go from being a forklift driver to an LGV HGV driver?

<p class="Paragraph SCXW107388433" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">There have been a few times in my life where I have needed to do some telephone interviews. Once, for an article I was writing and another because I was responsible for hiring a new staff member to fill an open position.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW107388433" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">I knew in advance that these would be happening, and being an overachieving perfectionist, on both occasions I went into overdrive to make sure I was fully prepared to deliver the most professional interview possible.</p>
<h4>Interview 1 &ndash; The article.&nbsp;</h4>
<p><strong>Step 1: </strong>Selected the kitchen as my chosen location to conduct the interview.</p>
<p><strong>Step 2:</strong> The washing machine was off, as was the kitchen radio.</p>
<p><strong>Step 3: </strong>Made sure my phone was charged</p>
<p><strong>Step 4:</strong> Had a cup of tea ready, and my notebook and pen set up in perfect alignment on the kitchen counter.</p>
<p>I dialed the number and immediately upon answer I launched into my practiced introduction. I got to the end of my intro and there is just silence. I tentatively say &ldquo;hello&rdquo; and in return I hear &ldquo;hello&rdquo;. This bit is confusing, I am not sure if that was a &ldquo;hello, yes I can hear you&rdquo; or a &ldquo;hello, can you hear me&rdquo;, so, we spent an awkward few seconds just saying &ldquo;Hello, can you hear me&rdquo; Hello?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Feeling like someone had to make a move I launched into my introduction again. I was less nervous this time, but I was in such a rush to get it out that I forgot to breathe. I ran out of air part way through and tailed off in a weird strangled kind of way at the end. This made it appear as though we were experiencing signal issues again which began a whole new round of &lsquo;hello, can you hear me&rsquo; being exchanged. Awkward!</p>
<p>Ten minutes in and things are finally going okay, I am on a roll with my questions, the interviewee is chatty, and responsive. I was actually starting to enjoy myself.I settled into the interview and relaxed, which is good, but I dropped my guard, which is very bad. I reached for my cup of tea, completely over extended, knocked over the mug sending tea all over my notebook, spilling off the table and onto my lap.</p>
<p>In this situation I am embarrassed to say, that by default, my brain positions itself firmly into the gutter, and instantly lets out a stream of profanities that would make a sailor blush.I can&rsquo;t help it, I involuntarily blurt out a swear word, then I do that weird swear/apologise thing, then I apologise again for that swear word closely followed by another mumbled profanity to reprimand myself. In the end I lose track of which one I have and have not apologised for so just end up stopping mid-way through. This interview was not going well.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I gather myself and in my most composed voice, tell them to continue with what they were saying while I commence the notebook wafting ritual to get rid of the excess tea.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We were just getting back into the swing of things when I glance up and see the postman walking down my path, I know instantly that just when I thought things couldn&rsquo;t get any worse, this has turned into a disaster.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our family pet is an overly paranoid pooch who could hear a sparrow fart from five doors down. Upon hearing footsteps outside the door, he immediately begins a frenzy of barks and an overly dramatic sequence of body slams against the letterbox.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Rather than try to quiet him down, I know from experience this is a waste of effort, I simply shut the kitchen door to muffle the sound, thinking he will quieten down as soon as the postman leaves.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I re-commence the interview, apologizing yet again. A few minutes in and paranoid pooch is still attacking the door. I look outside the window to see that the postman was still stood on my path, chatting away on his phone completely oblivious to the total carnage that is going on in my house. I started knocking on the window and gesturing for him to go away, or at least move away from the door. He thinks I am trying to get his attention and so walks back towards me! Noooooooo.</p>
<p>You know what, I am going to stop here because this is actually mortifying re-living this one so, let&rsquo;s move onto the second interview, the job interview.</p>
<p>This time I was prepared for the paranoid pooch, he was in the garden chasing flies and birds he could never catch, I had even kicked the disgruntled cat out to be on the safe side. I opted to do without the tea, just in case, and I was ready to make a great impression.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This time everything went smoothly for me, no noise, no unexpected visitors and no spilled liquids. From my side the interview could not have gone any better. This time however, the problem was the interviewee. I swear they had all of the charisma of a stool.</p>
<p>No matter what I asked it felt as though they were only half listening to me while also watching the footie. No matter how many times I tried to draw out some kind of information they just remained utterly passive and disinterested. The replies were a series of grunts and barely intelligible sentences not helped by whatever they seemed to be eating while talking.&nbsp;I have a sneaky suspicion they were laid out on the sofa, feet up, remote in one hand and phone in the other with a precariously balanced bowl of cheese puffs on their chest.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Needless to say, they didn&rsquo;t make it past the telephone interview round, which was so frustrating as they were more than qualified for the position, if only they had taken the chance to show me that they would be a good fit for the role.</p>
<p>Since then I have harboured this passion for helping people to set themselves up to sit the very best telephone interview possible. Here are my hints and tips:</p>
<p>1. Set up in a quiet location. - Yes, I know this is a little ironic coming from me after my first interview, but I did learn my lesson. Plan for every eventuality then, also plan for everything else to go wrong too.</p>
<p>2.&nbsp; Sit at a desk or table. - Believe it or not, this does make a difference, if you slouch on the sofa it will come through in your voice, it will make you&hellip; slouchy! Really!</p>
<p>3. Smile when you talk. A smile is recognisable, even over the phone. First of all, a smile releases endorphins, these hormones make you feel all warm, fuzzy and perky which will come through in your voice. Additionally, a smile changes the shape of your mouth and therefore the sound of your words. Go ahead, try it, strange but true.&nbsp;</p>
<p>4. Take notes. For a stationery lover this one is a no brainer but if you are less biro orientated, then I do recommend that you keep some sort of writing implement close to hand just in case you need to write down a follow-up interview date or something equally important.&nbsp;</p>
<p>5. Ask questions when prompted. Asking questions shows that you are interested in the person conducting the interview but also the company that you are potentially going to be employed by (don&rsquo;t forget to have done your research).</p>
<p>6. Rounding. At the end be sure to ask the interviewer if there is anything else he or she needs to know. This shows that you are open to further questions and are more than happy to help.&nbsp;</p>

Telephone Torture

<p>If you are already a night worker then we don&rsquo;t need to tell you how great it can be but have you considered that you may earn more money working nights in a different role?&nbsp;</p>
<p>That&rsquo;s right, many careers you only thought of when you were knee high to a grass hopper have night working opportunities with plenty of scope to take on day shifts too.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 1rem; font-family: inherit;">If you have not tried working nights then we urge you to give it a go, it brings a heap of benefits that day shifts just can&rsquo;t offer:</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Higher pay (unsociable hours, night time and waking incentives).&nbsp;</li>
<li>Travel to work is a breeze if you drive, less ideal if you need to take the bus!</li>
<li>Catch up on sleep in the morning and find that you have the whole afternoon to get your errands done.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Works around family life, especially young children who are at nursery or school in the mornings - if you have someone who can watch the kids overnight of course.</li>
<li>Nights are quiet and peaceful. You are working hard while everyone else slumbers so you are hauled into fewer meetings &amp; have to answer less calls so for those of us who like a bit of peace and quiet, nights are a blessing.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Not many people have worked out how awesome working nights can be and so in many cases there is a lot less competition for jobs.</li>
</ul>
<p>Our top 10 night working jobs might just inspire you to think out of the box and put your skills to use in a different role.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">1. Taxi driver &pound;14,000 to &pound;30,000 per year&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>To become a Taxi Driver you will need to:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>complete a driving skills assessment</li>
<li>have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months (3 years in London)</li>
<li>pass background and medical checks</li>
<li>be 18 or over (21 in some areas, including London)</li>
<li>pass a local geography test ('The Knowledge' in London)</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">2. Security guard &pound;16,000 - &pound;26,000&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>To become a Security Guard you will need:</p>
<ul>
<li>a Security industry Authority license for agency and contractor jobs.&nbsp;</li>
<li>to pass enhanced background checks</li>
<li>to be over 18</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">3. Paramedic &pound;24,000 to &pound;37,000</span></h3>
<p>To become a Paramedic you will need:</p>
<ul>
<li>a University Paramedic qualification that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). (Full-time courses usually take 3 years)</li>
<li>to pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults</li>
<li>to pass a medical check</li>
<li>to have a driving licence, including medium-sized vehicles</li>
</ul>
<p>If you wanted to get started right away, you could start as an Ambulance Care Assistant and with further training and experience, you could then apply for a training scheme as a Paramedic.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">4. Firefighter &pound;22,000 to &pound;42,000</span></h3>
<p>You can apply directly to join the fire service. Each local service sets it&rsquo;s own entry requirements. Many ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and Maths, or equivalent qualifications.</p>
<p>To become a Firefighter you will need to:</p>
<ul>
<li>pass a fitness test</li>
<li>pass a medical check</li>
<li>pass enhanced background checks</li>
<li>have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months</li>
<li>be over 18 years of age</li>
<li>pass an online test to assess your judgement ability in a realistic work setting</li>
<li>pass number and reading tests</li>
</ul>
<p>Some fire services may only accept applications from people living in the local and surrounding areas.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">5. Police Officer &pound;20,000 to &pound;60,000</span></h3>
<p>You can get a taste of what it's like to work with the police by volunteering as a Special Constable or you could also get paid work as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) before applying for Police Officer training.</p>
<p>To become a Police Officer you will need to:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>pass <a href="https://www.gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">enhanced background checks</a></li>
<li>be a British or Commonwealth citizen, a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) citizen, or a foreign national with the right to stay and work in the UK for an indefinite period</li>
<li>be over 18 years of age</li>
</ul>
<p>You can apply directly to join the Police Service. You'll usually apply to one police force at a time and if your application is successful, you'll be invited to an assessment centre where you will:</p>
<ul>
<li>have an interview</li>
<li>take written tests</li>
<li>take a physical fitness test</li>
<li>have a medical and eyesight test</li>
</ul>
<p>To give you the very best chance of success, you can prepare for your application by doing the <a href="https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/Learning/Certificate/Pages/Information-for-Students.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Certificate in Knowledge of Policing</a>.<br><br>If your application is unsuccessful, you may have to wait a minimum of 6 months before you can re-apply.</p>
<p>Did you know that if you have management experience you could <a href="https://www.leadbeyond.police.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apply for direct entry as an Inspector or Superintendent</a>, or if you have an upper second class degree, you could apply for the <a href="https://www.policenow.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Police Now Graduate Leadership Development Programme</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">6. Nurse &pound;24,214 to &pound;37,267</span></h3>
<p>To become a Nurse you will need to:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>do a degree in adult nursing approved by the Nursing &amp; Midwifery Council.</li>
<li>pass enhanced background checks.</li>
</ul>
<p>You may be able to join the second year of a nursing degree if you already have a degree in:</p>
<ul>
<li>a health-related subject</li>
<li>psychology</li>
<li>life sciences</li>
<li>social work</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">7. Air Traffic Controller &pound;17,000 to &pound;50,000</span></h3>
<p>To become an Air Traffic Controller you will need to:</p>
<ul>
<li>be over 18 years of age</li>
<li>apply for a place as a trainee with National Air Traffic Services.</li>
<li>have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent qualifications, including English and Maths.</li>
<li>pass security checks</li>
<li>pass a medical check</li>
<li>be eligible to work in the UK.</li>
<li>relocate to Fareham in Hampshire while training. (Initial training takes up to 1 year)</li>
<li>be prepared to work anywhere in the UK once you are qualified.</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">8. Prison Officer &pound;20,750 &pound;38,000</span></h3>
<p>You do not need qualifications to apply directly to be a Prison Officer your personal qualities are more important but outside of qualifications you will need to:</p>
<ul>
<li>pass an online test based around your judgement skills</li>
<li>pass reading and writing and number tests</li>
<li>take part in role play scenario&rsquo;s to see if you have the right personal qualities for the job</li>
<li>pass fitness tests</li>
<li>pass a medical and eyesight test</li>
<li>be interviewed</li>
<li>pass enhanced background checks</li>
<li>be over 18 years of age</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">9. Truck Driver &pound;18,500 to &pound;35,000 </span></h3>
<p>To become a Truck Driver you will need to:</p>
<ul>
<li>have a driving licence that includes LGV (lorries) HGV (articulated lorries) <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6FE86845597E4B3CBA33C2B3B67A7ED3&amp;_z=z">find out more here</a></li>
<li>be over 18 years of age</li>
<li>have a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)</li>
<li>have good eyesight</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">10. Casino Croupier &pound;14,000 to &pound;25,000&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>To become a Croupier you will need to:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>be over 18 years of age</li>
<li>pass <a href="https://www.gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">background checks</a></li>
<li>hold a personal functional licence (PFL) from the <a href="http://https//www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/for-gambling-businesses/Do-I-need-a-licence/Personal-functional-licence.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gambling Commission.</a></li>
<li>pass a math test for mental arithmetic&nbsp;</li>
<li>pass a manual dexterity test</li>
</ul>
<p>You could apply to a casino company for a job as a Trainee Croupier, where you'll receive on-the-job training or you could sign up to croupier training course and qualify before you apply.</p>

Well paid night jobs

<p>Are you thinking of applying for Multi-drop Delivery Driver jobs?&nbsp;Putting your driving licence to good use and hitting the busy roads of cities and the quieter roads of towns and villages while you deliver goods to homes and businesses is an exciting career opportunity with lots of career potential.</p>
<p>Before you decide to apply for Multi-drop Delivery Driver jobs it is always a good idea to hear from the people already in the role and get a behind the scenes perspective. With this in mind, we interviewed Multi-drop Delivery Driver, Stephen.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How long have you been a Multi-drop Delivery Driver?</span></h3>
<p>I have been driving for around 25 years overall and with Blue Arrow I have been driving for 4 years.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What type of driving have you been doing more recently?</span></h3>
<p>I have a licence to carry dangerous goods (ADR Licence) so I have been putting that to use in Multi-drop Delivery Driver jobs, picking up clinical waste from hospitals, tattoo studios, beauty salons and dentists.</p>
<p>Right now, I am doing Delivery Driver jobs that include picking up water, waste and soil samples from different parts of the country such as Birmingham, Manchester and Hull and taking them back to Durham. It is still classed as Multi-Drop Delivery driving but there is more distance between stops.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What made you decide to become a Driver?</span></h3>
<p>I fancied a change from what I was doing before and thought it would be a good career choice with lots of options.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What is the best thing about being a Multi-drop Delivery Driver?</span></h3>
<p>Independence is the best part. Add to that seeing various places and meeting lots of people (in a safe way, at a safe distance). It&rsquo;s not monotonous you know; you are in and out of the van quite a bit so time goes by quite quickly.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What is the worst thing about being a Multi-drop Delivery Driver?</span></h3>
<p>Other drivers' behaviour and the actual roads themselves. It can be difficult to find parking space and there are so many things like road restrictions and speed cameras that can catch you out in a town or a city.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you cope with other drivers being careless or dangerous around you?</span></h3>
<p>When you are driving in the big cities you have to be so aware of people, drivers, restrictions and cameras can be mentally draining and it can test your patience. You just have to focus on what you are doing, stay alert and keep calm.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Spending so much time alone in a cab must be hard, how do you keep your mind occupied and care for your mental health?</span></h3>
<p>You are mainly concentrating on the road and on your surroundings. In the background I might have the radio on or maybe I am thinking forward to the next job or location so that occupies my mind. In this job you are meeting lots of people so even though you are on your own it is broken up with plenty of stops.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Do you have a favourite soundtrack, music or podcast, audiobook?</span></h3>
<p>I listen to Talk radio or 6 music, I don&rsquo;t really listen to audio books, but I have heard they are good.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you keep a healthy diet when you drive all day?</span></h3>
<p>I always pack a small lunch, just sandwiches, a snack and flask of tea.&nbsp;Lots of drivers pop into Greggs or McDonalds but it is not ideal for keeping a healthy diet, a packed lunch is usually enough for me.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you combat tiredness?</span></h3>
<p>I start my shift early, so I make sure I go to bed at 8.30pm. I need to be at the depot by 6am so I need time to get up and ready, drive to the depot, do van chores and paperwork all before hitting the road. My first pick up could be a couple of hours away so I want to be out on the road as quickly as possible.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You need a good routine when you are driving for a living. Even as a Multi-drop Delivery Driver, you might not be doing the long miles on a motorway but it is still tiring and in a delivery van you don&rsquo;t have a Tachograph telling you when to take a break so you can forget to stop regularly.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What skills do you think you have developed by being a Delivery Driver that you wouldn't have gained elsewhere?</span></h3>
<p>Patience! This is the job to learn patience, and you quickly find that communication skills are extremely important too.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What advice would you give to someone considering a Delivery Driver job?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>Make sure you are self-motivated, independence is great if you can motivate yourself. The job does have its ups and downs, you have good days and bad days, but part of the fun of the job is that you never know who you might meet, where you might go.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/">View our career guides</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs/">browse and apply for driving opportunities here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

What I have learnt from being a Multi-drop Delivery Driver

<p>You have found yourself working as a warehouse operative but you are not quite sure how you ended up here.</p>
<p>Chances are, you took a temporary role without much thought into where it could lead, perhaps you were simply motivated by the need for an income, after all, we all have bills to pay. But now you have settled into your shift pattern and you are earning a regular wage you have the chance to look at the opportunities you have to turn this job into a career.</p>
<p>What may be a temporary or entry-level position now can pay dividends in the future, this is your opportunity to scope out your working environment and the various roles that are around you, from operatives to forklift drivers, team leaders, stock controllers, administrators, managers and inspectors, this is one industry that really does have it all under one roof. <br><br>At first glance it may not look like you are in control of your future, after all, how are you supposed to see beyond your next shift when after an exhausting day all you want to do is fall into bed in a heap because you know that tomorrow brings more of the same. But the truth is, whether you intend to or not, you have landed yourself on a path that could lead to a long and rewarding career that brings a great salary and a heap of transferable skills. All it takes is a little bit of vision to see the career paths that are laid out before you.&nbsp;<br><br>Do you have what it takes to lead a team? Can you stay calm under pressure and draw out the best from your co-workers? If so, then perhaps your path is leading you to becoming a team leader, a shift supervisor and up to the top in warehouse management. <br><br>Perhaps you have a knack for all things organised, a place for everything and everything in its place is the motto. Can you see the strengths and weaknesses in a system and instinctively know how to make it better? If so, then maybe warehouse administration and stock control is where you should be setting your sights. <br><br>A little-known gem in the world of warehousing is that of quality checking. If you have high standards, a keen eye for detail and know the value behind ensuring only the very best products reach the customers then this could be the route for you. <br><br>Whichever route you choose our 4-step approach to career progression is the key to taking control and turning your warehouse job into a career.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">1. Stop</span></h3>
<p>You will have noticed already that staff levels in a warehouse turnover really quickly, people come and go, often after only a week or so in the position so it is no surprise that those who stick with it are highly prized members of the team. Experience is everything. How much time you have under your belt is your number one asset so stick with it.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">2. Listen</span></h3>
<p>Keep your ears open, make this business your business. What are the company plans? Are they hiring, are they expanding? Are they short of skilled staff? If so, they may be willing to put you through training to increase your skill level and fill the gap without needing to take on new staff members. Is this your chance to get your forklift license and enjoy a pay bump?</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">3. Speak</span></h3>
<p>Talk to your supervisors, make it clear that you are willing to learn, to train, to try new things. Be open about your ambitions and where you see your career leading you. They can only help you and make the most of you if they know what you are thinking so don&rsquo;t be shy.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">4. Act</span></h3>
<p>Work hard and strive to hit your targets. Being punctual and reliable goes a long way, management will always know who they can trust to get the job done and a reputation for hard work and reliability will stay with you throughout your career. <br>If training is offered, take it! Being multi skilled and cross trained makes you a valuable member of the team, you will have many opportunities for additional shifts. Knowledge and experience lead to opportunities for seniority. <br><br>By applying these 4 easy steps to success you place yourself on to a career track, you shift your thinking into one of productivity and momentum and you are well on your way to securing your warehouse career.</p>

4 Steps to Warehouse Career Success

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX3 SCXW221710530">
<p class="Paragraph SCXW221710530 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">We have the opportunity to interview Natalie, a Blue Arrow recruiter who specialises in placing candidates into jobs within the warehouse and logistics industry. We took the chance to get the inside scoop on temporary warehouse jobs.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW193699373 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCXW193699373 BCX3" style="color: #00b0f0;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193699373 BCX3" style="color: #00aae3;"> What are the most important </span><span class="TextRun SCXW193699373 BCX3" style="color: #00b0f0;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193699373 BCX3">skills or traits</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW193699373 BCX3" style="color: #00b0f0;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193699373 BCX3"> to have when you are working in a temporary warehouse job?</span>&nbsp;</span></span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW38877771 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">The most important traits that would benefit you in temporary warehouse work are, the ability to work under pressure and being able to work as an integral part of a team. Having the desire to strive to achieve targets and possessing strong communication skills are also important.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW161512063 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCXW161512063 BCX3" style="color: #00b0f0;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW161512063 BCX3">Do you ask candidates if they </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW161512063 BCX3" style="color: #00b0f0;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW161512063 BCX3">have</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW161512063 BCX3" style="color: #00b0f0;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW161512063 BCX3"> these when the</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW161512063 BCX3" style="color: #00b0f0;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW161512063 BCX3">y</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW161512063 BCX3" style="color: #00b0f0;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW161512063 BCX3"> apply for a role?&nbsp;</span></span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW186312920 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Yes, we always ask for some examples of where they may have put those in to practice perhaps in a past working role. While it is ideal to be able to link it to work, it doesn&rsquo;t always have to be work based experience that they use as an example; we display these skills in many aspects of life whether it be parenting, studying, caring or anything really, so they can draw from any personal experience to demonstrate how they have developed the skill instead if needed.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW186312920 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">If you had to pick one top skill or trait that is a real advantage what would it be?</span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW186312920 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">In the warehouse industry, the ability to work to targets is the best one to talk about, in some ways it can be the hardest skill to demonstrate with examples because it is quite an industry specific skill and if a candidate has been out of work for a while they may find it hard to think of an example, but targets are extremely important in this industry so it is worth talking about in some sort of context.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW186312920 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">It is important to understand that while these are all desirable skills, they are not set in stone and if you are unsure of how they apply to you don&rsquo;t let it discourage you from applying or coming to talk to us. Usually by spending time with a candidate we can assess how we perceive them and if we feel that they are confident or if they are good communicators, if they are outgoing or if they are determined to succeed. We are always working in the candidates interests to help secure a role, striving to find the positives and communicating our observations to the employer.</p>
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW186312920 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">How important is work experience over educations in the warehouse industry?</span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW96631770 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">It is actually really important, unlike an industry such as catering where your qualifications and education are needed for progressing, the warehouse industry is all about on the job experience. If a candidate can show that they have relevant work experience in a warehouse setting or even in a similar environment, then they do have a competitive edge over others applying for the role who maybe have never worked in a warehouse or in a manual role before.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW96631770 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">What can candidates do to increase their chances of securing a great temporary warehouse position?</span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW72456229 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Firstly, have a well-structured CV, it doesn&rsquo;t have to be the best CV in the world but having it structured clearly and in a logical order will really help. The other thing that people don&rsquo;t realise is that when you are applying through an agency like Blue Arrow it is always most effective if you call the branch after you have submitted your CV online.&nbsp; We get so many CV&rsquo;s and often we are trying to fill the placement asap. So, if you call us we can find your CV and often process it immediately for you so you get a boost above others who might not have the initiative to call.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW72456229 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">When you call us, remember that the minute we answer the phone you should be treating it like the 1st stage of an interview with the employer. We are assessing you the whole time and we feed our observations on to the employer when we put you forward for the role so be upbeat, happy and confident. Speak with a smile and have a professional attitude.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW72456229 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">What should a candidate consider before applying for a temporary warehouse job?</span></h3>
</div>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW138874162 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCXW138874162 BCX3" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW138874162 BCX3">C</span></span>onsider the skills that the employer is looking for, look for the essential skills that are listed first because if they are asking for a particular forklift license and you do not have it, it doesn&rsquo;t matter how good you are at other things, if you do not meet the essential criteria you will not be put forward for the position.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Remember to check the location of the job and make sure you can reliably get to work and back every day, think about transport options and travel time allowances.&nbsp;Lastly visualize, can you see yourself doing the job every day? Is it you?&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What should a candidate always try to communicate in an interview?</span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW98783957 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Without a doubt, passion and willingness to learn should be something you display in your interview. We are looking for candidates who really want to be there, who want to succeed and do the best job they can.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Have a great answer lined up when you are asked why you want this job. We want to know, why this job over any other so just saying &ldquo;I need the cash&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t what we are looking for.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Don&rsquo;t forget to let your interviewer know if you have any pre-booked commitments that may affect your work availability.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What is the secret to success in a temporary warehouse job?</span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW96816292 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCXW96816292 BCX3" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW96816292 BCX3">T</span></span>he key to success in temporary warehouse work is 100% effort in and you will get 100% back. We give out a handbook at the beginning of a placement and this tells you exactly how to succeed in your temporary role, if you follow the instructions and the procedures you can&rsquo;t go wrong.&nbsp;</p>
<p>After 12 weeks in the role you become eligible for a pay increase and even a permanent contract, if available, so it really is in your best interest to put in as much effort as possible right from the start.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">How can a candidate make the best impression at work?</span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW167086280 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Work hard and minimise your absences. Build relationships with your colleagues and your team leaders.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Think permanent, not temporary. If you go in there with a positive attitude of long term permanent work your behaviour will reflect this attitude and those responsible for hiring will see that you are dedicated and enthusiastic.&nbsp;</p>

INTERVIEW - The secret to getting a great temporary job

<p>Did you know that temporary employees and agency workers can claim tax relief on specific work-related expenses and mileage?</p>
<p>Some of the most confusing &lsquo;adulting&rsquo; type things to get your head around have to be taxes, rebates, expenses and returns. I am not sure if we are programmed to hate tax and everything to do with it or if it all just seems to be ultra-confusing and so we avoid the subject as much as possible.</p>
<p>Whatever the reason, unfortunately, because many of us don&rsquo;t understand the tax system or what we can reclaim, it means that many of us don&rsquo;t take advantage of the allowances that are in place and end up missing out on getting a bit of our tax back.</p>
<p>A common misconception is that anything to do with tax and tax relief is for the self-employed but in reality, anyone who pays tax can submit a claim. Don&rsquo;t worry, you don&rsquo;t need to be a tax expert to get to grips with it, you just need to know the basics so let&rsquo;s do some jargon busting first of all:</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Tax Year</span></h3>
<p>A tax year runs from 6<sup>th</sup> April one year to 5<sup>th</sup> April the next.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Tax Rebate</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">This is money paid back to you by HMRC when you have overpaid tax.</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Tax Relief</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">Means that you pay less tax to take in to account any money you spend while at work, like mileage or travel expenses.&nbsp; </span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Income Tax </span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">Each month you incur Income Tax on your wages through PAYE, this is shown on your payslip and is calculated only on the money you earn. </span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Work Related Expenses</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Throughout the year you might have to spend money on things that are related to your work, these are known as work-related expenses. </span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">P87</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">The tax relief claim form that you fill out to reclaim any work-related expenses that your employer doesn&rsquo;t pay you back for.</span></p>
<p>It is unlikely you will ever need to know very much about taxation outside of these things so if you take the time to learn anything, make sure it is these.</p>
<p>What we are looking at specifically in this article is <span style="color: #00b0f0;">Tax Relief</span>, generally meaning you could pay less tax if you incur work-related expenses.</p>
<p>Because your tax relief from work-related expenses is usually worked out at the end of the year but you pay tax each month ahead of time, a <span style="color: #00b0f0;">Tax Rebate </span>is issued to you.</p>
<h3><strong>Tax relief only applies if you actually pay tax on your wages. If you don&rsquo;t earn enough to pay tax you cannot claim tax relief</strong></h3>
<h2><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Work-related expenses </span></h2>
<p><span style="color: black;">As mentioned above, throughout the year you might have to spend money on things that are related to your work. HMRC are pretty strict about what is and is not a work-related expense. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The full list of allowable expenses for Tax Relief can be found here</a>.</span></p>
<p>We will only look at the most common ones that temporary and agency workers tend to incur for the purpose of this article, as at the time of writing (July 2019).</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Uniforms &amp; Work Clothing</strong>
<ul>
<li>The cost of cleaning, repairing or replacing specialist clothing (for example, a uniform or safety boots)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Travel and Overnight Expenses</strong>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm; list-style-type: circle;">
<li>public transport costs</li>
<li style="color: #0b0c0c; background: white; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;">hotel accommodation if you have to stay overnight</li>
<li style="color: #0b0c0c; background: white; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;">food and drink</li>
<li style="color: #0b0c0c; background: white; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;">congestion charges and tolls</li>
<li style="color: #0b0c0c; background: white; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;">parking fees</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vehicles you use for work</strong>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b0c0c;">If you use your own vehicle for work, you may be able to claim tax relief on the approved mileage rate of &pound;0.45 pence per mile. This covers the cost of owning and running your vehicle. You cannot claim separately for things like fuel, electricity, road tax, MOT&rsquo;s or repairs</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Travel and mileage expenses</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: black;">In your normal working day, you will first have to find a way to get to work from home. Whether that is by bus, train, car or space ship, you cannot claim these costs back. This is known as commuting and is not allowable.</span></p>
<h3><strong>You cannot claim travel or mileage allowance for travelling to or from work.</strong></h3>
<p>Sometimes however you may need to travel around during the course of your working day, for example, if you need to go out to buy some more coffee for the staff room, the costs or mileage that you incur to get to the shop and back again could be allowable.</p>
<p>Another scenario might be if you do more than one temp job for the same agency in the same day. For example, if you are a Waiter and you do the breakfast shift in one kitchen then travel across town to do the lunch-time shift in another, your day might look something like this:</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Journey 1:</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">Leave home and travel to work &ndash; this is a commute and is not allowable for reclaim</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Journey 2:</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">Leave workplace 1 and travel to workplace 2 &ndash; this mileage or travel cost is allowable for reclaim</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Journey 3: </span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">Leave work place 2 and travel home &ndash; this is a commute and is not allowable for reclaim</span></p>
<p>It doesn&rsquo;t matter how many work places you travel to in the course of the day <strong>providing it is for the same agency</strong>, you can reclaim the travel costs, or the mileage used to get to each of them providing the journey doesn&rsquo;t start or end at home.</p>
<p>Important: You need to keep records of your expenses. You will need to write down travel dates, locations, mileage logs and keep any receipts. You will need these to work out your claim, but you must also be able to present them should HMRC ask for you to back up your claim.</p>
<h3><strong>Remember: Tax relief only applies if you actually pay tax on your wages.</strong></h3>
<h2><span style="color: #00b0f0;">How to claim?</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: black;">It&rsquo;s all well and good knowing that you can get a bit of cash back but now what do you do with that knowledge?</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: black;">You need to set-up a personal tax account online with HMRC &ndash; it is pretty straightforward just <a href="https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">click here </a></span><span style="color: black;">hit &lsquo;Start now&rsquo; and work through the steps.</span></li>
<li>Once you have your login details for your tax account you can <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-income-tax-relief-for-your-employment-expenses-p87#claim-online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">submit a P87 claim form online</a>.The form is easy to follow and the areas to fill-in are clearly defined so you should be ok but there are lots of help sections if you get stuck. <strong>Tip: You will need a few details from your payslip so be sure to have it to hand.</strong></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Sit back and wait for your tax rebate to arrive while pondering what to spend it on.</span></li>
</ol>
<p>HMRC is your best source of advice for all things tax-related so if you are unsure if you can claim or what you can claim for, click on over to <a href="https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/claim-tax-relief-expenses/who-claiming-for" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">gov.uk</a> and use their handy checker service to see how tax relief applies to your personal circumstances.</p>

Temporary workers claim tax relief on expenses

<p>It&rsquo;s 11.30pm, you are just knocking off for the night&hellip; not so bad, the last two nights it&rsquo;s been past midnight. And tomorrow morning you will be back at 9 to do it all again. Is this what you envisioned when you started out in your Chef career? Being a Chef is what you do, not who you are. You need to have a work-life balance.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Working in the catering industry is extremely demanding and it is notorious for long, unsociable&nbsp; hours. Part of the reason is the nature of the business &ndash; people like to eat out for dinner at dinner time, so of course in a restaurant work environment you have to expect to work late into the evening. However, when it is day in, day out it can start to take its toll.</p>
<p>When you start out in your Chef career, the thrill of working in a busy kitchen propels you through your shift. You want to put in the time and effort to learn and work your way up the kitchen brigade. So the pressure and the long shifts may all seem worth it for a while, but if you try to keep it up you will likely burn out long before you achieve the level you aspire to.</p>
<p>Being a successful Chef should not mean you have to work 80 hours a week. The key is to find a healthy work-life balance so that you can get the most out of your catering career while also enjoying time away from the kitchen. This becomes even more apparent as you get older, settle down and your home life and priorities change. Your Chef career is no longer the only thing that is important. You need to find that balance between work and life so that you can earn a living and enjoy your job but also be able to relax and spend time with your family.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">&nbsp;What does work-life balance mean to you? </span></h3>
<p>Depending on your own individual circumstances, and the stage of life you are at, the meaning of a work-life balance can vary. We put the question to our Blue Arrow catering community and received a range of responses</p>
<p><em>:&ldquo;A working week with structured hours, straight shifts and a maximum of 40 hours work per week.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p><em>&ldquo;Being able to have a life outside of work and plan social activities in advance.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p><em>&ldquo;Working part-time around the kids schooling and my husband&rsquo;s shift, so we can both work and enjoy time all together.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p><em>&ldquo;Quality time with friends and family.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p><em>&ldquo;Good money and less work.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p><em>&ldquo;Having enough time away from work to relax and socialise, maintain friendship and family relationships whilst earning enough money.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p><em>&ldquo;Combining work and study.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p>Overall the feeling is that a work-life balance means being happy in what you are doing and not letting work take over so that you can enjoy a good quality of life with friends and family.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Is it possible to have a work-life balance if you want a catering career? </span></h3>
<p>It is becoming increasingly clear that many Chefs cannot keep up with the fast pace and constant pressure of working in a busy kitchen and the long hours they are expected to work. According to a 2019 report from the Centre for London1, industry experts estimate that 10% of workers are leaving the Chef profession each year in the UK. This results in a vicious cycle; loss of staff means shifts need to be covered, so Chefs become overworked, more stressed, less productive and are left no longer enjoying the job.</p>
<p>Despite this statistic, a work-life balance is possible in the catering industry and interestingly, we found that among our Blue Arrow community, more were satisfied with their work-life status than not. This is perhaps an indication that working for an agency enables Chefs to have some control over their hours and when and where they work</p>
<p>.It has become a common theme that with the desire for a work-life balance, Chefs are moving away from the traditional realm of restaurants, pubs and hotels, instead preferring to work in institutions such as <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering/school-chef-jobs" target="_self">schools and colleges</a>, <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering/hospital-chef-jobs" target="_self">hospitals</a> and <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering/care-home-chef-jobs" target="_self">care homes</a>&nbsp; or in staff canteens where they can have structured hours, evenings off and weekends free.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;"> How could the work-life balance be improved in the hospitality and catering industry? </span></h3>
<p>At the end of the day, it is down to individual employers to change working conditions to give Chefs the opportunity for a better work-life balance. More establishments are now offering a system of shifts with 4 days on, 3 days off, and a rota for weekend work. The 4 days may be 12 hour shifts, but following that with a 3 day break means you have quality time away from the job. This is the ideal compromise if you still want a <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering/restaurant-chef-jobs)" target="_self">Chef job in a restaurant environment</a>&nbsp; while achieving a better work-life mix.</p>
<p><strong>Top Tips for Chefs to achieve a better work-life balance.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Work as a <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?job-type=Temporary&amp;keywords=chef&amp;sector=Hospitality++Catering" target="_self">temporary agency Chef</a>.&nbsp; You can find short term assignments with hours that suit you, enabling you to have more control over the jobs you do.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Find a position as a <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=relief+chef" target="_self">Relief Chef</a>. Work is varied and flexible and you can be in charge of your own hours.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Find out more about the <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering/working-environments-for-hospitality-and-catering" target="_self">different working environments</a> for hospitality and catering. It may be that a Chef job in a school, hospital or care home, where hours are more sociable and shifts are fixed, would be a better fit for you to achieve the work-life balance you need.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Use your holiday entitlement &ndash; Don&rsquo;t keep going till you burn out. Take a well-earned break, you need your time off.</li>
</ul>
<p>And our final tip? Read Caree&rsquo;s blog post for some more general advice on <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/8-steps-to-achieving-worklife-balance" target="_self">achieving a work-life balance</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><sup>1</sup>Bosetti, N. &amp; Washington-Ihieme, M. (2019) Kitchen Talent: Training and retaining the chefs of the future. Available at <a href="https://www.centreforlondon.org/reader/kitchen-talent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Centre for London</a>. [Accessed March 2020]</p>

Worklife balance in catering

<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span class="normaltextrun1">Have you ever looked at your life </span><span style="background-color: inherit;" data-contrast="auto">one day and been happy with what you see, just to look again another day and be ever so slightly disappointed?&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">It is weird isn&rsquo;t it, we are happy with what we have achieved until we see what someone else has done and decide that their achievement is far better.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">In my early career </span><span data-contrast="auto">I always thought that I was just bad at sticking to </span><span data-contrast="auto">an organised</span><span data-contrast="auto">, productive </span><span data-contrast="auto">regime</span><span data-contrast="auto">.</span> <span data-contrast="auto">I used to look at so many productivity tips, tricks, hacks and gasp&hellip; tools! Who doesn&rsquo;t love a new productivity tool</span><span data-contrast="auto">?</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">I would see all of these people who just seemed to have everything in order, </span><span data-contrast="auto">they were the ultimate productivity idols.</span> <span data-contrast="auto">On the face of it, I seem</span><span data-contrast="auto">ed</span><span data-contrast="auto"> pretty productive and organised to some people but compared to these guys, I was an amateur.</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">I spent a heap of time trying to implement their methods, </span><span data-contrast="auto">(</span><span data-contrast="auto">shoehorn them into my life</span><span data-contrast="auto">) </span><span data-contrast="auto">but no matter what I tried, nothing stuck</span><span data-contrast="auto">, they always seemed to do it better, easier, faster than me</span><span data-contrast="auto">.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">In the end </span><span data-contrast="auto">I gave up trying and found myself spiralling in to a chaotic working method that had no structure at all. I was running between half-finished tasks and being nothing more than a very busy, very tired </span></span><span class="spellingerror" data-contrast="auto">Caree</span><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">. I spent more time trying to remember what I had to do th</span><span data-contrast="auto">a</span><span data-contrast="auto">n making any real progress in my career</span><span data-contrast="auto">. I hated every moment of it but the thought of implementing someone else&rsquo;s methodology just to fail at it again was just too much.</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">It took me ages to realise that i</span><span data-contrast="auto">f I always compare myself to </span><span data-contrast="auto">the impossible standard of someone who only has to look productive for one You Tube video, I am never going to find what really works for me in practice</span><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-contrast="auto">This doesn&rsquo;t let me off the hook for generally being compulsive and a little obsessive, some</span> <span data-contrast="auto">things will never change but it </span><span data-contrast="auto">d</span><span data-contrast="auto">id</span><span data-contrast="auto"> make me consider a different</span><span data-contrast="auto"> perspective.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">I did a little wider reading into comparative thinking and I was disheartened to read so many accounts of people who fe</span><span data-contrast="auto">lt</span><span data-contrast="auto"> that they </span><span data-contrast="auto">we</span><span data-contrast="auto">re failing in their career. So many times, I read that someone else </span><span data-contrast="auto">wa</span><span data-contrast="auto">s doing it better or that compared to other people their age they should </span><span data-contrast="auto">have </span><span data-contrast="auto">be</span><span data-contrast="auto">en</span><span data-contrast="auto"> further up the ladder.</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">If there is one thing I have </span><span data-contrast="auto">learned</span><span data-contrast="auto">, it</span> <span data-contrast="auto">is that it doesn&rsquo;t matter </span><span data-contrast="auto">whether you are </span><span data-contrast="auto">comparing</span> <span data-contrast="auto">b</span><span data-contrast="auto">etter or worse</span><span data-contrast="auto">, success or failure</span><span data-contrast="auto">. I</span><span data-contrast="auto">t all </span><span data-contrast="auto">depends on where you set the bar</span><span data-contrast="auto"> and who you are comparing yourself to</span><span data-contrast="auto"> that makes the difference</span><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-contrast="auto">For example, b</span><span data-contrast="auto">eing President of Mexico is impressive stuff, I mean, wow you have really made it</span><span data-contrast="auto"> if that is your job title</span><span data-contrast="auto"> right</span><span data-contrast="auto">. Unless </span><span data-contrast="auto">of course </span><span data-contrast="auto">you compar</span><span data-contrast="auto">e</span><span data-contrast="auto"> yourself to being President of the United State</span><span data-contrast="auto">s</span><span data-contrast="auto">, then </span><span data-contrast="auto">all of a sudden </span><span data-contrast="auto">it </span><span data-contrast="auto">starts to </span><span data-contrast="auto">appear </span><span data-contrast="auto">a little </span><span data-contrast="auto">less epic.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">No</span><span data-contrast="auto"> matter what we achieve we could always find someone who is doing a better job or who has achieved more than us</span><span data-contrast="auto">. If we compare ourselves too much, we </span><span data-contrast="auto">become so hung</span><span data-contrast="auto">-</span><span data-contrast="auto">up on how </span><span data-contrast="auto">the</span><span data-contrast="auto">y</span><span data-contrast="auto"> achieved their </span><span data-contrast="auto">success that we try to emulate what they did and how they did it</span><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-contrast="auto">What </span><span data-contrast="auto">worked for that person may not work for you but by the time you have found that out you </span><span data-contrast="auto">may </span><span data-contrast="auto">have already set aside your</span><span data-contrast="auto"> own authenticity and </span><span data-contrast="auto">sense of </span><span data-contrast="auto">direction</span><span data-contrast="auto"> in favour of their methods</span><span data-contrast="auto">.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">John Coltrane</span><span data-contrast="auto">, an American Jazz Saxophonist and Composer </span><span data-contrast="auto">quite famously fell into a similar trap. </span><span data-contrast="auto">A young Coltrane</span><span data-contrast="auto"> idolised Saxophonist Charlie Parker, he knew that Parker had been an intense student of all things music and figured that had to be the key to his success.</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">Coltrane set out to do the same thing. He would master all types of music and instruments, studying the theory and methodology behind them until he had an unbelievable repertoire of skills and knowledge. It wasn&rsquo;t long before Coltrane was playing in various bands</span><span data-contrast="auto">, slowly developing his own unique sense of rhythm and musicality.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">I</span><span data-contrast="auto">nterestingly </span><span data-contrast="auto">however, </span><span data-contrast="auto">w</span><span data-contrast="auto">hen it came time to perform solo&rsquo;s</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="auto"> Coltrane </span><span data-contrast="auto">imitated other musicians instead of playing in his own way.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">All the time he was mimicking </span><span data-contrast="auto">other artists</span><span data-contrast="auto"> his career could only go so far, he was always &lsquo;just like&rsquo; someone else and never </span><span data-contrast="auto">fully</span><span data-contrast="auto"> himself</span><span data-contrast="auto"> and the audience could tell</span><span data-contrast="auto">. It wasn&rsquo;t until Miles Davies encouraged Coltrane to </span><span data-contrast="auto">embrace his </span><span data-contrast="auto">own unique abilities that his authenticity began to shine </span><span data-contrast="auto">through,</span><span data-contrast="auto"> and his career </span><span data-contrast="auto">really </span><span data-contrast="auto">took o</span><span data-contrast="auto">f</span><span data-contrast="auto">f</span><span data-contrast="auto"> with his own quartet</span><span data-contrast="auto">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">This story is a great example of comparisons that help and comparisons that hinder. When he was just starting ou</span><span data-contrast="auto">t</span><span data-contrast="auto"> Coltrane compared himself to Parker and found that the key to success is knowledge, this was a good call and a healthy comparison used to deduce what Coltrane could do to improve his chances of success.</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">But w</span><span data-contrast="auto">hen Coltrane was </span><span data-contrast="auto">imitat</span><span data-contrast="auto">ing</span><span data-contrast="auto"> others</span><span data-contrast="auto"> because </span><span data-contrast="auto">he felt </span><span data-contrast="auto">his own way of playing was so very different upon comparison</span><span data-contrast="auto">, he </span><span data-contrast="auto">just </span><span data-contrast="auto">stifled his own career and potential for success</span><span data-contrast="auto">.</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">Things to remember when you are comparing yourself to others</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span class="normaltextrun1">T</span><span data-contrast="auto">here are healthy critical comparisons and unhealthy </span><span data-contrast="auto">self-esteem draining </span><span data-contrast="auto">comparisons.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;</span>There will always be someone who can make you feel like you are failing if you look hard enough.</li>
<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;">Seeking direction, learning from someone else&rsquo;s journey, absorbing tips, tricks and advice is not the same as making a better or worse comparison<span data-contrast="auto">.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;</span>When you are inspired by someone&rsquo;s methods,<span data-contrast="auto"> draw out the parts you can use and discard the parts that don&rsquo;t work</span><span data-contrast="auto"> for your own circumstances</span><span data-contrast="auto">.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left: 18pt;">You can u<span data-contrast="auto">s</span><span data-contrast="auto">e</span><span data-contrast="auto"> critical comparative thinking to work out how your behaviours and successes stack</span><span data-contrast="auto">-</span><span data-contrast="auto">up against others</span><span data-contrast="auto"> to get a bench mark,</span> <span data-contrast="auto">but it is important</span><span data-contrast="auto"> to know the difference between a comparison that helps you </span><span data-contrast="auto">develop</span><span data-contrast="auto"> and a comparison that leaves you feeling</span> <span data-contrast="auto">inadequate</span><span data-contrast="auto"> and unmotivated</span><span data-contrast="auto">.</span></li>
</ul>

How to make comparisons that don't leave you feeling inadequate?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">When organisations such as government departments, local authorities, health authorities and educational institutions in the public sector enter contracts with suitable suppliers to provide goods, work, and services, it is known as public procurement. The UK spends some &pound;290 billion on public procurement every year. This huge amount of government spending must be leveraged to play its part in the UK&rsquo;s economic recovery, opening public contracts to more small businesses and social enterprises to innovate in public service delivery and meet the net-zero carbon target by 2050.<a style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title="" href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">[1]</span></span></span></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">With over 350 procurement regulations in force in the UK, procurement is a complicated process. The Procurement Bill, released in 2022 <span style="color: red;">[LINK https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3159] </span>aims to simplify things, reforming how public authorities purchase goods, services and public works across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Some of the key areas it seeks to reform include the general procurement principles, procedures and exemptions, the rules regarding debarment and exclusion and the modification of contracts. If successful, the new Bill could open opportunities for a range of businesses to bid for contracts that could otherwise have been beyond their grasp.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Under the modernised procurement structure, procurement regulations will be managed within a single centralised platform with an increased focus on transparency, integrity, value for money and public benefit. Bringing the system in line with UK Government 2020 Green Paper &ldquo;Transforming Public Procurement&rdquo; scoped to provide equity of access to public services, health, education and employment to all community members.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">How will the new Procurement bill impact employers and their recruitment partners?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Changes to public procurement will make it easier for new entrants of all sizes, especially those delivering against social value commitments, to enter public sector supply chains. This reform will create increased opportunities for innovation, employment and development; however, the scope of the Bill has the potential to go much further.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">The increased focus on transparency, integrity, value for money and public benefit will put increased pressure on public sector organisations and their suppliers to justify the social value of where taxpayer money is being spent. This should positively impact procurement decisions, pushing a greater commitment towards those suppliers delivering against social value commitments.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">New safeguards within the procurement process</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Contracting authorities are obligated to communicate decisions concerning the award of a contract by way of de-brief. The de-brief must include the criteria and the reasons for the decision, including the characteristics and relative advantages of the successful tender. This aims to provide overall transparency, allowing suppliers to determine the fairness of a decision and help them improve future tenders.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">To ensure continued supply quality, the new procurement process will require contracting authorities to set at least three key performance indicators (KPIs) for contracts over a specific value. It still needs to be determined what the KPIs are required to cover, but it is likely that they will be in line with the initially defined procurement objectives. These KPIs must be assessed annually for the duration of the contract to ensure the supplier continues to meet the agreed requirements. If a supplier fails to meet expectations and has been given the appropriate opportunity to improve performance, the contracting authority can exclude them from future procurement processes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">While the new Bill will make tendering for public contracts easier, the decision to tender shouldn&rsquo;t be taken lightly. Negative contract performance due to overreaching or failure to understand the requirements can have far-reaching ramifications. It will be crucial for suppliers to ensure they have closely reviewed the scope of supply, the procurement objectives and how performance will be measured while also ensuring that they have a clear and sustainable way of monitoring the KPIs and information requirements.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">The Bill is passing through Parliament and is expected to come into force in October 2024.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">If you work in a procurement team for a public sector employer, you may like to read Blue Arrow&rsquo;s series of 3 papers which help you navigate the procurement of staffing and workforce solutions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/recruitment-solutions/industry-insights/which-recruitment-service-is-right-for-your-business/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Which recruitment service is right for your business?</span></a></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/recruitment-solutions/industry-insights/how-to-select-your-recruitment-service-partner/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">How to select your recruitment service provider?</span></a></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/recruitment-solutions/industry-insights/how-to-manage-your-recruitment-partnership/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">How to manage your recruitment partnership?</span></a></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><br clear="all"><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%">
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title="" href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> <em>Green Paper: Transforming public procurement. www.gov.uk/government/consultations/green-paper-transforming-public-procurement.</em></span></p>
</div>
</div>

Procurement Bill 2023

<p>Everyone in the UK will know the Co-op. Whether it&rsquo;s your local convenience store where you can pop for a pint of milk and a loaf of bread or a larger mid-sized store for your weekly shop, a Co-op can be found in most towns across the country. With such wide-spread reach and as the UK&rsquo;s fifth biggest food retailer, warehouse jobs with Co-op are a good choice for pursuing warehouse careers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Co-op has been a part of British culture for over 175 years, developing over the decades into a nationwide network of distribution centres and local stores. Co-op is a different kind of business owned by its millions of members, who are ordinary UK consumers just like you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Co-op has also been something of a pioneer in many global causes such as Fairtrade, the outlaw of animal testing on household products and they were one of the first to ban the use of common pesticides on fresh produce.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read our Featured Employer page to <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=9448104BE6B24BCBBC64B3682B467CDF&amp;_z=z">learn more about the Co-op culture</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why is Co-op a good choice for warehouse careers?</h2>
<p>The recent COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in demand for warehouse space and warehouse staff to keep up the supply of essential food and home products to stores across the UK. The <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=2C7C99A32F594DEAAA00CD741404D329&amp;_z=z">availability of warehouse jobs</a>&nbsp;is expected to continue increasing, especially for those with experience in Warehouse Operative jobs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Committed to a good work ethic, Co-op is an ideal place to begin in warehouse work. There is often a community feel among Co-op employees and many people who start out in temporary warehouse jobs move into permanent roles to continue in their warehouse careers. Being community orientated, Co-op continues with this same principle for their employees. They have a diverse and inclusive work environment, employing people of all ages and from all backgrounds. The result is a mix of people encompassing a range of skills and abilities representative of the local communities they work and live in.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The working conditions at Co-op mean flexible shifts that can work around your other commitments and the competitive pay rates and other benefits make Co-op an enticing choice for many.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Co-op, warehouse staff have opportunities to learn and grow. While some experience in Warehouse Operative jobs may be preferred, if you lack specific skills, such as using necessary equipment like a LLOP (Low Level Order Picker), you will receive full training so you are fully prepared for the role.</p>
<p>Find out more about whether Co-op might be a good fit for you and, likewise, if you are a good fit for Co-op <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F88C45A86B6A43988DF853770E9B92A7&amp;_z=z">by reading our working with Co-op page</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What do warehouse jobs at Co-op involve?</span></h3>
<p>For any food retailer, warehouses are an extremely important part of the supply chain to ensure the distribution of products to the stores across the country. Even if you are new to working in this environment, Warehouse Operative jobs can utilise skills you have acquired from other work settings. If you are self-motivated and a good team player, well organised and willing to learn, then a warehouse job could be a good fit for you.</p>
<p>Working in a warehouse will require a degree of physical labour so you will need to be fit to work in a fast-paced environment where some stacking, lifting and packing is all part of the job.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Co-op you also get to use some of the most recent innovations in technology. Headsets are used by Warehouse Operatives to receive their instructions and update their daily tasks through voice recognition software. This helps increase productivity, still requiring humans to do the job, but keeping their hands free to pick, pack and meet their targets.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more details on what Warehouse Operative jobs involve at Co-op, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=55B4BC63988B48BA951D65E01D0CD3D0&amp;_z=z">read our warehouse job description</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Safety &amp; wellbeing for warehouse jobs at Co-op</span></h3>
<p>Over the past few months we have all had to make changes in our day-to-day lives to comply with government advice regarding COVID-19. The pandemic has also been responsible for increased health and safety measures in the warehouse work environment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Co-op many new measures have been put in place to meet requirements and to ensure their warehouses are as safe as possible for their employees. This includes things such as one-way systems, use of screens and extra provision of hand sanitiser. Our blog <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3F1931EC31A44AE386BEBA6DA1706277&amp;_z=z">What does the new normal look like for warehouse jobs?</a>&nbsp;includes more about how working practices have changed at the Newhouse Co-op depot.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Locations for warehouse jobs with Co-op</span></h3>
<p>Blue Arrow has placed many candidates seeking warehouse careers in temporary roles with Co-op. Each year there is an increased availability of warehouse jobs during the peak volume periods of summer and Christmas, but there are also other times of the year when more staff are needed. This was seen during the COVID-19 lockdown when temporary warehouse jobs became available to cover permanent staff unable to work due to either illness, self-isolating or shielding.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Warehouse Operative jobs with Co-op will be in one of their 12 distribution centres. These are spread out across the UK and act as hubs for the storing and distribution of products to their more than 2,600 stores. There is a Co-op depot as far south as Plymouth and as far north as Inverness, as well as one in Northern Ireland.</p>
<p><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F6F02034EAD14C2CBA1EC8AC4C672411&amp;_z=z">Our Co-op locations</a>&nbsp;page gives more information about the various depots or you can look at the list below to find a Co-op distribution centre near you:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0ADA5C3BA9EF49A891B733CC2AAF375C&amp;_z=z">Andover</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=B6F306720B494E4999E9F932D68CB05D&amp;_z=z">Avonmouth</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F0D5C8EADF1241389FFD9EF1A8BC4847&amp;_z=z">Birtley</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=141FE5DA9F7C490D8FF0954AC1710B2E&amp;_z=z">Cardinal</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3B49253B01654EA0998D43D502EAEF2D&amp;_z=z">Carrickfergus</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=54ADA7DB09B74BBDB50F694835CEAD2C&amp;_z=z">Castlewood</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=4063AB9E8ECE4E629B00CD04F5E03D09&amp;_z=z">Coventry</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6111F9118E6F4ABD82ED24228C25179E&amp;_z=z">Dalcross</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3FD377122C5A4DB194BDA8CF4C2E4CF7&amp;_z=z">Lea Green</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=73F51F66856947D289B899B7770BFDF4&amp;_z=z">Newhouse</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=931B88C3027B4397A02B1ADE4CA9B8EE&amp;_z=z">Plymouth</a></li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=1DB900B546BB423988551CA9D2311768&amp;_z=z">Thurrock</a></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Warehouse careers with Co-op</span></h3>
<p>Over the years Blue Arrow has worked hard to successfully place temporary staff into roles within Co-op&rsquo;s 11 regional distribution centres and its national distribution centre and we often have opportunities for temporary Warehouse Operative jobs at Co-op. Although starting out as a temporary position, if you put in the work and commitment, these roles can often turn into long-term warehouse jobs. In some cases there is the possibility of a permanent role, so starting out in Co-op is ideal for anyone looking to advance in warehouse careers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visit our Working with Co-op page for <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/featured-employers/working-with-co-op#Co-op">the latest Co-op jobs</a>.</p>
<p>If working at Co-op sounds like a job you would enjoy, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=131A7068C62F4E9B9C75FE02DA1D18B5&amp;_z=z">this testimonial</a> from one of our candidates is a great read to find out what working as a Warehouse Operative is really like.&nbsp;</p>

Co-op Jobs near me

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<p class="Paragraph SCXW16955923 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Getting some insight from a different perspective, from someone who knows what it is like on both sides of the interview table is invaluable and rare.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW16955923 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">It is not often that we get to know exactly what an employer is looking for and what really makes or breaks an interview, most of the time we are applying for a role with little direction on what it is we should be shouting about.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW16955923 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">We had the opportunity to change all of that, we interviewed Natalie, a Blue Arrow recruiter who specialises in placing candidates into jobs within the warehouse and logistics industry. During this interview we wanted to open up the secret world of recruitment and find out what recruiters are looking for in a warehouse candidate, what you can do to improve your chances of landing a job, and what you should be thinking about when considering a job as a warehouse worker.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW16955923 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">You can read the full interview with Natalie <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/the-secret-to-getting-a-great-temporary-job" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>&nbsp; and really take advantage of her insights and advice, but if you are busy running here and there, making every moment count don&rsquo;t worry here are Natalie&rsquo;s top 10 tips for improving your chances of landing a warehouse job and succeeding in the position.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span class="normaltextrun1" style="color: #00b0f0;">1. Make a call</span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW16955923 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;"> <span class="normaltextrun1">Always call to follow up after you have submitted your CV online<span data-contrast="none">. </span><span data-contrast="auto">With </span><span data-contrast="auto">so many CV&rsquo;</span><span data-contrast="auto"> submitted for each job</span><span data-contrast="auto"> and </span><span data-contrast="auto">time being of the essence, calling the branch to follow up after you have submitted your CV online draws our attention to your CV </span><span data-contrast="auto">immediately </span><span data-contrast="auto">giving you</span><span data-contrast="auto"> a boost above other</span><span data-contrast="auto"> candidates</span><span data-contrast="auto"> who might not have the initiative to call.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<h3><span class="normaltextrun1" style="color: #00b0f0;">2. Put your best foot forward</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">We are looking for candidates who really want to be there, who want to succeed and do the best job they can</span><span data-contrast="auto"> so h</span><span data-contrast="auto">ave a great answer lined up when you are asked why you want this job. We want to know, why </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">this</span><span data-contrast="auto"> job over any other</span><span data-contrast="auto">.</span></span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">3. Be selective and realistic</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">Check the </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">essential</span><span data-contrast="auto"> skills listed in the job advert and make sure you have everything that is listed. If you need a license, do you have it? If not, don&rsquo;t waste your time applying there will be another more suitable position for you, perhaps call the branch if you are unsure.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<h3><span class="normaltextrun1" style="color: #00b0f0;">4. Plan ahead</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">Remember to check the location of the job</span><span data-contrast="auto"> before you apply</span><span data-contrast="auto"> and make sure you can reliably get to work and back every day, think about transport options and travel time allowances.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<h3><span class="normaltextrun1" style="color: #00b0f0;">5. Visualise</span></h3>
<p><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">Take the time to think about the position you are applying for, can you see yourself doing this job every day? Is there anything that makes you unsure about your ability to do the job effectively?&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span class="normaltextrun1" style="color: #00b0f0;">6. Start as you mean to go on</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">Treat your discussions with the agency as the first stage of the interview process. B</span><span data-contrast="auto">e upbeat, happy and confident. Speak with a smile and have a professional attitude</span><span data-contrast="auto">.</span></span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">7. Think of a practical application where you have put the desired skills into practice.</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">While it is ideal to be able to link </span><span data-contrast="auto">skills</span><span data-contrast="auto"> to </span><span data-contrast="auto">your </span><span data-contrast="auto">work</span><span data-contrast="auto"> history</span><span data-contrast="auto">, </span><span data-contrast="auto">don&rsquo;t worry if you can&rsquo;t</span><span data-contrast="auto">. We display these skills in many aspects of life whether it be parenting, studying, caring so draw for any personal experience you can to demonstrate how you have developed the skills instead if needed.</span></span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">8. The most important skill you can have is the ability to work to targets</span></h3>
<p><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">Working to targets is extremely important in this industry so it is worth talking about in some sort of context on your CV and during your interview.</span></p>
<h3><span class="normaltextrun1" style="color: #00b0f0;">9. You get out what you put in.</span></h3>
<p><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">The key to success in temporary warehouse work is 100% effort in and you will get 100% back.</span></p>
<h3><span class="normaltextrun1" style="color: #00b0f0;">10. Think permanent not temporary!</span></h3>
<p><span class="normaltextrun1">If you go into a job with a positive attitude of </span><span class="contextualspellingandgrammarerror" data-contrast="auto">long-term</span><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto"> permanent work your behaviour will reflect this and those responsible for hiring will see that you are dedicated and enthusiastic making you an ideal candidate for a permanent position.</span></p>
<p class="paragraph"><span class="normaltextrun1" style="background-color: inherit;" data-contrast="auto">If you think you have what it takes to be a warehouse worker or you know someone who is looking for a job and would make an excellent candidate, the link you need to view all of our current opportunities is right <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehouse-jobs" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</span></p>
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10 secret recruiter tips for getting a temporary warehouse job

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<p>Writing a CV can be stressful, where should you start? How much information should you include? How should it be structured?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Although a CV should be tailored for the job your applying for, our top tips below, outline some basic rules that everyone should follow when writing their CV.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>1. Get someone to read over your CV</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Before sending your CV to a potential employer have someone sense-check your CV. If you know someone who works in a similar role or company to the job you&rsquo;re applying for they may make useful critics. But don&rsquo;t worry if not. Someone who has good English reading and writing skills would be great to check for any small mistakes.</p>
<p>A&nbsp;second pair of eyes is important to ensure you present yourself in the best light from the start. You may have spent a long time searching for the right job and crafting your CV, it would be a shame for something like a spelling or grammar mistake to stop you getting an interview.</p>
<h3><strong>2. Tailor your CV to the role</strong></h3>
<p>If you are applying to different types of jobs, you will need to tailor your CV for each one. Start with your basic CV, then save a copy that is for one group of similar jobs, eg. cleaner jobs, and send this to the relevant employers. Then save another copy, and tailor it to another group of jobs, being sure to highlight the most important skills and experience for that role on this reason. The basic information and work history will still be relevant, and you will probably find that your transferable skills like good communication, organisation and team work, will still be important to include across many roles.</p>
<p>Check out our range of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates">tailored CV templates here</a>.</p>
<h3>3.&nbsp;<strong>Work experience v&rsquo;s. education</strong></h3>
<p>It is generally up to you whether to put work experience first, or your education history. It&rsquo;s normally best to put education first if you haven&rsquo;t been working for more than a few years or have just finished school or college. Similarly, if your last jobs are less relevant to the role you&rsquo;re applying for than your most recent education then put it first.</p>
<p>For example, if you&rsquo;ve had a few different jobs in the retail sector, but have just done a lorry-driving course and are applying for a role in the transport sector, then put it first in the education section.</p>
<p>You are choosing what is the most important piece of information for a potential employer to read first. It&rsquo;s normally best to then put all of your education, followed by your work history.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;ve had lots of jobs but only some are relevant, then it is possible to have your first section as &lsquo;relevant work experience&rsquo;, followed by education, and then &lsquo;other work experience&rsquo; which briefly outlines the rest of your work history. Employers like to see what jobs you&rsquo;ve been doing, ideally without unaccounted for gaps but you&rsquo;re making it easier for them by putting the most relevant ones together at the top of your CV.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Use plain language that&rsquo;s easy to understand</strong></h3>
<p>In general, it&rsquo;s best to use everyday language when writing your CV. If there are terms that are particular to your sector and will be understood by the person reading your CV then that isn&rsquo;t going to be a problem. But be wary of using jargon not everyone will understand and of trying to use lots of words when one word is just as good.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Use this checklist</strong></h3>
<p>Before sending off your CV to an employer, it&rsquo;s important to make sure all of the information is correct and there aren&rsquo;t any mistakes. Here is a final checklist to go through just before you send your CV in. So make sure:</p>
<ul>
<li>Your name, phone number, email address and personal details are all spelt correctly &ndash;&nbsp;a wrong phone number could mean you don&rsquo;t get the call for an interview invite</li>
<li>This is the most up-to-date version of your CV. It should have your work history right up until when you are sending it</li>
<li>The font is all the same colour and size (unless you want headings to be larger, in which case make sure all the headings are the same as each other, and the rest of the text is the same smaller size) &ndash;inconsistent formatting or an unusual font can be off putting to most employers, so don&rsquo;t make it hard for them to read</li>
</ul>
<p>Put the tips into practice, download our free CV template below or read specific advice for the job you're applying for with our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates">tailored CV templates here</a>.</p>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips/rich-text-content/career-advice-writing-rich-text-content-cv-template-purple-250923.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=E99F7A6CAF13732831E8445A478229F7" alt="CV Template"></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-template-cv-document-250923.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips/rich-text-content/career-advice-writing-rich-text-content-pink-download-button-250923.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=4F9948681F18B2EC10F15BA7B20ED17F" alt="Download"></a></p>
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<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-document-template-cv-250923.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips/rich-text-content/career-advice-writing-rich-text-content-pink-download-button-250923.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=4F9948681F18B2EC10F15BA7B20ED17F" alt="Download"></a></article>
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CV Writing Tips

<p>If you want to know how to succeed in an interview, look no further. We have everything you need to know about how to ace an interview right here.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Having found a perfect job role and secured an interview, you know things are on the up, a wide smile spreads across your face and you start bouncing around in your seat bubbling with excitement.</p>
<p>Just then, in that moment, mid-way through your solo celebration jig, reality arrives and along with it, realisation. You actually have to ace an interview to get the job! Your stomach drops, your heart starts to race, your inner voice has already started talking you out of this crazy master plan, and wow is it suddenly hot in here?</p>
<p>I can certainly identify with this, believe me, we have all been there. Whether it's a job as a kitchen porter, a personal assistant or a HGV driver, the interview is going to happen.</p>
<p>Fast forward in time and it&rsquo;s the week of your interview. Your family and friends have all tried to impart their words of encouragement. Yes, you can do this. No, they are not going to hate you. Yes, you should definitely go with the blue, it brings out your eyes. But you still have a ton of questions and who actually knows the answers anyway?</p>
<p>Preparing people for interviews is kind of our thing, well it is one of our things, and so with this in mind we have got our heads together to give you some of the most common pre-interview questions and our answers.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Q: What do I wear to an interview?</span></h3>
<p>You only get one chance to make a first impression so make sure it&rsquo;s a good one. Clean pressed clothes may sound like a no brainer, but you would be surprised at how many people put more thought into the items of clothing than the presentation of them.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You do not need to go out and buy a Gucci suit to get a job, not even close. Even an expensive suit can look a mess if it is not clean or pressed so that has to be the priority over the selection itself.&nbsp; Ideally you will be able to select something that falls into the smart or smart casual category. In many cases you will be wearing a uniform for your role so the important part is to show that you know how to care for a uniform and look presentable when wearing it.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Q: Should I wear makeup to an interview?</span></h3>
<p>If you usually wear makeup then sure why not but keep it to a minimum. Avoid dramatic eye liner, tone down the lippy and select your colours from a neutral palette. I met a really great candidate once who was wearing the most makeup I had ever seen. She even mentioned that she could not leave the house without it done. I hate to admit it, but I could not help but wonder throughout the interview just how long her makeup took to apply every day and how it would reflect on her timekeeping.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Q: What hairstyle is best for an interview?</span></h3>
<p>No, this is not just the ladies, we are talking gender neutral here so guys and girls both of you listen up. You do not need to spend hours in a salon being cut and blow dried to perfection, keep it simple. Hair should be clean, brushed, and tied back if it's long. Fringes should be styled away from the face, you don't want to hide your eyes or spend your interview doing an awkward head flick to shift it.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Q: People keep saying I should just be myself&hellip;. What does that even mean?</span></h3>
<p>There is a fine line between being yourself and acting as though you are talking to one of your Homies over a pint down the Mucky Duck on a Friday night. We say, aim for the version of you who would speak to Auntie Mabel over Sunday lunch.&nbsp; This means no cussing. The interview room is not the place to display your prowess for the urban dictionary. Keep it PG and PC. Avoid overtly friendly greetings &amp; nicknames, calling someone mate, darling, or love, is not ideal. I conducted an interview once where the interviewee greeted me with &ldquo;Alright mate&rdquo; and then throughout the interview started every sentence with &ldquo;Yeah Man&rdquo;. This is all I remember from that interview, so he doesn't stick in my memory for the right reasons.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Q: Should I shake hands when I meet the interviewer?</span></h3>
<p>Yes, a hand shake is a great icebreaker. You don't have to wait for the shake, if a hand is not extended, step in and offer yours first. It shows confidence and a willingness to lead. Firm and confident will do the trick, no squeezing. This is not the time for you to show off your gains from last night&rsquo;s gym session.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Q: How do I know what to say in an interview?</span></h3>
<p>This one really comes down to knowing your audience.&nbsp; Do your research. Know who the Company or organisation is and what they stand for. Think about why they are a good fit for you. This will help when they ask, why you want to work there.&nbsp; Also think about why you are a good fit for them. Do you have the skills they are looking for? Do you fit the key character points they have specified in the job description? Make reference to the advert, show you have done your homework and you have really thought things through.</p>
<p>Lastly, maintain eye contact and don&rsquo;t forget to smile, Disclaimer: use this last tip with caution, when overdone it can become super creepy and no one likes to have The Shining re-enacted in an interview.</p>

How to Ace an Interview

<p>Interview with Edward Idahor.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Where do you currently work?</span></h3>
<p>I work at a Coop warehouse in West Thurrock and I have worked there in a temporary position since 2015.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What are your shifts like?</span></h3>
<p>I work night shifts 10pm to 6pm all week.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">How do you work your shifts around your home life?</span></h3>
<p>I chose nights because I have a family and my wife works through the day so I can be at home to take care of the children and do the school runs in between having a sleep. It works really well because we both get to have a job and our children get to be taken care of by both parents.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What does your job entail?</span></h3>
<p>My primary duty is to pick items for the Coop but I also receive goods and refill the shelves. I was also one of the first lead associates at my work placement, I was responsible for helping new starters, reintegrating those who are returning to work and help those who might be struggling to hit their targets.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Tell me about a typical day at work</span></h3>
<p>I always come in a little bit early, so I am not rushing around before I start. You collect all your equipment and information, then you should be actively picking items by about 7 minutes into your shift, so by coming in a little earlier I get chance to prepare everything I need. I work for 4 hours then I get a 30-minute break at 2am. After my break I might be picking items again or I might move over to receiving goods instead. My shift finishes at 6am and the day staff take over from where I leave off.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Do you like your job?</span></h3>
<p>I do, I like my job a lot. I take pride in my work and I enjoy knowing I have done a good job every time.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What is the best part about your job</span></h3>
<p>The best part is that you earn a really good wage, that will always be the main motivation for anyone but other good parts are that it is close to where I live and the people I work with are really friendly.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What is the worst part of your job?</span></h3>
<p>If I am honest the main one is that being temporary staff, it is hard to have time off sick because you don&rsquo;t get paid and many of us cannot afford to lose the money. Time off can also really affect your chances of getting a permanent position, you need to have a certain period with no sick days to qualify for a permanent job which makes it quite hard. Another difficult aspect is not knowing how long you have a job for, you can feel like you are treading a fine line between having a job and unemployment.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">How do you cope with that uncertainty?</span></h3>
<p>First of all, you have to really take care of yourself to minimise your chances of needing to be off due to sickness. But also, if you work hard and make yourself very useful you get a good reputation and you are more likely to be kept on longer than someone who is not hitting their targets and takes a lot of time off.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">We hear about boredom being a big factor in warehouse work quite a bit, how do you cope with that?</span></h3>
<p>Yes, doing the same thing can get boring no matter where you work but you have to remember what your motivation is. Money is the biggest motivation for anyone but so is pride in your work. There is a saying I like that is, &ldquo;If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well&rdquo;, how can you be bored if you are pushing yourself to do the best job every time? You should always give 100%, everyone is in the same boat we are all doing the same job. Your primary duty is to do your job to the best of your ability, you know what you signed up for, if you are not prepared to try hard and give it your all every shift then you will be bored and you shouldn&rsquo;t be there, move aside and let someone else who does want to work hard have the job .</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What were you most nervous or worried about before you started?</span></h3>
<p>The cold. Someone said it was really cold, like winter all the time so I was worried about that but when I got there I was just in the ambient area for a while so then I was gradually introduced to the cold. It wasn&rsquo;t nearly as bad as they said it was.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">How do you cope with the physical aspects of your role?</span></h3>
<p>It can be tiring at times, but I have learned that you have to just get on with it, you have to put in your best effort no matter what. I would much rather be tired than unemployed. You are given targets to work to so that can motivate you to work hard and get through tiredness, if you are busy you don&rsquo;t notice it so much.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What would you change if you could?</span></h3>
<p>As temp staff we only receive a 1-week rota, but permanent staff get a 1-year rota. I am not saying we need a whole year but a rota that includes a couple of weeks would be great so we can plan to do things in our free time a bit easier. I also think that for those of us who have been there a long time even as temp staff we should be entitled to some fixed hours, or even a notice period. We have been there longer than many of the permanent staff and we still don&rsquo;t have the same rights as them, but I guess that is a motivation to become a permanent member of staff.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What are your co-workers like?</span></h3>
<p>They are really friendly and helpful, I received a warm welcome from everyone. No matter how smart you are you always need help when you first start, even after training you will still find that you need some help. I struggled at first and people really helped me to understand and settle in to my job.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">There has been a lot in the press about poor working conditions in warehouses, what is your view on that?</span></h3>
<p>I have only worked in this warehouse and so I can&rsquo;t say about any others, but the conditions where I work are good, they take staff safety really seriously. It is not a horrible place to work at all, in the chilled section it can be cold, but the ambient areas are not too bad at all.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What are your top tips for other warehouse workers?</span></h3>
<p>Boots! A lot of safety boots are too heavy and will just make you more tired. Sometimes if you stand still a lot for work then it is not so bad but if you are walking a lot then find yourself some light weight safety boots, there are lots of different ones at all different price ranges so do shop around. Also, do wear thick clothing and make sure you wear layers. Dress warmly, you may be in some areas that are colder than others. Don&rsquo;t try to brave it, you will end up sick and having to take time off.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What do you hope to achieve long term?</span></h3>
<p>I want a permanent position because there are lots of benefits to having a secure job, like you can apply for a mortgage if you need to, you also get a pension. Temping is ok because you get paid more each hour, but I think the permanent benefits outweigh that, especially with having a family, I want the security of having a guaranteed job and fixed hours eventually.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Would you recommend your job to a friend &amp; why?</span></h3>
<p>I would always recommend my job. The money is really good, but you do have to work for 3 months at minimum wage when you first start. You have to show them what you are made of and that you are a good member of staff then you will get noticed and have more opportunities. I would say to anyone working in the role now, keep your head down and enjoy doing your job. Remember, this is not a social gathering, you are here for a reason. You are on the clock never forget that.</p>

Warehouse Interview

<p>At some point in our working life we have all looked at our payslip and asked ourselves, &ldquo;could I earn more money somewhere else&rdquo; but how do we go about finding out the answer? Is the grass really greener on the other side or is it just different grass?</p>
<p>There are a few things you can do to make sure you are being paid a fair day&rsquo;s wage for a fair day&rsquo;s work.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Compare your hourly rate to the industry averages</span></h2>
<p>As a warehouse operative we would expect you to be earning somewhere between &pound;7.82 - &pound;9.97 per hour / &pound;13,396- &pound;22,337 per year. <br><br>If you have a forklift license and are operating machinery as part of your role, then you may be earning a higher rate of somewhere between &pound;8.23 to &pound;11.20 per hour, or &pound;14,642 - &pound;25,204 per year. While overtime is not always paid at a higher rate, when it is it can be around &pound;8.12 to &pound;15.09 per hour for both positions. Pay scales can vary quite dramatically across the country and so your location does have a part to play in how much you earn. For example, research carried out by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) in 2017 showed that average incomes in the South East were 25% higher than those in the West Midlands. While it is not a hard and fast rule, generally areas that have a higher cost of living tend to offer increased pay rates in comparison to other areas where the cost of living is lower.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Make sure you are earning at least the national minimum or living wage</span></h2>
<p>Before you start to question how your current hourly rate compares to those that other employers are offering, the most important thing to check first is that you are earning no less than the UK national minimum wage or living wage.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can check to make sure you are receiving the correct minimum rate of pay for your age on the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/am-i-getting-minimum-wage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">government website</a>.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">If you are not being paid the national minimum or living wage what can you do?</span></h2>
<p>If you have not received the right minimum or living wage then your employer owes you the difference between what they have paid you and what they should have paid you. <br><br>As a first step, try having an informal chat with your employer, ask them to explain how they have worked out your pay. You could show them a print out from the government website showing how you found out that your rate was wrong. <br><br>Hopefully your employer will see their mistake and offer to pay you what you are owed immediately. <br><br>If this doesn&rsquo;t go as planned then you can call the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) helpline on 0300 123 1100, they will check your calculations and work through your options with you. <br><br>In April this year there will be an increase in the National Minimum and Living Wage rates, the government will publicly announce the new rates and we will be updating them here so if you are currently earning at the rates shown above be sure to check your payslip again in May to make sure you are receiving the new rate. <br><br>Whether you work full or part time has no bearing on the rate of pay you receive, part time employees have the right to earn the same rates as their full time counterparts.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Find out who the highest paying employers are for your role</span></h2>
<p>Once you have satisfied yourself that you are earning at least the minimum or living wage then you can turn your attentions to seeking out other employers who may be paying more for your role. <br><br>According to <a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glassdoor</a> some of the highest paying employers for warehouse workers are currently Asda and Wincanton followed closely by Tesco, Sainsburys and Ocado. <br><br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Consider agency work vs direct employment</span></h2>
<p>If you work as a warehouse operative through an agency then you may receive a higher hourly pay rate than those who are directly employed in the same environment. But those who are directly employed may receive other benefits as part of their salary and feel more secure in their position. <br><br>Both options have their advantages, the question is which do you value most, higher pay rates and the freedom to choose where and when you work or employee benefits and job security?</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;"> Important things to think about</span></h2>
<p>In many cases your rate of pay increases after your first 12 weeks working in a role so if you are quite new, it may be worth staying where you are. <br><br>Additionally, pay rates can increase based on your level of experience, longer standing and more experienced employees can enjoy enhanced rates of pay if they stick around long enough. <br><br>If you do decide to try your luck with a different employer be smart, do your research, find out who they are, what they stand for and see if you can find some reviews from existing or recent staff. <br><br>Lastly, do not leave your current role until you are absolutely sure that you have a job to go to. <br><br></p>

Knowing your worth as a warehouse operative

<p class="Paragraph SCXW44577531 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Employers use temporary staff for many different reasons, but the main reasons tend to be, to increase staff levels during busy periods and to try out potential staff members with a view to selecting the best of the bunch to become permanent workers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Therefore, while a temporary job may seem like a stop gap on the face of it, it can quickly lead to permanent work if you know how to make the most of the opportunity.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW44577531 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">As we saw in a recent interview with a Blue Arrow recruitment consultant, the secret to success in temporary work is quite simple if you know what to do.</p>
<blockquote>&ldquo;The key to success in temporary warehouse work is 100% effort in and you will get 100% back.&rdquo;</blockquote>
<p><span style="color: windowtext;">What does this mean exactly? It means you get out what you put in. Consider going to work every day, dragging your feet and complaining about how tired you are. You pass the time doing just enough to coast through the day, waiting for someone to tell you that you can leave again.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Not only is this unpleasant for you but also for those around you. How you carry yourself, the effort you put in and the affect you have on those around you plays a big part in how others perceive you, not in the least your managers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Continue in this manner and you will no doubt find that when an opportunity for a permanent position crops up you are not going to be very high on the shortlist of potential candidates. However the temp worker who turned up to work most days happy and enthusiastic, who pushed themselves to achieve their targets and made an effort to help others, is sitting right there at the top of the short list ready to accept their new permanent contract and the pay bump that goes with it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>5 ways to make sure that you are the one at the top of the permanent contact shortlist.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">1. Turn Up</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Be reliable and turn up for work when you are supposed to. It is also advisable to turn up well before your shift is due to start so you have chance to prepare yourself for the shift ahead.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">2. Work Hard</span></h3>
<p>Warehouse work is all about targets, personal targets and team targets so pull your weight and do your bit towards the good of the whole team.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">3. Minimise your absences</span></h3>
<p>Try not to take too much time off, not only will you not get paid, but it will have an effect on how your commitment is perceived.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">4. Build relationships</span></h3>
<p>Making friends, helping others and being an active team member does not only make for a more enjoyable work life, but it is also a great way to build relationships that could come in handy later on. These people could one day be the team you are managing, or they could be the ones managing you. The relationships you form early on could inform your future successes so make some friends.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">5. Think Perm</span></h3>
<p>Thinking long term and focusing on where this temporary job could lead is a sure-fire way to ensure you are giving off the right signals to those make the decisions.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Do temp jobs lead to permanent work?

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW204799593 BCX3">
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">When you are working it is important that you understand how your employment contract sets out your rights and responsibilities as an employee and also those of your employer.</p>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">Workers Employment Rights</span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">In general, as an employee you are entitled to a wide range of in-work benefits including:</p>
<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">National Minimum/Living&nbsp;<span style="color: windowtext;">Wage</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Protection against unlawful deductions from wages</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Statutory minimum paid holiday</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Statutory minimum rest breaks</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Not to work more than 48 hours per week</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Protection against unlawful discrimination</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Protection against unfair dismissal.&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">You may also be entitled to:&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Statutory Sick Pay</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave and Pay</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Statutory Redundancy Pay</span></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;"> Temporary workers have rights too&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Your rights as a temporary worker are the same as those listed above for a permanent worker. You also have the right to use the shared facilities and services provided by your employer such as:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">A canteen or food and drinks machines</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Toilets and mother and baby facilities</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Car parking or transport services</span></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">Temporary worker rights after 12 weeks</span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">After 12 weeks on the job you qualify for the same rights as someone employed directly, this is known as &ldquo;equal treatment&rdquo;, these would include</span><span style="color: windowtext;">:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Equal pay (the same pay as a permanent employee doing the same job)</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Automatic Pension enrolment</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Paid annual leave</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Your 12-week calculation starts again if you start at a different workplace or if you have a break of more than 6 weeks between jobs at the same workplace.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">Your Contract</span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">In all cases of employment you should be issued with an employment contract. At the minimum your contract should set out the following information:&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Job Title</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Pay</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Hours of work</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Access to work benefits such as sick pay and holiday</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Start date</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">Extra details aka &ldquo;Express Terms&rdquo;</span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Y</span><span style="color: windowtext;">our contract may also include what are known as &ldquo;express terms&rdquo;. These are parts of your contract specific to you and your role and may include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Sick Pay</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Redundancy pay</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Hours of work including any overtime agreement</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Notice required to terminate the contract</span></li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Holiday pay and entitlement</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">You should make sure that you keep all documentation provided to you by your employers safe so you can refer back to it as needed.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">General Behaviours aka &ldquo;Implied Terms&rdquo;</span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Some parts of your contract may not be written down, they could be what are known as &ldquo;Implied Terms&rdquo; these would be expected behaviours like, you will not steal from your employer and you will not divulge any confidential information.</span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">In return your employer must provide a safe working environment and shouldn&rsquo;t ask you to do anything illegal such as operate any vehicles or machinery for which you do not hold the license.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">Deductions from wages</span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Any deductions that your employer makes from your wages have to be legally authorised, examples of legally authorised deductions would be tax and national insurance. These deductions should be detailed in your contract and agreed to in writing before the deductions are made.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">The only exceptions to this rule would be any overpayments made to you in error or if you have not worked due to taking part in industrial action.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW204799593 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">You can find out more information about pay rates, working hours, overtime and break entitlement on our <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/warehouse-jobs/warehouse-employee-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">rights page</a>.</span></p>
</div>

Temporary and permanent workers know your rights

<p>Is there life after trucking? Of course there is, the better question might be, what are the best alternative careers for Truck Drivers?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Automation is set to transform most, if not all industries in the not too distant future. With many truck manufacturers and logistics firms investing heavily in trying <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=5243184A2C274FB88B70145F1638116A&amp;_z=z">to make automated trucks</a>&nbsp;a reality it could leave us all questioning, what comes next?&nbsp;</p>
<p>How self-driving trucks will navigate on the road situations typically handled by humans is one of the biggest hurdles to achieving fully automated fleets. Many companies pushing the automated innovations still intend to have a Driver in the truck as a backup just in case something goes wrong.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While it may not be classed as a complete career change for Truck Drivers, being a backup Driver in an automated vehicle might just be the closest related job opportunity if automated trucks really do become commonplace.</p>
<p>For some Truck Drivers, life before trucking consisted of roles in the military, in engineering, warehousing and in I.T. but in a bid to avoid a nine to five office job, they chose a role that provides freedom, independence and excellent earning potential. It is these same job qualities that we would need to seek out when we consider alternative careers for Truck Drivers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If being a wingman to a machine is not for you then we need to start thinking a little further out of the box, taking stock of the skills you have gained from your previous positions and from your time as a Truck Driver and applying them to a potential new role.</p>
<p>As an experienced Truck Driver you are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Skilled</li>
<li>Knowledgeable</li>
<li>Observant</li>
<li>Motivated</li>
<li>Logical</li>
<li>Flexible</li>
<li>Organised</li>
<li>Focused</li>
<li>Reliable</li>
<li>Solutions-orientated</li>
<li>Calm under pressure</li>
</ul>
<p>These are all excellent attributes to have and are highly desired in many different roles. If we also add the following industry specific skills you have gained to this list:</p>
<ul>
<li>Geographical knowledge</li>
<li>Mechanical understanding</li>
<li>Logistical planning</li>
<li>Industry knowledge</li>
<li>Driving experience</li>
<li>Customer service skills</li>
<li>Communication skills</li>
</ul>
<p>You will see that you have lots to shout about and many new and exciting roles open to you.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Alternative careers for Truck Drivers</h2>
<p>Whether you have experience in another industry that you can call upon from before your career as a Truck Driver, or whether you are keen on utilising the skills you have gained as a Truck Driver, there are many excellent job opportunities to consider, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Transport management</li>
<li>Loading/Unloading</li>
<li>Engineering</li>
<li>I.T</li>
<li>Sales Representative</li>
<li>Customer Service</li>
<li>Plant Machinery Driver</li>
<li>Machine Operator</li>
<li>Crane Operator</li>
<li>Mechanic</li>
<li>Assembly/Production Operative</li>
<li>Vehicle Inspector</li>
<li>Warehouse Operative/Manager</li>
</ul>
<p>If you are looking to move sideways into an alternative role within the transport and logistics industry, or if you are seeking a complete change to your life after trucking, then seriously consider retraining or gaining new skills to help you compete for sought after roles. If you started training now you could find that you are ahead of the game if, or when the transport industry takes a change.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What retraining options are out there for Truck Drivers?</h2>
<p>Many Truck Drivers utilise their time out on the road to undertake distance learning courses. If you like the idea of learning something new in your downtime there are plenty of free online courses available:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://alison.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alison</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.futurelearn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FutureLearn</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.coursera.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Coursera</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.learndirect.com/funding-options/free-english-maths" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Learn Direct - English, Maths and I.T</a> functional skills</li>
</ul>
<p>These four providers offer 100s of free online courses in a huge variety of topics from financial literacy to fitness and nutrition. Each course can take anywhere from one week to 12 weeks or more to complete.</p>
<p>Look out for providers who offer the opportunity to purchase a certificate at the end of your course or to download a learner record for free so you can show potential employers how much work you have put into developing your knowledge and skills.</p>
<p>The aforementioned Alison site has an excellent search feature where you can find free courses based on the industry you are hoping to enter.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Start building or updating your CV</h2>
<p>If you are on the lookout for a new job opportunity, now is a good time to start working on your CV. A CV should be tailored for the job you're applying for so knowing where to start, how it should be structured and how much information to include can be daunting. There are tools available to help and this blog along with its handy accompanying video outlines how you can use our <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=DF9D22468C01444D974394D985A30DB0&amp;_z=z">CV templates to create the perfect CV</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Alternative careers for Truck Drivers

<p>2020 is quickly becoming the year for staying ahead of the curve, building on your own assets and ensuring you are always pushing for bigger and better things. When it comes to the skills needed for office work, in order get started on your epic year of self-development and skill building, first you need to know what the top 10 office work skills are for 2020 and how to get them for free.</p>
<p>For office work it goes without saying that Microsoft&rsquo;s 365 suite and Google&rsquo;s G-suite of software are important things to know. Word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations will always be a part of your office role but the skills that will make an even greater difference to your abilities and your admin career extend far beyond the usual office skills out into the realms of personal development and software specific wider reading.</p>
<h2>Top 10 skills for 2020</h2>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">1. Focus Mastery</span></h3>
<p>Productivity, task management time slots and scheduling your most productive workflow is the hottest topic of 2020. Using and mastering your focus is by far one of the top skills needed for office work in 2020. As free to use productivity software packages like <a href="https://asana.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Asana</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://trello.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trello</a> continue to grow, develop and clamber over each other to be the best in productivity.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">2. Cultural Intelligence and Diversity</span></h3>
<p>As far as office work skills go, cultural intelligence and diversity seems like an unusual one to specify, especially in the open, accepting and diverse workplaces of 2020, but the thing to remember is that we have got here through the cultural intelligence of those who came before us, striving for change, implementing new initiatives and opening the doors for all who come after us. Be a force for good and expand your horizons by making cultural intelligence and diversity one of your must have office work skills for 2020.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">3. Judgement and Complex Decision Making</span></h3>
<p>Trusting your own judgement, knowing when something is not quite right and having the complex decision making skills to work out the most effective strategy to move forwards is a sign of experience, maturity, self assurance and confidence. Developing these skills and putting it to use every day will ensure you are building a powerful office work skill set that will be drawn upon for years to come.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">4. Growth Mindset</span></h3>
<p>Seeing the potential for development and expansion in your basic abilities is what sets the most promising individuals apart from the rest of the workforce. It is this mindset that creates a love for learning and a determination to draw on the information that is all around you every day. While having a positive growth mindset may appear to be more of a personality type at first, when you start to see the possibilities you see the potential in developing this exceptional point of view.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5. Storytelling</span></h3>
<p>Being able to get the message across whether it be via email, telephone, reporting or blogging. Storytelling and the art of the written word spans across everything you do within your office role. People buy from people and those with an emotional attachment engage more so persuasive, informative, strategic, inspirational or analytic writing is all more effective if you can do it with a bit of storytelling flair.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">6. Programming (Python, Django, React)</span></h3>
<p>Fast becoming part of the mainstream school curriculum, programming and coding is soon going to be one of the must have skills needed for office work as the next generation of workers will be entering the workplace with the skill from the get-go.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">7. Machine Learning (Analytical and Statistical models)</span></h3>
<p>Automation, engineering and innovation is the driving force behind everything no matter what your industry so if you want to ensure your career is future proof, spending some personal development time researching and becoming familiar with machine learning will stand you in good stead not only in 2020 but beyond.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">8. Content Management Systems (WordPress)</span></h3>
<p>Updating, uploading, tweaking and developing an online presence is essential for every business and being that person in the office who has the ability and the knowledge to get things done when you have to move quickly is a powerful position to be in. The <a href="https://wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WordPress</a> blog platform is free to use so you can spend time learning the ropes without spending a penny of your hard earned paycheck.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">9. Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premier Pro)</span></h3>
<p>In today&rsquo;s visual, online sphere knowing your way around creative software packages ensures that you can take your project to a whole new level. Adding slick graphics, unique images and mind blowing visuals to your reports, social profiles or websites becomes a breeze when you know how.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">10. Accounting &amp; CRM Software (Quickbooks, Sage, Zoho, Wave)</span></h3>
<p>Understanding and knowing the basics behind bookkeeping and CRM software is a valuable asset. When you understand that the better the quality of the information going in, the better it is coming back out, you start to approach each and every task with attention to detail, thoroughness and foresight.</p>
<p>Now you know what office work skills are going to be important during 2020 and in the years to come, all that is left to do is find out where you can learn these skills for free. In the first post of the year we covered topics that included some of the productivity tools mentioned above as well as some training platforms that you can access for free and in your own time. Here you can read about Trends affecting office work in 2020. Online training platforms are the way forward with short but detailed training modules, workbooks and supporting downloads you can access the very best in skill training on your phone, tablet or on your laptop wherever you are.</p>
<h2>Learning tools</h2>
<p><strong>1. Skill Share</strong></p>
<p>An online learning platform with free and paid access options. Leaning towards the creative space you can learn anything from photoshop to coding, and illustration to a new language in no time.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://skillshare.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Skillshare</a> search function is very intuitive so discovering something new will be easy and courses for many of the skills mentioned above are already there:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Focus-Mastery-10-Minutes-to-gaining-Total-FOCUS/1865766303?via=search-layout-grid" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Focus Mastery</a> &nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Problem-solving-and-Decision-making-Strategies/1180203120?via=search-layout-grid" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Decision Making</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Develop-True-Confidence-and-a-Growth-Mindset/1813853519?via=search-layout-grid" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Growth Mindset</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Writing-for-Expression-How-to-Make-Your-Words-More-Artful-Lyrical/1520871152?via=logged-in-home-row-featured-on-skillshare" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Storytelling</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Python-3-A-Beginners-Guide-to-Python-Programming/821742951?via=search-layout-grid" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Programming, Python </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Adobe-Photoshop-CC-&acirc;-Essentials-Training-Course/1810443793?via=search-autocomplete" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Adobe Photoshop</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>2. Udemy</strong></p>
<p>With a slight tilt towards the more professional skills such as IT, software, business and entrepreneurship, <a href="https://udemy.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Udemy</a> is a great place to be if you want to brush up on your office work skills. With free and paid subscriptions available you will be able to find the perfect course for you.</p>
<p>This site provides 100% off vouchers for Udemy courses so before you pay for one, see if you can get free access to your course of choice <a href="https://coursesity.com/provider/free/udemy-courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</p>
<p>A great course mentioned above that has an available free voucher is:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://coursesity.com/course-detail/free-aws-certified-machine-learning-specialty-tutorial-machine-learning-101-introduction-to-machine-learning" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Machine Learning</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>3. YouTube</strong></p>
<p>With over 3 billion searches per month YouTube is now the world&rsquo;s second largest search engine behind Google. Make the most of everything YouTube has to offer and make it one of your first ports of call when you want to learn something new for free.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48RoRi0ddRU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cultural Diversity </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71EZb94AS1k" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Content Management Systems </a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>4. Adult Learning Grants</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.futurelearn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FutureLearn</a> (owned by The Open University) and <a href="https://www.coursera.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Coursera</a> both offer access to 100&rsquo;s of free online courses each taking anything from one week to 12 weeks or more to complete.</li>
<li><a href="https://alison.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alison</a> &ndash; Free online courses, Alison has over 750 free online courses in a huge variety of topics from financial literacy to fitness and nutrition.</li>
<li>English, Maths and I.T. functional skills &ndash; Access <a href="https://www.learndirect.com/funding-options/free-english-maths" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">free English and Maths courses</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>Wanting to develop your skills doesn&rsquo;t come without a little bit of apprehension of finding the time, we all lead busy lives and adding skill development to your day around your day job and home life can seem like an impossible feat.</p>

Top 10 office work skills you will need for 2020 and how to get them for free

<p><strong>Would you like a job where you can talk to people? Do you like variety in your work, with no two days quite the same? Making a career change from a Warehouse Operative job to a Receptionist job&nbsp;could be just the move for you.</strong></p>
<p>Of course, being a Receptionist is not only about talking to people, there is a lot more to it, but as the first contact with the business or organisation, a friendly persona is definitely an asset. One of the enticing things about considering a career change to becoming a Receptionist is the choice of sectors you could work in. Think about all the places you go to where you are greeted at the front desk &ndash; the doctors, the dentist, a hotel, the gym, your kid&rsquo;s school, even the hairdressers. Then there are all the businesses and offices that have someone on reception to welcome visitors and field calls &ndash; it could be a solicitors office, a financial institution, an employment agency, pretty much any business sector is likely to have a Receptionist job position.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It can be daunting to think about how to change careers, but moving from a Warehouse Operative job to a Receptionist job may not be as big a challenge as you think.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the basic requirements for a Receptionist?</span></h3>
<p><strong>People skills</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Good verbal and written communication</li>
<li>Customer Service skills</li>
<li>Ability to handle complaints and difficult customers</li>
<li>Patience</li>
<li>Problem solving skills</li>
<li>Team player</li>
</ul>
<p>As the Receptionist you create the first impression of the business you work for, whether in person or on the phone. It is your responsibility to be welcoming, friendly and smartly dressed. No matter how you feel, being friendly, happy and helpful can make all the difference in someone&rsquo;s day and will make you an asset to your employer as well as giving a boost to your own confidence.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Technical skills</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Ability to use a telephone system, including holding and transferring calls</li>
<li>Basic computer skills &ndash; Word, Excel, email such as Outlook or Gmail</li>
</ul>
<p>A Receptionist job will involve the use of a computer and telephone, so you need to be comfortable with using this equipment and the relevant software.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Administrative skills</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Time management</li>
<li>Organisation</li>
<li>Attention to detail</li>
</ul>
<p>Working on a busy reception desk will require you to have good admin skills to manage your time, stay organised and remain calm under pressure.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What transferable skills are there for a Warehouse Operative to become a Receptionist?</span></h3>
<p>You may now have the option to sign in via a computer at your local doctor&rsquo;s surgery, but a real person is still needed when it comes to discussing appointments and prescriptions. As we saw in our <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/future-of-work---top-10-job-roles-of-the-future/">Future of Work</a>&nbsp;blog, job roles are changing as more tasks become automated, but positions where people skills are considered a key element remain ideal options for a future proof career.</p>
<p>As you look at how to change careers from a Warehouse Operative job, consider some of the skills you have acquired in that role and how they can be applied to a Receptionist job.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Te</strong><strong>am player</strong> &ndash; in a warehouse environment you work together with others to ensure a safe and efficient working environment</li>
<li><strong>Good communication skills</strong> &ndash; you communicate with your co-workers daily to get the job done</li>
<li><strong>Problem solving</strong> &ndash; whether a system, a colleague or management, you sometimes have to deal with tricky tasks and situations</li>
<li><strong>Computer skills </strong>&ndash; you have data entry and potentially emailing experience from your warehouse job</li>
<li><strong>Ability to work under pressure</strong> &ndash; coming from a warehouse background you will be used to coping with busy workloads</li>
<li><strong>Time management and organisation</strong> &ndash; prioritising your work in the warehouse will have honed your ability to organise your time and manage your workload</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How can you overcome any experience gaps with this job change?</span></h3>
<p>Despite having some transferable skills, there may still be some gaps in your knowledge and experience that you feel could hold you back in your career change.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While most Receptionist job roles don&rsquo;t require a formal qualification, most employers prefer you to have your GCSE's or equivalent, especially in English and Maths. If you need to study for these, you can find a course through the <a href="https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course">National Careers Service</a>&nbsp;or enquire at your local college. Gaining your Maths or English GCSE is often free or at low cost.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you need to improve your IT skills before applying for a Receptionist job, you can check your <a href="https://www.gov.uk/local-library-services">local library</a>&nbsp;for basic courses in word processing, Microsoft Office, internet and email. You will also find courses at your local college.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Some skills and knowledge will be specific to the industry where you work as a Receptionist. For example, if you work on a hotel reception desk you will be required to learn the booking system and how to handle guest accounts. Often this is taught on the job, but there is a <a href="https://www.cityandguilds.com/qualifications-and-apprenticeships/hospitality-and-catering/hospitality-and-catering/8067-reception-operation-services#tab=information">City &amp; Guilds qualification</a>&nbsp;for reception services in the hospitality industry which covers all aspects of hotel reception work.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you land a job as a Receptionist?</span></h3>
<p>With so many different sectors having Receptionist positions there are a variety of jobs available. A good way to start would be with a temporary Receptionist job&nbsp;to see if it is a role you enjoy. You might even want to continue in different temporary positions across various sectors to widen your knowledge and increase your experience as a Receptionist. Here at Blue Arrow&nbsp;we recruit and offer opportunities across various sectors.</p>
<p>Many Receptionist jobs will be advertised on job listing sites that you can apply for directly or you could find a suitable <a href="https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship">apprenticeship</a>.</p>
<p>Before you go for your interview, think about the transferable skills mentioned above and any other relevant experience you have from previous jobs or even personal experience. Have some examples ready when the interviewer asks you questions. Read Caree&rsquo;s blog post for more tips and advice on <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/how-to-ace-an-interview/">how to succeed in an interview</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you overcome challenges and progress in your new career as a Receptionist?</span></h3>
<p>All jobs come with challenges and when you are new to the role it can seem especially difficult. Here is some advice we received from a few experienced Receptionists:</p>
<p>&ldquo;Never hesitate to ask advice from others, especially if you are training, after all there may come a time when a trainee will ask you for your advice In the future&rdquo;.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Know your stuff and keep learning; most if not all industries are continually evolving&rdquo;.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Should you have to deal with someone that is angry, stay calm and reassure them that you are listening and will do your best to get the problem resolved&rdquo;.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Be transparent; people are more likely to relate to you if they feel you are being genuine&rdquo;.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the future career prospects for a Receptionist?</span></h3>
<p>If you enjoy working in reception but want to progress your career, you could move up into a team leader or supervisor role. In a medical environment you could work towards becoming a Practice Manager or in the hospitality industry you could become part of the Front of House Management.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you have your sights set on a particular industry, then starting out in a Receptionist job position can be stepping-stone to other roles within the sector. Working on reception in a hospital could lead to becoming a Hospital Administrator or a Medical Secretary. You could be a Receptionist in a solicitor&rsquo;s office with the aim of becoming a Legal Secretary. A Receptionist job is interesting and varied and has lots of possibility for an exciting new career.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To learn more about your career change, read our article on <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-receptionist/">how to become a receptionist</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Change careers to a Receptionist job

<p>A Truck Drivers go bag is the professional equivalent to the apocalypse bug out bag. In a good Truck Drivers work bag you will find a carefully selected, masterfully packed combination of should have items, nice to have items, indulgent items and never leave the depot without items, read on for our Truck Drivers essentials recommendations and suggestions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F20B6451FC4E4F8E84767E5725262362&amp;_z=z">many service stations spread across the UK</a>&nbsp;you would think that you will never be too far from any resource you might need. However, being prepared for any eventuality, feeling secure in the knowledge that you have everything you might possibly need and enjoying some of those home comforts is a feeling that can't be beaten.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are a new truck driver and you are still on your way to building up your own personal go bag of Truck Driver essentials, or if you are a long standing Truck Driver who needs to refresh a kit then this is the blog for you. We have carried out the research for you, finding the best of the best, tried and tested truck driver rated items available across the internet so all you have to do is work out which ones you can't possibly leave home without.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The Essential Bag</h2>
<p>You are not always using the same truck or rig every day, so it is essential that your Truck Drivers go bag is portable, reliable, sturdy, robust and above all spacious.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Choosing the right bag for you often comes down to the size that you feel you might need; this will depend how long you spend out on the road. Are you a long distance driver who will have a few changes of clothes on route with them or are you a short haul driver where spare clothing isn't a major consideration?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Backpacks are generally measured in litres (e.g. 30L, 45L, 50L, etc.). Be aware that companies can often measure volume differently and bags come in different shapes and configurations so you shouldn&rsquo;t judge size on litres alone but as a guide, a Truck Drivers go bag would ideally be 30L or above to allow plenty of space for all of your essentials. Anything over 50l is going to give you heaps of space, but it is going to get a little difficult to lug around so unless you are out driving for long periods of time, select a bag somewhere between 30l and 50l.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Packing Cubes</span></h3>
<p>Packing effectively is all down to organisation and maintaining easy access to items without ruining your packing every time you need to find a clean pair of socks. Packing cubes really are a game changer. You can pack all of your essentials into individual cubes that will maximise the space available in your go bag.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Set-Packing-Cubes-Travel-Organizers/dp/B0796SHXS2/ref=sr_1_7 dchild=1&amp;keywords=travel+packing+cubes&amp;qid=1594846103&amp;sr=8-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">These cubes are well reviewed on Amazon</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Wash Bag</span></h3>
<p>You will need something to keep your wash up items in. Soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, hygiene wipes, hand sanitiser, tissues.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Sat Nav</span></h3>
<p>Even though we all have google maps built into our phones and some cabs are posh enough to have them built into the dash, you can't go wrong with a stand-alone Sat Nav.&nbsp;The most recommended by truckers in the <a href="https://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=2&amp;t=165515" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TrucknetUK forum</a>&nbsp;and made exclusively for large vehicles is <a href="https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/sat-nav/truck-sat-nav/products/go-professional-6250/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this&nbsp;TomTom 6250 professional</a>. This is not the cheapest option but if your budget can stretch this far then it is worth considering.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/162983" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This Garmin dēzl&trade; 770LMT-D</a>&nbsp;is the other sat nav recommended by truckers in the forum, it is also made for truck navigation and at a similar price point it is a good alternative to the TomTom. There doesn't seem to be much separating the two by way of popularity and features, so it is all going to come down to personal preference in the end.</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/GB-Road-Atlas-2020-SPIRAL/dp/1782572694/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=UK+A-Z&amp;qid=1594847450&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A-Z Road Atlas</a></h3>
<p>Just in case tech lets you down, having an A-Z tucked away in the cab is a good idea. These are also great for checking out a route ahead of time.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Torch</span></h3>
<p>A torch is an absolute must have item. From being stuck out at night, to looking under a bonnet, signalling for help or even just lighting up your cab at night so you can read comfortably.&nbsp;A <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/NOVOSTELLA-Rechargeable-Multi-functional-Searchlight-Lightweight/dp/B01N9Q8P9Q/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&amp;keywords=Travel+torch&amp;qid=1594847545&amp;sr=8-13" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">rechargeable multiuse torch like this</a>&nbsp;is a good option.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Towel</span></h3>
<p>A quick-dry towel is essential to prevent smelly mildew forming. Since a good towel does more than just dry fast, it should also be absorbent, durable, and soft against your skin.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.decathlon.co.uk/microfibre-towel-xl-grey-id_8387957.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Decathlon</a>&nbsp;make some excellent microfibre ultra-compact towels at extremely reasonable prices.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Tool Kit</span></h3>
<p>Every trucker, no matter how often or far they drive, needs a well put together tool kit for those &ldquo;once in a blue moon&rdquo; situations.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Our top 10 toolkit items for truck drivers are:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Adjustable wrench</li>
<li>Socket set</li>
<li>Multi-head screwdriver</li>
<li>Allen key set</li>
<li>Box knife</li>
<li>Bungee cords</li>
<li>Zip ties</li>
<li>Tyre air gauge</li>
<li>Electrical tape</li>
<li>WD40</li>
</ol>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">First Aid Kit</span></h3>
<p>Your truck will most likely have one of these in the cab somewhere but your own safety is your own responsibility and so it is good practice to carry your own first aid kit at all times. This is a <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/PMS-DELUXE-70PCE-MEDICAL-KIT/dp/B000XY51UC/ref=psdc_2481723031_t3_B003FZBGN2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> well-reviewed first aid kit</a> that is affordable and contains a good selection of items.</p>
<p>If you have allergies, are insulin dependent or require lifesaving medications then do not forget to have this information clearly visible inside your truck or on your person so the first responders are aware should the worst happen. A medic-alert bracelet is a popular and easily recognised item.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicalert.org.uk/products/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MedicAlert ID jewellery</a> is custom made to the correct size and engraved with your vital medical information.</p>
<p>Once you have all of the truck driver essentials listed above you need to start packing in those smaller but equally important items that you didn't think to need until you needed it.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;"><strong>Top 10 extra truck driver essentials for the ultimate truck driver go bag</strong></span></h3>
<ol>
<li>Gloves</li>
<li>Lighter</li>
<li>Matches</li>
<li>Spare high vis</li>
<li>Pen and pencil</li>
<li>Toilet paper / Hygiene wipes</li>
<li>Spare chargers</li>
<li>Blanket</li>
<li>At least one change of clothes (maybe more if you are staying out for long periods)</li>
<li>Water</li>
</ol>
<p>Last but not least, don't forget to pack some long life nibbling snacks such as peanuts, sesame crackers, dried fruit, chocolate and protein bars just in case you fall foul of a midnight munchies attack.&nbsp;</p>

Truck Driver Essentials

<p>Over the past few weeks, amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, you may have found yourself with extra time on your hands; a time to consider whether Warehouse Operative jobs are what you want to do long term or whether now is the time to consider a job change? Have you had a yearning to work with food? Do you aspire to becoming a Chef one day? If so, researching how to change careers and considering Catering Assistant jobs as your next move is a step in the right direction.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Even in these uncertain times there are still opportunities for Catering Assistant jobs, especially in healthcare environments. Read on to learn more about this career change.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What are the basic requirements for Catering Assistant jobs?</h2>
<p>Catering Assistant jobs can vary greatly depending on where you work. In a restaurant you can expect a fast-paced, sometimes stressful dinner service with long hours, often late into the evening. In a hospital the day is more evenly structured with more sociable shifts, but the job still requires hard work and dependability.&nbsp;</p>
<p>No two days are ever the same in any commercial kitchen environment, so if you want to work in the catering industry and thrive on a fast-paced, varied role, then changing jobs to become a Catering Assistant is a good start.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The requirements for Catering Assistant jobs:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Flexibility and reliability </strong>- You will be expected to do anything from cleaning to dishwashing, from peeling vegetables to serving customers, from organising the stockroom to making sandwiches. You must be prepared and able to take on a variety of tasks throughout your work day. You will also need to be flexible with your work schedule as shift work, late nights and weekends often go hand in hand with Catering Assistant jobs.</li>
<li><strong>A team player</strong> - Working in a busy kitchen means being part of a team of Chefs, Catering Assistants and Management. You need to be able to work alongside others, take orders and carry them out quickly and efficiently.</li>
<li><strong>Ability to use your initiative </strong>- There are times when you will have to work independently and need to be able to make your own appropriate decisions.</li>
<li><strong>Customer service skills</strong> - Catering Assistant jobs may require you to interact directly with the customers, so you need to be able to deal with a variety of situations in a calm and professional manner.</li>
<li><strong>Communication skills</strong> - All Catering jobs require you to be able to communicate well with both co-workers and customers, so having good communicative and social skills is important.</li>
<li><strong>Willingness to learn</strong> - If you want to work in catering then a genuine interest in cooking and food service will help with your success. Experience is not always necessary for Catering Assistant jobs, but a willingness to learn and work hard is important if you want to make this a permanent career change. This can be anything from learning to use food preparation equipment to the latest cooking techniques.</li>
<li><strong>Good food hygiene knowledge and practice</strong> - Good hygiene has always been an important part of working in a commercial kitchen. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic extra measures have been brought in and it is extremely important that good personal hygiene and food hygiene is practiced at all times.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Physical fitness and good stamina </strong>- Catering jobs require you to be on your feet all day in an often hot and noisy environment. You will also need to be able to lift and carry heavy pots and food supplies so it is important to be physically fit for any Catering Assistant role.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>What transferable skills do you have for making a career change from a Warehouse Operative to a Catering Assistant?</h2>
<p>Look back over the list above - which of these skills do you have? Working in Warehouse Operative jobs will have given you a lot of experience which can be transferred to other work environments.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As a Warehouse Operative you will already be used to working shifts and possibly nights, so a job change to a Catering Assistant position might actually prove to be a more sociable schedule.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Warehouse Operative jobs will definitely have required you to work both independently and as part of a team. You will already be used to working alongside others and taking instructions from your Supervisor. Communication skills are an inherent part of this, so will easily transfer to your new catering job.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Constantly being on your feet, having to bend and lift heavy or awkward objects is something you will have done a lot of in Warehouse Operative jobs so being fit enough and physically able to do the job of a Catering Assistant should be no problem.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How can you overcome any experience gaps with this job change?</h2>
<p>Many Catering Assistant jobs are entry level positions and basic skills and requirements are taught on the job. However, when thinking about how to change careers, there are some things you can do to help fill any knowledge and experience gaps.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Food hygiene and safety have always been extremely important in any food establishment and in the current climate it is a good idea to have a valid food safety and hygiene certificate prior to applying for a Catering Assistant job. There are lots of self-study accredited courses available online which can be easily found with a quick search. Learn more about food hygiene standards for health and safety&nbsp;in our recent blog.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Catering Assistant jobs don&rsquo;t require a formal qualification but employers often like you to have achieved GCSE&rsquo;s or their equivalent, particularly English and Maths. If you need to study for these you can <a href="https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course/search">find a course through the National Careers Service</a>&nbsp;or enquire with your local college or library. Gaining your Maths or English GCSE is often low cost or even free.</p>
<p>If you want to improve your catering and food knowledge and expertise, there are various places online where you can learn about cooking techniques, food preparation, nutrition and more. <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=D3C73186F77043E7AEB7B0671AFA6B0B&amp;_z=z">8 ways to train as a Chef for free</a>&nbsp;has lots of useful information about online resources for Chefs.</p>
<p>City &amp; Guilds have a range of <a href="https://www.cityandguilds.com/qualifications-and-apprenticeships/hospitality-and-catering#fil=uk">qualifications and apprenticeships in Hospitality and Catering</a> which can be studied and achieved alongside a Catering Assistant job to help you advance in your new Catering career.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Tips for getting a Catering Assistant job</span></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Do your research</strong> - Despite restaurants, pubs and hotels being unable to open for business as usual at the present time, there are still Catering Assistant jobs in other hospitality sectors. For advice on this, read our blog on Adapting to &amp; coping with <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=8DAC0FD6C5EB495FA4CBEE4DD8975A8F&amp;_z=z">catering jobs in healthcare environments amidst COVID-19</a>. Our page on <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=AA7489DF93514B54A39A15FE370B2A8D&amp;_z=z">how to become a Kitchen Assistant</a>&nbsp;will give you more suggestions and advice on how to change careers to the catering industry.</li>
<li><strong>Update your CV</strong> - Include all relevant experience and transferable skills from your Warehouse Operative jobs. Read our <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F90A5AF5FEE240F1BE9ADA203D8BC829&amp;_z=z">top 5 tips for CV writing</a>&nbsp;and use our <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F19D10D3455E40D2A299EA39DE10FFEB&amp;_z=z">tailored CV template</a>&nbsp;to get started.</li>
<li><strong>Find an apprenticeship </strong>- Apprenticeships are a good way to get started when making a career change, combining work and qualifications. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship">The gov.uk website</a>&nbsp;is a good place to start.</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Tips for overcoming challenges and progressing in your new career as a Catering Assistant</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>Familiarise yourself with the policies and requirements of the workplace &ndash; different kitchens will vary so be sure to know the rules.</li>
<li>Listen, watch and learn from the experienced Chefs.</li>
<li>Be prepared for criticism, but learn from it.</li>
<li>Have a positive attitude &ndash; keep a smile on your face whether it&rsquo;s a difficult customer or a stressed work colleague.</li>
<li>Find a catering job with hours that fit your personal life &ndash;if you have a family, then a job with fixed hours in a hospital, care home or school might be more suitable.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>The best way to learn about any prospective career change is to hear from someone who is experienced in the job themselves. <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0A06CDE3C9214B2E86D649716D3E08B0&amp;_z=z">Read What&rsquo;s it like to be a Catering Assistant?</a>&nbsp;to find out more from Blue Arrow employee, Kadir.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What are the future career prospects for a Catering Assistant?</h2>
<p>If you are thinking about how to change careers to become a Chef, then Catering Assistant jobs are a good way to get your first experience working in a commercial kitchen. Once you are sure that this is the right career change for you, then a Catering Assistant job can be a stepping stone to <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=A9C9FB45206E496EA6D1843832819BAA&amp;_z=z">becoming a Commis Chef</a>&nbsp;&ndash; the first big step onto the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=121B65CC31F44616B5686C048B74F292&amp;_z=z">Chef career ladder</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For the most up-to-date availability for Catering Assistant jobs, view our <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=EF3D945281314057ABD83EDF6EF2C42A&amp;_z=z">Hospitality and Catering jobs page</a>.</p>
<p>To continue in your Warehouse career, you can find the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=B2486CA4C55B47F899744D6B59E210D2&amp;_z=z">latest Warehouse Operative jobs here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Change careers from Warehouse to Catering

<p><span class="TextRun SCXW163444997" style="color: #222222;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW163444997">Are you a social butterfly? Do you post everything from your pets to your pizzas for all to see, admire and comment on?</span></span></p>
<p>I have to admit I am not a huge social user. I have the standard accounts of course, I am not a complete recluse, I just like to be selective in what I post. You see, I love photography, for me capturing a moment in time blends perfectly with writing, it is the best combo, like cookies and cream or rhubarb and custard, they just fit together.</p>
<p>My social accounts act as a sort of extension to my CV, they portray snippets into who I am and what is important to me, sort of like a highlights reel. The pictures that appear are the moments that make the cut, from the hundreds of photographs I take, these are the ones that are selected for a specific reason.</p>
<p>Let me give you an example, see the image at the top of this blog, let&rsquo;s use that for some context. I went on a day trip recently to visit Arundel Castle and spend some time with my family, exploring the grounds, watching the medieval shows and generally just goofing about.</p>
<p>Now, I took lots of photographs that day in search of what I felt was the perfect shot. I could have taken a pic of the guy sat near to me who was revealing a little too much &lsquo;rear cleavage&rsquo; with the caption &ldquo;cracking day&rdquo;! Or perhaps a questionable selfie with an unsuspecting statue in the rose garden but as much as I am sure they would raise a smile from some people in my friends list, I am not sure they convey the right sort of message for me.</p>
<p>Halfway through the day it started to pour with rain, huge fat goblets that soaked us through instantly, so we took shelter under a group of trees. As I looked up to make sure they would be a sufficient shelter for us to huddle under I saw the shot that I had been searching for all day. Naturally, I shoved my beloved family back out into the rain, so I could take the picture, straight up from where I stood. No filters, no cropping, just up.</p>
<p>This was the image that told a story from a different angle, not just another picture of the castle like you could buy in the gift shop, but an image that says the location is not important, if you just stop and take a moment to look at things from a different perspective there is so much to see, even in the rain.</p>
<p>Of all of the images I took that day, this is the one that made it on to my social account, it took time, consideration and patience to find the one I wanted but for me, it was worth the effort.&nbsp;Why? Well, whether I like it or not, privacy online is not a guarantee, what I put out there could be seen by anyone. This doesn&rsquo;t have to be a negative thing, thinking of it the other way, these are quite possibly the first impressions someone will have of me, and that person could end up being pretty influential in my career (yes I am an eternal optimist!).</p>
<p>I know many people would like to think that I am a little bit crazy to go to so much effort and perhaps a little paranoid but it would seem that I might just be on to something here.&nbsp; According to <a href="https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.thisismoney.co.uk</a>&nbsp;a recent survey showed that seven in ten potential employers use social media to nose on candidates before interviewing and hiring.&nbsp;Seven in ten! That is higher than I expected it to be, I was just thinking about someone influential stumbling across my feed, not actively seeking it out.</p>
<p>This brings into question how important it may be for people to be more careful with what they post on their social channels way ahead of them even considering a new job. What you post now will still be there next year, and in years to come, what is funny now may just be what loses you an opportunity later.</p>
<p>It's not just the image that you post, what about the comments you make, the group's you join and also the time of day that you post that hilarious workplace selfie.</p>
<p>A lapse in judgement when venting about your previous employer, a feed full of negativity and a gloating post about how you bent the truth to get the day off, can do just as much to put off a potential employer as a questionable photograph from a night out.</p>
<p>If your social accounts are your calling card, what do you think they say about you? Go ahead take the last five posts from your fave channel and gather them together. Do you feel they portray you? Are they an accurate representation of what you stand for, are interested in and where you want to go in life?</p>
<p>If a potential employer or a new work colleague was to add you as a friend, do you feel that they would get the right impression of you from your pic&rsquo;s?If you are just realising that your social accounts might not be your best representation, then let&rsquo;s get cracking on how to turn it around.Switching everything to private is always the first thought, if they can&rsquo;t see it then there is nothing to judge right! That was my first thought too but according to <a href="https://www.careerbuilder.com/?cbrecursioncnt=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Careerbuilder.com</a> fifty-seven percent of employers are less likely to call someone in if the candidate is a ghost online.</p>
<p>Conducting a self-social-audit is probably the better course of action. If you can do a thorough purge of unwanted posts and photos while adding in things that could benefit you, then you are more likely to be on the right track. Consistency is important so don&rsquo;t forget to update all of your profiles. Especially for all you LinkedIn users, make sure they are an accurate representation of what is shown on your CV, no grandstanding for the audience, keep it real and accurate.</p>
<p>Check your user names, @123lazygirl321, and @999letsdoshots999, may not give the impression that you would hope.</p>
<p>I know you can't live your life wondering if someone important is watching at all times, and perfection is not what we are going for here, but your social account does still have to be you but perhaps a genuine and yet 'censored' portrayal is more prudent.</p>
<p>If social is indeed the new covering letter, then make sure yours is a well-considered professional representation that contributes to and illustrates your CV.</p>

What does your social say about you?

<p>The workers who have many months and year&rsquo;s experience along with a solid all round knowledge of the industry and environment are the ones who are promoted, and the workers who have useful skills, especially licenses are the ones who are paid the higher hourly rates from the outset.&nbsp;</p>
<p>By taking the initiative and investing in your skills you place yourself into this elite group of individuals who are enjoying a higher pay rate and who are destined for promotion, so give yourself an edge over other workers and applicants and providing yourself with the very best opportunity to progress in your career with these 3 ways to upskill in your warehouse role.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Give Yourself a Lift</span></h2>
<p>As a warehouse operative one of the most useful and highly prized skills you can have is the ability to drive a counterbalance or reach forklift.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Being able to legally manoeuvre a forklift around a warehouse environment, moving stock in large batches between units and racking systems brings a pay bracket of between &pound;8.23ph to &pound;11.20ph (&pound;16,642 - &pound;25,204 per year) which is higher than the pay bracket for a standard warehouse operative role.&nbsp;It also increases your overtime opportunities as well as your chances of landing a sought-after positions with a new employer if you choose to move onto other opportunities.</p>
<p>A forklift course can cost from around &pound;300 and up to around &pound;800 depending on where you do your training and if you choose to do a reach or counterbalance license. Some training providers offer financial assistance and payment schemes so do shop around before selecting where to do your course. Also check with your employers first, they may have an internal scheme in place where you can qualify for free.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You should allow for approximately 5 days to complete the course, it may be wise to book annual leave for the duration of the course.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Computer Skills</span></h2>
<p>If you are looking to progress in your warehouse career as a team leader, supervisor, stock controller or in a managerial position you will be required to use computer programs to complete your day to day tasks. Being able to use programs such as Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets, Word for documents and Powerpoint for presentations will be essential so get ahead of the game and enrol on an IT skills course to ensure you have what it takes when the opportunity arises.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Vision2learn provides a range of fully funded, nationally accredited e-learning courses including a <a href="https://www.vision2learn.net/course/free/107/essential-it-skills-level-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills</a> so you can improve your own skills at your own pace, studying either at home or if you don&rsquo;t have access to a computer you can make the most of the computer facilities available at your local library.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">The Full Package</span></h2>
<p>Immersing yourself in the warehousing industry shows your commitment to building a long and rewarding career for yourself.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Studying a full <a href="https://www.cityandguilds.com/qualifications-and-apprenticeships/retail-and-warehousing/warehousingdistribution/1016-warehousing-and-storage#tab=information" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NVQ Qualification in Warehouse and Storage</a> will give you a broad understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to work and succeed in warehousing including operating equipment and safety at work, processing orders, team leadership and managing the receipt and dispatch of goods.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A qualification like this can lead to a variety of roles including supervisory positions, stock control, and management roles. There are three levels to the NVQ, you would enter at the level that best suits your current position.</p>
<ul>
<li>Level 1 is ideal if you are relatively new to your role in a warehouse and would like to secure some basic knowledge as well as a recognised qualification.</li>
<li>Level 2 is perfect for you if you have settled into your role and are looking to add some new skills, at this level you will be adding some machinery handling to your skillset and a recognised qualification.</li>
<li>Level 3 is for you if you are working as a team leader as this is where you build some skills in the areas of staff and systems management and optimisation. This, like the previous levels is a nationally recognised qualification.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

3 ways to upskill and boost your career and pay packet

<p>Since April 2017, companies with more than 250 employees have been legally required to publicly report their gender pay gap figures by the end of the financial year.</p>
<p>The gender pay gap can be defined as the difference between the median hourly earnings of men and of women and is not to be confused with equal pay. Unequal pay is when one person is paid less than another for doing the exact same work, this is discrimination and is illegal.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In May 2020 it was 50 years since equal pay became a legal requirement under the Equal Pay Act 1970.<sup>1</sup> Unequal pay does still happen, and it can be a component of the gender pay gap, however, it is not the main reason that men and women&rsquo;s average salaries can be different. An employer providing equal pay may still have a large gender pay gap and an employer with a small gender pay gap may still be breaking the law.</p>
<p>Gender pay gaps can be caused by a variety of factors including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Unusually and disproportionately high salaries.</li>
<li>Occupational segregation.</li>
<li>Balancing domestic and caring responsibilities.</li>
<li>Corporate culture.</li>
<li>Unconscious bias.</li>
<li>Discrimination.</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Gender Pay Gap UK - 2019 statistics</span></h3>
<p>In the early 1990s, average hourly wages were almost 30% lower for women than they were for men. Since then the gender pay gap has come down, but it remains at around 20%. When we look at a single year in isolation such as 2019, the issue is still very much apparent, with 78% of companies reporting a gap in favour of men.<sup>2</sup></p>
<ul>
<li>Overall gender pay gap: 20% in favour of men across all full-time, part-time, professional, public and private sectors.<sup>3</sup></li>
<li>Full-time work: Men earned an average of 8.9% more than women. The gender pay gap becomes especially significant when women reach their forties.<sup>4</sup></li>
<li>Part-time work: Women earned an average of 3.1% more than men.<sup>5</sup></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Gender Pay Gap Reporting</span></h3>
<p>Companies with more than 250 employees are legally required to report their gender pay gap figures by the end of the financial year. They also need to provide a written statement (signed by a senior employee) confirming that the calculations are accurate. This must also include a narrative of why a gender pay gap is present and what they intend to do to close it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>These annual reports must be published somewhere accessible on the company&rsquo;s own website and on a government website.</p>
<p>Companies must report their gender pay gap in terms of six figures including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Mean gender pay gap.</li>
<li>Median gender pay gap.</li>
<li>Mean bonus gender pay gap.</li>
<li>Median bonus gender pay gap.</li>
<li>Proportion of males and females receiving a bonus payment.</li>
<li>Proportion of males and females in each quartile band.</li>
</ul>
<p>The mean gender pay gap is an average calculation derived by adding up the wages of all male and female employees and dividing it by the number of employees. The difference between the mean figures for men and women is the pay gap.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The median gender pay gap is calculated by listing all male and female employees&rsquo; wages from highest to lowest and comparing the number that sits in the middle for each gender. The difference in salary between those two people is the pay gap figure.&nbsp;</p>
<p>None of these calculations account for age, previous experience or differences in job roles but the median gender pay gap is still viewed as the most representative calculation.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do we achieve fair pay?</span></h3>
<p>The World Economic Forum reported in December 2018 that it will take 202 years to close the gender pay gap. Since then updated figures show that it could in fact take 257 years to reach global gender parity.<sup>6</sup></p>
<p>No one wants to wait 257 years for the gender pay gap to close. In 2015 the, then Prime Minister, David Cameron clearly felt the same, pledging to &ldquo;end the gender pay gap in a generation&rdquo;.<sup>7</sup></p>
<p>The annual pay gap reporting requirement was designed to highlight discrepancies and create the pressure needed for change. While the introduction of the new living wage was set to make an immediate difference to those in low paid jobs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Despite these landmark changes pushing us in the right direction, there is still more to do.</p>
<p>Fast tracking our way to gender parity is in all of our interests. Before the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, estimates suggested that closing the gender pay gap in the UK would add &pound;600 million to additional annual GDP by 2025.<sup>8</sup> This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic there is no mandatory requirement to report gender pay gap data. As we emerge from the pandemic, organisations across the country are working towards offering remote and flexible working arrangements.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With so many changes to working practices and policies happening over the next few years, this could be the best opportunity we have to make changes that equally support both men and women, resulting in a positive and dramatic impact to the gender pay gap going forward.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What can you do if you feel you are being paid unfairly?</span></h3>
<p>If you believe that you are being paid unfairly you should feel confident in raising the matter with your employer. If you cannot then there are a number of independent resources available to you:</p>
<ul>
<li>Citizens Advice Bureau Adviceline (England): 03444 111 444.</li>
<li>ACAS: An impartial organisation that aims to help people solve problems at work. Helpline: 0300 123 1100.</li>
</ul>
<p>We have a range of tools to help you with your&nbsp;<a href="~/link.aspx?_id=D7C76031B3E94C70B2E04D94E8DE85D9&amp;_z=z">job search</a>, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=5677B0F6430F47C99A0CD3B6D0457003&amp;_z=z">click here to find out how to get a job with Blue Arrow</a>&nbsp;or <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=02B19F65EBFA43D3999381F4BEB2275E&amp;_z=z">click here to view our latest jobs</a>.</p>
<p><strong>References</strong></p>
<p>1 The National Archives. Legislation.gov.uk [Internet] May 1970 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1970/41/enacted&nbsp;</p>
<p>2 Parliament UK [Internet] August 2018 https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmbeis/928/92806.htm&nbsp;</p>
<p>3 Financial Times [Internet] September 2020 https://ig.ft.com/gender-pay-gap-UK/&nbsp;</p>
<p>4 Institute for Fiscal Studies [Internet] February 2018 https://www.ifs.org.uk/publications/10358</p>
<p>5 House of Commons [Internet] January 2020 https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/how-much-less-were-women-paid-in-2019/#:~:text=In%202019%20the%20gender%20pay,on%20a%20number%20of%20factors</p>
<p>6 World Economic Forum [Internet] December 2019&nbsp; https://www.weforum.org/reports/gender-gap-2020-report-100-years-pay-equality&nbsp;</p>
<p>7 HM Revenue and Customs [ Internet] July 2015 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-my-one-nation-government-will-close-the-gender-pay-gap&nbsp;</p>
<p>8 Government Equalities Office (GEO) and Deloitte (2016), &lsquo;Trailblazing transparency: Mending the gap&rsquo;. [Internet] February 2016&nbsp;https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/498743/Trailblazing_Transparency_-_Mending_the_Gap_report_Feb_2016.pdf</p>

The Gender Pay Gap

<p>If you&rsquo;ve worked in Warehouse Operative jobs for a while you might be starting to think about your future and possibly how to change careers. Here we explore how a change to a Call Centre Advisor job could be your first step into a new profession.</p>
<p>In our post <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/future-of-work---top-10-job-roles-of-the-future/">Future of Work - Top 10 Job Roles of the Future</a> we looked at which job sectors are set to grow over the next few years. Distinctly human skills such as listening, understanding and empathy cannot be replaced by a machine, making jobs that requires these skills future proof. A position in Customer Service as a Call Centre Advisor fits this profile perfectly. Whether or not you see this as a permanent career change, being a Call Centre Advisor can be a way to get into a new sector, start learning about the business and then work your way up.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the basic requirements for a Call Centre Advisor?</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>Good communication skills</li>
</ul>
<p>Do you like talking to people? Are you a good listener? Are you patient? Do you like helping people? If your answer is yes to all of these then working as a Call Centre Advisor could be a great career move for you.</p>
<p>We spoke to Stuart, who worked in a call centre environment and he told us,</p>
<p>&ldquo;Communication skills are the most important thing and the ability to read between the lines. It&rsquo;s also about the listening as well as talking and making sure that you&nbsp;actively listen, that&rsquo;s the key.</p>
<p>Some people will require you to be extremely patient, others may be chatty and friendly and then there will be those who are unhappy, frustrated or even angry. You need to adapt to whoever is on the other end of the line and treat each caller as an individual. Never expect the next person to be like the last&rdquo;.</p>
<ul>
<li>Basic computer skills and multi-tasking ability</li>
</ul>
<p>As a Call Centre Advisor, you need basic computer skills for data entry, emailing and reporting. In many cases you will need to do this while on the phone, but the person the other end of the line doesn&rsquo;t want long silences whilst listening to you clicking away. So multi-tasking is key, being able to keep talking while typing, still giving attention to detail and accurately recording the necessary information.</p>
<ul>
<li>Team player</li>
</ul>
<p>When you think of a call centre what do you see? A long lines of desks with people in headsets? As a Call Centre Advisor you need to be a good team player, to work alongside your colleagues every day, help each other when needed.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What transferable skills are there for a Warehouse Operative becoming a Call Centre Advisor?</span></h3>
<p>If you have always worked in a warehouse you might think you don&rsquo;t have the skills for working in a call centre, but many skills that a Warehouse Operative has are transferable to a call centre position, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Good Team player</li>
<li>Good communication skills</li>
<li>Organisational skills</li>
<li>Basic numeracy and writing skills</li>
<li>Data entry and computer knowledge</li>
<li>Ability to work under pressure</li>
</ul>
<p>As mentioned above being a good team player is important when working in a call centre. As a Warehouse Operative you work as part of a team, communicating with your co-workers and assisting each other to get the job done. This is an important attribute you can take with you when you change jobs.</p>
<p>In a warehouse job you are also responsible for organising your workload, prioritising your tasks to ensure you complete them correctly and on time. As a Call Centre Advisor there will also be certain expectations to meet, so it&rsquo;s important that you are able to take responsibility for your own work.</p>
<p>A warehouse can be a very busy place and you often have to work under pressure. Coping with pressure and dealing with the resulting frustration, both your own and that of your co-workers, are things you have to learn to handle. If you are proven to be able to deal with people patiently and calmly during stressful situations, this will help immensely with your move into a call centre job.</p>
<p>In a warehouse you need to be physically fit and on your feet for long periods. In a call centre it will be quite the opposite, as you will be sitting for hours. Both can be tiring in their own ways, so having the stamina to make it through your shift is important.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How can you overcome any experience gaps with this job change?</span></h3>
<p>In a warehouse job, you will likely have acquired some basic computer skills, but you may want to improve your computer literacy by getting an IT qualification. Visit your local library or check their online resources as some will offer basic courses, or they will have information about where you can find a suitable class in your area. Local colleges will also have a variety of IT courses to choose from.</p>
<p>Alternatively you might want to think about a specific qualification in customer service or as a Contact Centre Operator. <a href="https://www.cityandguilds.com/qualifications-and-apprenticeships/business-skills#fil=apprenticeship" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City &amp; Guilds </a> have lots of customer service related courses which will help you gain new skills or adapt your current ones to help you in your career change.</p>
<p>Lots of industries require people to work in call centres and some companies will provide their own complete training program. If you are lucky to find a job like this then the training will cover any gaps you may have from your transition.</p>
<p>As a Warehouse Operative, you may feel that you have not experienced working directly with the public. However, maybe you have to deal with delivery drivers or perhaps you have interactions with suppliers? Every day you talk with and work alongside your co-workers. In each instance, you have to adapt the way you speak and listen to people according to the situation, these are good communication skills to help you in your future career.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you get a job as a Call Centre Advisor?</span></h3>
<p>Jobs as Customer Service Advisors in a call centre are available all over the country, in businesses of varying sizes across many different sectors. Perhaps you could try a temporary position&nbsp;to begin with to get a feel for the job and see if this career change is right for you.</p>
<p>When interviewing for a Call Centre Advisor job you need to show that you have good verbal skills and are able to clearly communicate information. It&rsquo;s possible that as this is a call centre role, the initial interview may take place over the phone, so you need to consider your phone manner. As mentioned earlier, you need to &lsquo;actively listen&rsquo; which will help you create a conversation and show that you are fully engaged. If you can convey this in the interview then you are a good way there.</p>
<p>Be prepared with a few examples of situations where you&rsquo;ve had to deal with different personalities through your warehouse work or even life experiences. Transferable skills don&rsquo;t always come from your job, sometimes they are from other areas of your life, but you need to be able to explain that when going for the interview.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you overcome challenges and progress in your new career as a Call Centre Advisor?</span></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The challenges faced in a call centre can vary depending on the nature of the business you are working for as some sectors may present more difficult situations than others. We asked some Call Centre Advisors their tips for anyone wanting to move into this job role:</p>
<p>&ldquo;Know the product or service of your Company inside out, do your homework.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Remember, you are the face of the business that employs you and are likely the only contact the customer will have with that business.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;An 8 hour shift on the end of a phone can get really tiring and frustrating but you have to treat every call as important, so smile and be happy &ndash; a smile can still be &lsquo;heard&rsquo; over the phone.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Always say to yourself that you have done your best and it is not personal. Leave the job at work when you finish for the day.&rdquo;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the future career prospects for a Call Centre Advisor?</span></h3>
<p>As you begin your career change to work in a call centre, look for roles in an industry you would like to move into, such as finance or insurance. Starting in a call centre of any business will give you the opportunity to learn how that business works from the ground up.</p>
<p>To be a Customer Service Advisor you will need to know everything about the product or service the company provides. Eventually, if you put in the time and effort you will become the &lsquo;go-to&rsquo; person who knows all the answers and then you are ready to start thinking about the next step on your career ladder.</p>
<p>Being a Call Centre Advisor can be the stepping-stone to other careers within that sector, whether it&rsquo;s moving into administration or secretarial work, or perhaps HR or marketing. The people skills and knowledge you gain in Customer Service will be invaluable as you continue in your new futurefuture-proofr.</p>

How to change careers from a Warehouse Operative Job to a Call Centre Job?

<p>I spent some time with my nephews recently, 6-year-old twin boys who are just adorable by the way. They are clever, funny, polite and kind, everything you would want a young boy to be - a huge shout-out goes to their parents for doing an awesome job so far. High fives all round.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So, while they were visiting, I asked them, <strong>&ldquo;What do you want to be when you grow up?</strong>&rdquo;</p>
<p>I know it is a question that adults seem duty bound to ask any kids that they encounter but I was genuinely interested. I have teenage girls myself and we had recently spent quite a bit of time discussing the subject of careers while one was choosing a college and the other was choosing her year 10 options, so it was a hot topic in our house.</p>
<p>Previously when the girls were young I had posed this question at strategic points in their development, to gauge where they are at and what their interests seem to be outside of clothes and makeup.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My eldest since being very small had always responded with <strong>&ldquo;I want to work with children and babies&rdquo;</strong>, and my youngest had always said, <strong>&ldquo;I just want to be fabulous&rdquo;</strong>.</p>
<p>For me, <em>I want to be fabulous</em> was by far the very best answer. Maybe it wasn&rsquo;t particularly aspirational and did not really constitute a career but she was quite young and so it was nice to know that she was so far unburdened by a life beyond her immediate surroundings, aside from that, what a great outlook, being fabulous sounds perfect to me.</p>
<p>Anyway, back to the twins, in answer to my question, one had responded, <strong>&ldquo;I want to be John Cena&rdquo;</strong> (a wrestler) ok so that&rsquo;s cute - boys huh! The other had said in a very serious voice, <strong>&ldquo;I want to be a YouTuber&rdquo;</strong>. Wait, did he just say a YouTuber? since when was that a career option and when did it become an aspiration for a 6-year-old?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Forgive me for the stereotype but what happened to little boys wanting to be a fireman, police officer, or soldier? It&rsquo;s not that I am old-fashioned, I swear I would not have batted an eyelid if he had said he wanted to be an artist but a YouTuber did take me by surprise.</p>
<p>In this moment I did what any self-respecting adult would do, I smiled, nodded knowingly as if that was the best answer ever given and said<em> &ldquo;That&rsquo;s really nice&rdquo;</em> before setting out to do a little online research to find out which of us was crazy.</p>
<p>It would appear that despite my confusion this <strong>&ldquo;I want to be a YouTuber&rdquo;</strong> is actually a thing. A recent study of 1,000 children and young people aged 6 to 17 revealed that 75% of them actually gave, when asked, a career in online videos as the number 1 job they would most like to have with the rest saying blogger, musician, actor, and filmmaker respectively.</p>
<p>Perhaps I am old-fashioned after all, now I think about it I suppose I should have expected something like that. With most children now choosing to watch YouTube over TV, their exposure to the lifestyle of a YouTube influencer is having a huge effect on not only the prospects they feel are attainable but also their interests. Even my own kids were participants in this revolution to some degree.</p>
<p>What was really interesting to read was that many of the children in this study believed that the more important skills to learn at school in preparation for adulthood are actually video editing and computer programming over the more conventional maths and history. I can&rsquo;t see maths being dropped from the curriculum any time soon but is video editing going to one day replace woodwork as the new trade skills category? I hope not, that would be such a shame.</p>
<p>If, as the study suggests, the kids of today are looking towards a career either on or behind a screen and not one of them mentioned a career outside of those parameters, what does this mean for doctors, nurses, police, fire, rescue, armed forces, and social services? These are the roles that depend on real people working face-to-face, with human-to-human interaction, not behind a computer.</p>
<p>With university applications already declining on average 5% year-on-year, soon we will find ourselves in a social crisis with too few graduates preparing for roles that require this genuine human presence - what then? What options are going to be open to the six-year-olds of today when they find themselves leaving school? What kind of world are they going to be emerging into?&nbsp; Are we doing anything as a society to counteract this potential imbalance? Is there a plan in place, are we already making moves towards a solution? If so, what is it? I would love to hear from you guys on this one. Am I worrying unnecessarily or do you, like me, feel we are plummeting head-first down a rabbit hole into a bizarre wonderland of social influencers and robotic doctors?</p>

How to be a YouTuber?

<p>Do you think you have what it takes to work as a female lorry driver? Getting your HGV licence opens up an exciting career path that can see you travelling home and abroad, long distances and short, carrying a wide variety of goods.</p>
<p>Female HGV drivers have a whole lot to offer the driving industry but before you decide on a career as a HGV Driver, or any career for that matter, it is always a good idea to hear from the people already in the role and get a behind the scenes perspective. With this in mind we interviewed female lorry driver Jemma.</p>
<h3>Where do you currently work?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>I am not working very much right now as I am 6 months pregnant, but I was doing quite a bit of work previously.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How long have you been a Class 2 Driver?</h3>
<p>I have been a Class 2 Driver for a little over 2 years.</p>
<h3>Have you mainly been driving local or long distance?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>I have done a bit of both. The most I have ever had to stay out was 3 nights. I have tried to do lots of different things, so I have lots of experience and work options, this has meant that I have been driving quite a few different routes like Sheffield, Wakefield, Doncaster and as out as far as Manchester and Sunderland.</p>
<h3>What pushed you to become a driver?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>I was a teacher before, but I really wanted a new challenge. I enjoyed driving before and felt that I wanted to up my driving game, and I knew I had a lot to offer as a female truck driver.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Did you qualify through an employer or did you fund the course yourself?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>I paid for it myself. I started the process in January with the medical test and then I went on to do the theory test, I fully qualified in May. The whole thing was a little slower than I would have liked but I was qualifying while working in a teaching assistant role, so I was limited to doing the tests in the half terms.</p>
<h3>How do you cope with other drivers being careless or dangerous around you?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>It can be quite scary at first, you have to be really careful and watch everyone around you. People tend to jump in front of you when crossing the road, so you have to drive fully aware and predict what they will do. You need to be really careful when you are joining the motorway as you can't get your speed up as quickly as you can in a car.</p>
<h3>Spending so much time alone in a cab must be challenging, how do you keep your mind occupied?</h3>
<p>I have a good sing along to the radio, that keeps me entertained.</p>
<h3>How do you keep a healthy diet when you drive all day?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>I always make sure I take lunch with me. When you are working somewhere new you don't know if there are going to be facilities available, you could end up parked in a lay-by which is no fun if you don't have any food with you. I always make sure I have extra snacks in my bag along with lots of drink. Also, freezing a bottle of drink helps to keep everything else cold.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What do you keep in your truck drivers go bag?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Everything I need to be clean and comfortable. Wet wipes, hand gels and lip balms are essential, your skin can get really dried out with the heating or air conditioning in the cab.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How do you combat tiredness?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>You need to make sure you have enough time to get home, relax, eat and sleep. I ensure there&rsquo;s enough time to take care of myself. The key is to recognise this, keep in mind the shifts and any other commitments you have coming up, speak up and know what is good for your own health.</p>
<h3>What are the best bits about being a female lorry driver?</h3>
<p>I enjoy not having interaction with people constantly, I like my own company and being a truck driver is great for being on your own. You also get to see some interesting places.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What skills do you feel you have learned from your role as a truck driver?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>There are so many things to learn as a HGV Driver. Throwing ropes, strapping items for delivery down, vehicle checks, map reading, using your intuition and problem-solving are all skills you use a lot.</p>
<h3>Do you find there is still any stigma attached to female HGV drivers?</h3>
<p>I don't think there is quite as much as people think, it takes a few days to settle in like any job. When you show that you are just as good as anyone else you get accepted quite quickly.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What type of work are you hoping for next?</h3>
<p>I want to drive the shorter distances now, I also like a mix of driving and interacting with customers, not just the long haul shifts. Plus, having a new baby I think I might want to stay quite local for a while.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What would be your favourite type of truck to drive?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>I prefer to drive a manual truck over an automatic one just because you have a bit more control at junctions, but the make or model doesn&rsquo;t really matter to me.</p>
<h3>What advice would you give to someone choosing to start a driving career?</h3>
<p>When I was a new driver, I found it really helpful to have a driver&rsquo;s mate for the first few months until I got used to the size of the truck. It helps to have someone with you when you are learning to reverse and manoeuvre around in the real world outside of a training environment, it&rsquo;s just another set of eyes and some moral support. You won't always have a driver&rsquo;s mate with you, it depends on the type of driving job you are doing but a job with lots of hand balling of goods would be the type where you might have one, so look out for those kind of jobs in the early days.</p>
<h3>What is next in your driving career?</h3>
<p>If I stay on as a driver after the baby is born, I am looking to do the ADR, chemical transportation qualification, I was a science teacher so I should pass.... I hope.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Staying up to date with industry news and information and reading real life interviews like this is a great way to take control of your career.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/newslettersignup">Sign up to our driving community newsletter</a>&nbsp;to receive up to date, informative and helpful information straight into your mailbox.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/career-guides#TandLGuides">View our career guides</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs">browse and apply for driving opportunities here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe id="widget2" class="optanon-category-C0004 " title="Being a Female Truck Driver | Driving Jobs" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sFUgn3Oo1MI?enablejsapi=1" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-ot-ignore="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-11="true"></iframe></p>

Women in driving – Being a female truck driver

<p>Internet shopping is at an all-time high with shoppers in the UK embracing online buying with more enthusiasm than any other western nation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In February 2018 more than 16% of all retail sales were made online that is 1 in every 5 sales being made on a phone, tablet or computer.</p>
<p>This increase in online shopping has led to huge demand for warehouse space by retailers over the past 10 years. Retail fulfilment now accounts for 60% of all warehousing space in the UK.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The East Midlands is one region making the most of this demand, thanks to the location, goods that are shipping from the East Midlands can reach more than 90% of the population of England and Wales in just four hours making this area extremely attractive for retailers seeking fulfilment space.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Some of the biggest names in retail have already claimed their space; Marks and Spencer have a &pound;200m fulfilment centre at Castle Donnington while Disney, Asda and Tesco all also lay claim to some of the biggest warehouse spaces in Lutterworth and Daventry.</p>
<p>Let&rsquo;s not forget to mention the huge DHL Express operation in Derby that employs over 900 night staff to cope with the 190,000 packages that need to be processed each evening.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;"> What does this mean for you? </span> &nbsp;</h2>
<p>This un-precedented boom in warehouse opportunities is a welcome relief as we start to notice the decline in the availability of high street stores and jobs. Warehousing now provides more jobs in a concentrated area then high street stores ever have, opening up opportunities for job seekers and career ladder climbers throughout the UK.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">How can you make the most of this? </span>&nbsp;</h2>
<p>We know that when it comes to maximising your opportunities and building a career in the supply and logistics industry, experience is everything and what better way to bolster your CV then by opting for a strategic move to a fulfilment centre that can provide new challenges and additional work experience.</p>
<p>Finding out that a development is underway near you could be the push you need to expand your horizons and make a move to a warehouse employer who is not only paying more but who can also provide a different insight into the industry or allow you to develop an additional skill set. For example, does your current position focus mainly on ambient stock? If so, then moving to a warehouse that utilises temperature controlled environments could provide a great opportunity to build on your knowledge and experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Staying ahead of changes in your industry and getting an early insight into some of the big opportunities coming to an area near you gives you the chance to get an early application in ahead of other candidates and provides you with the ability to take control of your career and steer it in the direction of your choice.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While you are waiting for the next big opportunity near you to be announced you don&rsquo;t have to be idle.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Make sure you are ready to leap into action right away by working on these 6 things: </span></h2>
<ul>
<li>Follow emerging stories on websites such as <a href="www.ukwa.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.ukwa.org.uk</a> and <a href="www.warehousenews.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.warehousenews.com</a> to keep you up to date with industry changes and new developments that may be happening such as the giant industrial complex coming to Leicestershire that will house Amazon, Shop Direct, XPO Logistics and Nestle` creating more than 7,000 new jobs in April this year.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Visit the career pages of the companies set to take on the warehousing space and watch out for the career opportunities being released so you can be one of the first to get an application in. You can also search for the most recent warehouse roles available at Blue Arrow <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/warehouse-jobs#Warehouse Jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Compile a list of transferrable skills that you have gained throughout your working life such as, communication, team work, self motivation, leadership, machine handling, and industry knowledge plus dig out evidence of any licenses or certificates that you have gained.</li>
<li>Use these skills as keywords when you are updating your CV to reflect your work experience and most recent accomplishments. Find out how to write the best CV <a href="LINK https:/www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/how-to-write-the-best-cv" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Work on your personal statement to affirm who you strive to be, to detail what you would like to achieve, or perhaps even what you have learned from your past endeavours and how you will use it to inform your future. Find out more about making a personal statement unique <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/personal-statement" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li>
<li>Consider applying for a higher position. Take a look at the other roles that are available in a warehouse and find out if you have what it takes to take a <a href="http://https//www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/warehouse-jobs/warehouse-career-prospects" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">step up</a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

6 ways to be prepared for your next big warehouse career move

<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Did you know that your license is not transferable&nbsp;between machines?</span>&nbsp;</h2>
<p>While many of the forklift truck driving skills and experiences you have picked up so far will be useful for different truck types, each one does have its own operational requirements that you need to know in order to operate the machinery safely. This means that you need to undergo training and certification for each different type of forklift truck that you use, you can&rsquo;t simply switch from one type of truck to another.</p>
<p>If you need to start using a different type of truck than you are used to, you will need to undergo a conversion training course to get the right license.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The most common forklift trucks used in warehouses are&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Counterbalance forklift</strong></p>
<p>Extremely popular in many different types of environments including warehouses and storage depots. Has a reach of up to 20 feet and has a counterweight to balance the load on the fork arms. The fork arms and load project out from the front of the machine. Loads can be raised or lowered vertically, and the mast may be tilted forwards or backwards up to 15&deg;.</p>
<p><strong>Reach Truck</strong></p>
<p>These trucks are used mostly in warehouses and where space is quite restricted. They are called Reach trucks because the mast is moved forwards or reached out to pick up the load. For travelling, the load is reached back and carried within the wheelbase which allows greater manoeuvrability. A height of 40 feet can be reached from this type of forklift.</p>
<p><strong>Pedestrian Controlled Lift Truck</strong></p>
<p>This has a limited lift height, usually not greater than two metres. It may be electrically or manually powered for lifting and for traction. The operator walks with the machine and controls it with a handle. These are usually used in warehouse environments for shifting stock on pallets.</p>
<p>A conversion course will usually last a day and costs between &pound;100 and &pound;200 depending on your training provider.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Choose the right training provider for you</span></h2>
<p>It is important to make sure that your chosen training provider is accredited or part of a quality assurance scheme, this will ensure that you get a qualified and experienced instructor, are taught the correct information and that your qualification will be recognised and accepted by employers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is not mandatory for training organisations to be part of an accreditation body or other quality assured scheme, but these schemes are intended to help set and maintain professional training standards and help employers and candidates select a training provider who offers a good standard of training.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The accreditation bodies for forklift training are:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="www.rtitb.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB)</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="www.itssar.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR)</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="www.constructionskills.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Construction Industry Training Board, (CITB)</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="www.aitt.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT)</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="www.lantra-awards.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lantra National Training Organisation Ltd</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="www.npors.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS)</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>When you are looking for a training course, any of these bodies would be able to provide you with a list of accredited training providers so you can be sure you are contacting a reputable company.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Understand the course content and expected outcomes</span></h2>
<p>A typical Counterbalance/Reach conversion course will cover the following content:</p>
<ul>
<li>Introduction to course</li>
<li>Introduction to the fork truck, controls and instruments</li>
<li>Starting, moving, steering and stopping the fork truck</li>
<li>Steering</li>
<li>Hydraulic System</li>
<li>Pre-shift Inspection</li>
<li>Battery Care / Refuelling Procedures</li>
<li>Weight Assessment</li>
<li>Handling unladen and laden pallets</li>
<li>Driving on / off Ramps</li>
<li>Vehicle Loading and Unloading</li>
<li>Fork Truck Stability</li>
<li>Operators Safety Code</li>
<li>Testing</li>
<li>Course Closure</li>
</ul>
<p>At the end of your course you should receive your certificate of completion and your license.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can never have too many qualifications so branching out and investing in your skills is an excellent way to steer your career, maximise your skills and set yourself up for success when you are looking for a new <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/warehouse-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">warehouse forklift truck driving job</a>.</p>

How to make the most of your forklift truck driving experience and license?

<p>Everyone in the UK will know the Co-op. Whether it&rsquo;s your local convenience store where you can pop for a pint of milk and a loaf of bread or a larger mid-sized store for your weekly shop, a Co-op can be found in most towns across the country. With such wide-spread reach and as the UK&rsquo;s fifth biggest food retailer, warehouse jobs with Co-op are a good choice for pursuing warehouse careers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Co-op has been a part of British culture for over 175 years, developing over the decades into a nationwide network of distribution centres and local stores. Co-op is a different kind of business owned by its millions of members, who are ordinary UK consumers just like you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Co-op has also been something of a pioneer in many global causes such as Fairtrade, the outlaw of animal testing on household products and they were one of the first to ban the use of common pesticides on fresh produce.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read our Featured Employer page to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b9448104B-E6B2-4BCB-BC64-B3682B467CDF%7d%40en">learn more about the Co-op culture</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why is Co-op a good choice for warehouse careers?</h2>
<p>The recent COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in demand for warehouse space and warehouse staff to keep up the supply of essential food and home products to stores across the UK. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/jobs-outlook-for-warehouse-careers">availability of warehouse jobs</a>&nbsp;is expected to continue increasing, especially for those with experience in Warehouse Operative jobs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Committed to a good work ethic, Co-op is an ideal place to begin in warehouse work. There is often a community feel among Co-op employees and many people who start out in temporary warehouse jobs move into permanent roles to continue in their warehouse careers. Being community orientated, Co-op continues with this same principle for their employees. They have a diverse and inclusive work environment, employing people of all ages and from all backgrounds. The result is a mix of people encompassing a range of skills and abilities representative of the local communities they work and live in.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The working conditions at Co-op mean flexible shifts that can work around your other commitments and the competitive pay rates and other benefits make Co-op an enticing choice for many.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Co-op, warehouse staff have opportunities to learn and grow. While some experience in Warehouse Operative jobs may be preferred, if you lack specific skills, such as using necessary equipment like a LLOP (Low Level Order Picker), you will receive full training so you are fully prepared for the role.</p>
<p>Find out more about whether Co-op might be a good fit for you and, likewise, if you are a good fit for Co-op&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7bF88C45A8-6B6A-4398-8DF8-53770E9B92A7%7d%40en">by reading our working with Co-op page</a>.</p>
<h3>What do warehouse jobs at Co-op involve?</h3>
<p>For any food retailer, warehouses are an extremely important part of the supply chain to ensure the distribution of products to the stores across the country. Even if you are new to working in this environment, Warehouse Operative jobs can utilise skills you have acquired from other work settings. If you are self-motivated and a good team player, well organised and willing to learn, then a warehouse job could be a good fit for you.</p>
<p>Working in a warehouse will require a degree of physical labour so you will need to be fit to work in a fast-paced environment where some stacking, lifting and packing is all part of the job.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Co-op you also get to use some of the most recent innovations in technology. Headsets are used by Warehouse Operatives to receive their instructions and update their daily tasks through voice recognition software. This helps increase productivity, still requiring humans to do the job, but keeping their hands free to pick, pack and meet their targets.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more details on what Warehouse Operative jobs involve at Co-op,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b55B4BC63-988B-48BA-951D-65E01D0CD3D0%7d%40en">read our warehouse job description</a>.</p>
<h3>Safety &amp; wellbeing for warehouse jobs at Co-op</h3>
<p>Over the past few months we have all had to make changes in our day-to-day lives to comply with government advice regarding COVID-19. The pandemic has also been responsible for increased health and safety measures in the warehouse work environment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Co-op many new measures have been put in place to meet requirements and to ensure their warehouses are as safe as possible for their employees. This includes things such as one-way systems, use of screens and extra provision of hand sanitiser. Our blog&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/the-new-normal-for-warehouse-jobs">What does the new normal look like for warehouse jobs?</a>&nbsp;includes more about how working practices have changed at the Newhouse Co-op depot.</p>
<h3>Locations for warehouse jobs with Co-op</h3>
<p>Blue Arrow has placed many candidates seeking warehouse careers in temporary roles with Co-op. Each year there is an increased availability of warehouse jobs during the peak volume periods of summer and Christmas, but there are also other times of the year when more staff are needed. This was seen during the COVID-19 lockdown when temporary warehouse jobs became available to cover permanent staff unable to work due to either illness, self-isolating or shielding.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Warehouse Operative jobs with Co-op will be in one of their 12 distribution centres. These are spread out across the UK and act as hubs for the storing and distribution of products to their more than 2,600 stores. There is a Co-op depot as far south as Plymouth and as far north as Inverness, as well as one in Northern Ireland.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7bF6F02034-EAD1-4C2C-BA1E-C8AC4C672411%7d%40en">Our Co-op locations</a>&nbsp;page gives more information about the various depots or you can look at the list below to find a Co-op distribution centre near you:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b0ADA5C3B-A9EF-49A8-91B7-33CC2AAF375C%7d%40en">Andover</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7bB6F30672-0B49-4E49-99E9-F932D68CB05D%7d%40en">Avonmouth</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7bF0D5C8EA-DF12-4138-9FFD-9EF1A8BC4847%7d%40en">Birtley</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b141FE5DA-9F7C-490D-8FF0-954AC1710B2E%7d%40en">Cardinal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b3B49253B-0165-4EA0-998D-43D502EAEF2D%7d%40en">Carrickfergus</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b54ADA7DB-09B7-4BBD-B50F-694835CEAD2C%7d%40en">Castlewood</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b4063AB9E-8ECE-4E62-9B00-CD04F5E03D09%7d%40en">Coventry</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b6111F911-8E6F-4ABD-82ED-24228C25179E%7d%40en">Dalcross</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b3FD37712-2C5A-4DB1-94BD-A8CF4C2E4CF7%7d%40en">Lea Green</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b73F51F66-8569-47D2-89B8-99B7770BFDF4%7d%40en">Newhouse</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b931B88C3-027B-4397-A02B-1ADE4CA9B8EE%7d%40en">Plymouth</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b1DB900B5-46BB-4239-8855-1CA9D2311768%7d%40en">Thurrock</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Warehouse careers with Co-op</h3>
<p>Over the years Blue Arrow has worked hard to successfully place temporary staff into roles within Co-op&rsquo;s 11 regional distribution centres and its national distribution centre and we often have opportunities for temporary Warehouse Operative jobs at Co-op. Although starting out as a temporary position, if you put in the work and commitment, these roles can often turn into long-term warehouse jobs. In some cases there is the possibility of a permanent role, so starting out in Co-op is ideal for anyone looking to advance in warehouse careers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visit our Working with Co-op page for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/featured-employers/working-with-co-op#Co-op">the latest Co-op jobs</a>.</p>
<p>If working at Co-op sounds like a job you would enjoy,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b131A7068-C62F-4E9B-9C75-FE02DA1D18B5%7d%40en">this testimonial</a>&nbsp;from one of our candidates is a great read to find out what working as a Warehouse Operative is really like.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To always receive our latest updates and new job information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/newslettersignup">subscribe to our monthly newsletter</a>.</p>

Warehouse Careers: Co-op Jobs near me

<p>Due to the closure of non-essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns, it soon became clear that warehouse staff were among our key workers, enabling those of us stuck at home to order a myriad of goods online, including food, medicines, clothes, toys, and DIY materials.</p>
<p>Without warehouse operatives, to pick, pack, ship and stack our purchases, a lot of UK households would have had to do without during 2020/21.</p>
<h3><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;">Trends we're seeing in the Warehouse sector</span></h3>
<p>Many businesses are thriving in the Warehouse industry, with online goods still making up a third (30.2%) of overall retail spending in 2021<sup>1</sup>, that&rsquo;s 11% more than the pre-<span style="color: black;">pandemic era. This increase means that </span>Warehouse staff are still key to the picking and packing process for goods such as food deliveries and other essential items, especially for those who are self-isolating.</p>
<p>The COVID-19 pandemic not only increased the amount of stock flowing through warehouses in 2020/21, but it also brought about changes to the health and safety standards, with new cleaning routines, the introduction of one-way systems, compulsory mask wearing, and improved ventilation. There was also a need to create staggered shifts and break times to reduce the amount of contact between workers, and flexible working patterns to accommodate the number of staff needed to cover the ecommerce boom.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A report commissioned by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA)<sup>2</sup> found a 32% increase in the number of warehousing units over the past six years, with the demand for units of more than 1 million square feet increasing by a staggering 242%. This report also estimates that for every extra &pound;1 billion spent online, a further 775,000 square feet of warehouse space is needed.</p>
<p>This level of expansion has led to industry experts warning that the UK could run out of warehouse space by the end of 2022. This in turn has resulted in a new wave of developments to match demand, with an estimated 12 million square foot of new warehouse units in the pipeline.</p>
<p>The critical shortage of storage space, in addition to labour shortages in the Warehouse industry and a backlog at UK container ports due to the lack of lorry drivers, could result in delays to orders being filled, less availability of goods and higher prices.</p>
<p>The labour shortage in this industry is due in-part to Brexit, resulting in many EU migrants unable to continue working in the UK. Unable to fill their vacancies, some distribution companies are offering up to a 30% increase in rates of pay and signing bonuses of &pound;3,000.</p>
<p>The need to reduce the impact of climate change is influencing the trend for environmental reductions within the Warehouse sector. Changes are being introduced to lower carbon emissions across the warehousing and distribution industry, with companies investing in green technology, renewable power sources, hybrid and electric delivery vans, and LED lighting. The pressure to be carbon-neutral and the increase in consumer demand in this sector are driving many technological advances.</p>
<p>An increase of automation and the use of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is predicted to continue in 2021. The implementation of automated conveyers, sorting systems, transport management systems, automatic stacking using palletisers, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will become more prevalent in warehouses. This, linked together with the supply chain process will increase the automatization of order picking and inventory tracking.</p>
<h3><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;">How these trends are impacting Warehouse workers and jobs</span></h3>
<p>These trends and developments are impacting workers and Warehouse jobs across the UK.</p>
<p>With warehouses expanding in size, and online retailers expecting the ecommerce boom to continue, there are tens of thousands of workers needed all over the country, particularly in areas where there is a high density of warehouse and distribution centres, such as Northampton and Milton Keynes.</p>
<p>The types of roles you can apply for with Blue Arrow include Warehouse Operatives and Supervisors to cover various shift patterns, including night shifts and seasonal workers. Warehouse Cleaners to manage the new cleanliness routines, along with Logistic Assistants and Parcel Sorters.</p>
<p>The &lsquo;Golden Triangle&rsquo;, a centralised area between Northamptonshire, Tamworth, and Nottingham with access to all the major motorways and ports, and with most of the UK&rsquo;s population living within a four-hour drive, is viewed as the optimum location for distribution warehouses. However, this area is seeing enormous rent hikes, diminished land availability and an increasingly restricted labour pool. As a result, distribution companies are considering lower cost non-prime locations in Yorkshire and the North East. This de-centralisation of warehouse locations could be good news for job seekers in those areas.</p>
<p>The term &ldquo;industry 4.0&rdquo; refers to the fourth industrial revolution that is predicted to have a transformative impact on the future of the supply chain. The hope is that by creating &ldquo;smart&rdquo; warehouses that harness the latest in technological advancements, such as drones, robots, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), low-cost sensors, computer vision, and the ability to capture and process huge amounts of data, will automate the distribution process even further.</p>
<p>The past 25 years have seen significant improvements to the internet and transport infrastructure on a global scale. As a result, world trade is growing at twice the rate of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with developing countries doubling their share of exports to over 40%. Globalisation on this scale will significantly impact supply chain management the world over, hopefully resulting in many more warehousing and distribution jobs throughout the UK.</p>
<p>The global increase in ecommerce, has impacted the amount of distribution companies looking to recruit new warehouse workers. With increased rates of pay and signing bonuses of up to &pound;3,000, 2022 could be the perfect time to seek a <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehousejobs/">Warehouse job</a>.</p>

Sector in focus Warehouse jobs

<p>At the beginning of 2020 we wrote a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/future-of-work---top-10-job-roles-of-the-future">blog about the Future of Work</a>, which looked at the long term prospect of jobs and the best future proof careers.&nbsp;As a Warehouse Operative you will have already acquired skills and experience that can help you transition into a variety of new careers&nbsp; and here we are going to consider a job change to become an Administrator.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is an Administrator?</h3>
<p>An Administrator is a vital part of any business, helping to keep things running smoothly. An Administrator job will involve a variety of tasks including taking and making phone calls, data input, compiling and creating reports, managing diaries, sorting post, filing, even bookkeeping&hellip; The list can be endless depending on the industry and the size of the company, which is what makes a job in administration an exciting new prospect.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/working-as-an-administrator">Read our interview &lsquo;What working as an Administrator has taught me&rsquo;</a>&nbsp;to learn what the job is like from someone who is already in the role.</p>
<h3>Where can an Administrator work?</h3>
<p>Essential daily, weekly and monthly tasks are necessary in the running of all businesses and organisations and most will require a specific member of staff to take on that work. So Administrator jobs could be in almost any sector you can think of &ndash; healthcare, retail, finance, law, charities. Even places like art galleries, museums and zoos will need someone to take on an administrative role.</p>
<p>An Administrator job can be in a small business where you are responsible for running the entire office and will need to take on all admin tasks.&nbsp; Or you could work in a larger business where you are the Admin Assistant in a specific department; you may be solely responsible for that division or part of an admin team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What skills do I need to have for an Administrator job?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Organisation</li>
<li>Communication</li>
<li>Computer competency</li>
<li>Time Management</li>
<li>Ability to work well within a team</li>
</ul>
<p>One of the key attributes for an Administrator is to be well organised. You need to be responsible for organising your time and your workload.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Both written and spoken communication skills are important for corresponding with customers and clients, so good English will be necessary for an Administrator job. Good numeracy skills are also needed as you will likely have data entry tasks to complete.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Computers will form a central part of your job so you will need to be comfortable with finding your way around the keyboard and with basic word processing and spreadsheet programs such as Word and Excel.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In an Administrator job you will be expected to have good time management skills. Your boss will expect work to be completed efficiently and on time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you work for a small business or large organisation, you will be an important part of a team, working together to keep the business running.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What if I have no experience?</h3>
<p>If you have been in Warehouse Operative job roles, you may not be used to having a desk-based job, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you have zero experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Consider these questions:</p>
<ul>
<li>Are you responsible for planning your daily workload?</li>
<li>Do you have specific tasks to complete each day?</li>
<li>Do you have to email colleagues and/or clients?</li>
<li>Do you to need to speak to customers on the phone?</li>
<li>Are you required to enter data, update stock sheets and manage inventory?</li>
<li>Can you work efficiently?</li>
<li>Are you a good team player?</li>
</ul>
<p>Many Administrator jobs are entry level positions, so employers are not necessarily looking for prior experience as an Administrator. Being able to answer &lsquo;yes&rsquo; to the questions above means you have transferable skills which can put you in a good position for making this career change.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How do I get an Administrator Job?</h3>
<p>A good way to gain experience in an admin role is to take on temporary assignments.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/our-branches/office-specialists">Contact your local Blue Arrow office</a>&nbsp;to find out how we can help and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=admin">what jobs might be available in your area</a>. When you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/officejobs/admin-jobs">apply for an Administrator job</a>&nbsp;be sure to include all relevant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator">experience on your CV</a>.</p>
<p>Consider those transferable skills from your Warehouse Operative job because they are all important in showing where your competency lies. Equally, when you go to the job interview be ready with examples of things you have done and situations you have dealt with. These don&rsquo;t always have to be work-related so long as they are in some way relevant to the Administrator job you are applying for.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To begin as an Admin Assistant there are no specific qualifications required, although most employers will expect you to have GCSE English and Maths. If you need to get these, you can&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">find a course through the National Careers Service</a>&nbsp;or enquire at your local college.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you need to brush up on your computer or typing skills&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/local-library-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">your local library&rsquo;s online portal</a>&nbsp;or College can help with information about basic courses in word processing, Excel, and email systems.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Individual businesses may require you to use their own internal systems or specific programs for certain tasks. They will not necessarily expect you to know how to use these before you begin the job, but if you can show that you are competent in using a computer and are able to take on new challenges then they will train you to use the systems and software needed to fulfil the job role.</p>
<h3>What are the future career prospects for an Administrator?</h3>
<p>Starting out as an Administrator can be an exciting job change and the beginning of a new career. The range of business sectors you can go into mean there is scope for a wide variety of work whether you stay in an admin role or use this as a stepping-stone to move on to a different job role within the sector of the business you work for.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you stay in Administration or want to further your career in business there are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cityandguilds.com/qualifications-and-apprenticeships/business-skills#fil=uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a range of NVQs</a>&nbsp;you can work towards which cover various aspects of business and admin. You might also want to consider an apprenticeship so you can study for a qualification while still working and earning. Our post &lsquo;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/national-apprenticeship-week_why-do-an-apprenticeship">Why do an Apprenticeship?</a>&rsquo; explains more about how modern apprenticeships work.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Making a career change to an Administrator job can lead to many different opportunities. Within administration you could go on to become a Secretary or even Personal Assistant to the boss. With experience under your belt, you can even consider starting your own business as a Virtual Assistant working from home.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As an Administrator you get to know a lot about the company and the business you work for which puts you in a good position to learn about other job roles within the industry that you could consider transitioning into. For example, if you are an Administrator in an IT company, you may find that IT is where your real interest and expertise lies &ndash; it may require some additional study and training, but being in the company already will put you in a good position to make that job change</p>
<p>At Blue Arrow we support many thousands of organisations by finding the best available staff to join their successful talent communities. This includes finding people with the right skills to work for a considerable number of sought-after employers, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/featured-employers">household brand names</a>.</p>
<p>When thinking about how to change careers take the time to really consider your options. To learn more about how to become an Administrator read our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-an-administrator">Career Guide</a>.</p>
<p>For other new career ideas, see some of our posts where we have looked at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/how-to-change-careers-from-a-warehouse-operative-job-to-a-call-centre-job">how to change careers from a Warehouse Operative job to a Call Centre Advisor</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/how-to-change-careers-from-a-warehouse-operative-job-to-a-barista-job">a Barista</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/change-careers-to-a-receptionist-job">a Receptionist</a>.</p>

How to change careers from a Warehouse Operative Job to an Administrator Job?

<p>Driving careers have always been an excellent long-term career choice, 2.5 million people of all ages and from all walks of life enjoy long and rewarding careers in the logistics industry,&nbsp;many getting started with apprenticeships.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>There is always a high number of driving job opportunities but with the unprecedented events of 2020 combining with the downturn in EU HGV driver numbers, due to Brexit and an ageing workforce, HGV driver employers are in need of new drivers more than ever before.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Is HGV Driving a good career choice?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you are looking for a career that you can build upon, has lots of scope for specialisation and gaining experience then driving careers are a great choice.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As a newly qualified HGV/LGV Driver with a category C1 Licence you can expect to earn a basic salary of &pound;18,000 rising to &pound;24,000 when you gain experience and start earning overtime and night working bonuses. Taking a step up in the qualification, a C+E Driver can expect to earn around &pound;28,000 per year on a standard salary. Experience can play a big role in your earning potential as can your accident record and the amount of points on your licence. Click <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs/driving-jobs-uk-and-pay/">here</a>&nbsp;for the most up-to-date salary information for HGV Drivers.</p>
<h2>Is there a high demand for HGV Drivers?</h2>
<p>The UK's logistics, haulage and distribution network was a heavily relied upon industry throughout the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and rose to the challenge in spectacular fashion.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The sudden rise in pressure to keep the wheels turning and deliver essential goods to stores took us all by surprise as national lockdown plans began to take shape and shortages of goods started to become apparent in stores across the country. Despite the potential for delivery networks to grind to a halt and for chaos to ensue, the UK's driving community instead took to the roads and kept goods on the move, proving once again that this is an industry that can be relied upon no matter what.</p>
<p>Prior to the pandemic, the UK was already experiencing a national shortage of HGV drivers. This was in part due to a decline in the number of EU Drivers being employed by UK companies in the wake of the Brexit vote, but also due to the number of experienced career drivers retiring every year compared to the number of new drivers entering the industry.<sup>1&nbsp;</sup>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Generally, driving careers are long-term thanks to the reliable, enjoyable nature of the work, the competitive pay and the ongoing investment that HGV drivers, and HGV Drivers employers make into qualifications, skills and experience. Experienced drivers don't tend to change careers very often, naturally this means that the average age of a HGV Driver in the UK is over 55. With 33% of the national driving workforce therefore expected to retire in the not too distant future and declining numbers of new drivers entering the industry, we could be looking at a driver shortfall of over 59,000<sup>2</sup>&nbsp; in a very short space of time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>An urgent call for skilled, experienced and qualified drivers saw the driving community numbers bolstered throughout the lockdown period but even after this influx of drivers, there is still an ongoing urgent need for people to choose a driving career.</p>
<p>Emerging reports forecasting these further declining driver numbers has got the attention HGV driver employers across the country and many are looking to start their post lockdown business development plans with a focus on talent attraction and acquisition.</p>
<h2>How much does it cost to train as a HGV Driver?</h2>
<p>For the rest of us, moving forwards from the uncharted territory of a country in lockdown, means embarking on a fresh career in a whole new industry. Seeing the logistics industry keep the country in motion as well as ongoing calls in the media for new drivers to fill job vacancies, many people have decided that driving careers are the way ahead. However, with the ongoing costs involved in maintaining a licence, many would be HGV Drivers are finding that the initial investment is a very real barrier to entering the industry.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Without support schemes, training subsidies, apprenticeships and government grants, driving job vacancies, despite their popularity could remain unfilled for a long time to come unless we can not only encourage new, younger drivers into the industry but also to make it possible for them to do so.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Logistics UK (FTA) are in agreement and are actively campaigning for better careers provisions within schools and for <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/key-facts-you-should-know-about-the-apprenticeship-levy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Apprenticeship Levy</a>&nbsp;that came into force in 2017 to become a Skills Levy. If successful, this would see the Skills Levy funding all quality vocational training and schemes becoming accessible for more people to upskill, including part-time workers and the self-employed. The campaign is ongoing but you can <a href="https://logistics.org.uk/campaigns/the-workforce-logistics-needs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">keep up-to-date with their progress here</a>.</p>
<p>In the meantime, UK logistics firms have not been idle, the industry as a whole is very aware of the need to encourage young new, enthusiastic drivers into driving roles while breaking down the financial barriers to entry, it is exciting to see the number of apprenticeships on offer with some of the biggest names in the industry, steadily rising.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What HGV Apprenticeships are there?</h2>
<p>Top 6 big household brand apprenticeships:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/apprentice/our-apprentice-programmes/drivers-apprentices/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aldi</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cemex.co.uk/apprenticeships" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CEMEX</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.hovis.co.uk/apprenticeships" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HOVIS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.veolia.co.uk/careers/apprenticeship-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Veolia</a></li>
</ul>
<p>A list of current HGV apprenticeships can be found on <a href="https://centreforapprenticeships.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Centre for Apprenticeships website</a>.</p>
<p>To view more details on driving licences and the career path you could pursue,<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs/"> click here</a>.</p>
<h2>Can I train as a HGV Driver for free?</h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re unemployed and looking to get back into work, then the Jobcentre could also help you to get your training funded through a return to work scheme. Your first step is to <a href="https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">find your local Jobcentre</a>&nbsp;and speak with an advisor who can let you know if any schemes are available in your area. Alternatively, you could try to source funding towards your training from the government under the Career Development Scheme. You should contact the National Career Service on 0800 100 900 Monday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm for more information.</p>
<p>There is also a search function on <a href="https://trainingmentor.co.uk/transport-training/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Training Mentor</a>&nbsp;website that will help you to find a list of training providers near you.</p>
<h2>How do I get started on a driving career?</h2>
<p>For details on how to get your LGV licence check out the following links:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs/?keywords=7.5+Tonne+Driver">How to become a LGV Cat C1 Driver</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs/?keywords=LGV+Category+C+Driver">How to become a LGV Cat C Driver</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs/?keywords=Class+1+Driver+">How to become a LGV Cat C+E Driver</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>References&nbsp;</strong><br>1 Logistics UK. https://logistics.org.uk/media/press-releases/2019/october-2019/hgv-driver-shortage-climbs-to-59-000 [Internet] October 2019<br>2 CTS Logistics. https://www.cts-logistics.co.uk/earn-as-you-learn-driver-academy-delivers-a-solution-to-the-national-hgv-driver-shortage/ [Internet] January 2020</p>

Apprenticeship opportunities

<p>Training for a cooking career can be expensive, especially if you follow the traditional routes of College, University and Culinary School but if you know where to look, there are a host of free online Chef training resources for you to explore that could be an excellent alternative or additional learning system to help you go the extra mile and enhance your skills.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you are just starting out as a Chef, progressing your cooking career or trying your hand at a new culinary skill, the most important thing is gaining the knowledge, skills, tips and advice from others in the industry to help you succeed. But when the kitchens are so busy and service is all consuming it can be difficult to find the time to improve your skills or just try out a new recipe. The answer is to use as many free online Chef resources as possible because when time precious, progressing your training in your spare time is the definitive key to success.</p>
<p>With courses on everything from cooking techniques, to presentation, food sanitation to nutrition you can take charge of your own career development with our selection of the top 8 free online Chef resources:</p>
<h3><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;">1. <a href="http://www.worldchefsacademy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">W</a><a href="http://www.worldchefsacademy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">orldschef Academy</a></span></h3>
<p><span style="background: white; color: black;">Nestl&eacute;&nbsp;has teamed up with the World Association of Chefs Societies to develop an online portal and mobile app free study course for those who do not have the means, flexibility or mobility to attend full-time culinary school. It is a free open portal for anyone, no matter what their skill level, circumstance or background is.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;">2. <a href="https://sonicjobs.co.uk/chef-training-online-free/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sonicjobs Academy</a></span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">An online training curriculum for Chefs, Bartenders, and other hospitality professions to train online for free, helping them build their career and earn more. Each week a new lesson is posted and over the entire curriculum you will learn everything from nutrition, to using kitchen tools, recipes and Chef profession information. </span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">3. <a href="http://www.worldchefsacademy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alison</a></span></h3>
<p><span style="color: black;">An online course directory that specialises in free courses written by experts for everyone to use. They have a selection of food and beverage courses that range from the &lsquo;Basics of Food Safety&rsquo; through to a &lsquo;Diploma in Food Safety&rsquo;, they also have a few courses on &lsquo;Hospitality Management Studies&rsquo;.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">4. <a href="https://www.deliaonline.com/cookery-school" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Delia Online</a></span></h3>
<p>A free online resource featuring step by step instructions and visual references. How to Cook will teach you various skills, techniques and recipes to help you expand your knowledge.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">5. </span><span style="color: #00b0f0;"><a href="https://www.chef2chef.net/learn-to-cook/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chef2Chef.net</a></span></h3>
<p>Online cooking classes that will take you through basic and advanced cooking techniques with written instructions and preparation steps.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">6. <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/techniques" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BBC Cooking Techniques</a></span></h3>
<p>Various topics are covered with categories that include meat, fish, vegetables, desserts, pastries, sauces and even pasta preparation. You could find yourself learning to skillfully ice a cupcake one day or masterfully skin a flatfish the next.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">7. <a href="https://theculinarycook.com/category/cooking-basics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Culinary Cook</a></span></h3>
<p>This website provides heaps of information on many topics in the form of blog post style articles. Some excellent popular articles are Cooking Basics and Flavour Profiles, Types of Fish and Shellfish.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">8. <a href="https://www.tastemade.com/classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tastemade</a></span></h3>
<p>A huge selection of online classes. On first glance many classes seem to be aimed at beginner or home cooks but both new and experienced Chefs can benefit from some of the delicious recipes, techniques and advice that can be found here.</p>

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