Apprenticeship training course

Removals operative (level 2)

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Information about Removals operative (level 2)

Pack items into boxes or crates and move the packed items, furniture, equipment, specialist items and any other customer possessions. Assist with the loading and unloading of items onto and off specially built removals vehicles.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The removals industry for example, types of services and types of employers.
  • Health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance and impact on role. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Fire safety. Health and Safety at Work Act. Manual handling. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Safety equipment: guards, signage, fire extinguishers. Safety signage. Situational awareness. Slips, trips, and falls. Working in confined spaces. Working at height.
  • Industry specific regulations and legislation relating to the moving and handling of items to include inland domestic moving, commercial moving, overseas moving, storage, working time directives and working hours.
  • Hazards and risks in the workplace. Control measures. Risk assessments.
  • Work organisation and time management techniques.
  • Methods and modes of transport and auxiliary equipment available within the industry.
  • Factors that affect the completion of planned work for example, additional volumes to be moved, unforeseen delays and weather conditions.
  • Standard operating procedures (SOP). What they are and why they are important.
  • Team working principles.
  • Personal wellbeing and mental health awareness.
  • Environmental and sustainability regulations including The Environment Act 2021 and the impact of the industry on the environment.
  • Types of packing materials and their uses. Costing of different packing materials.
  • Techniques for moving, handling, packing, loading, securing, and unloading hazardous goods or materials, for example petrol lawn mowers and car batteries.
  • Techniques to load and unload goods. Including security of vehicle and goods during tasks.
  • Manual handling techniques and types of equipment: lifting equipment, vehicle ramps and platforms pallet trucks, piano wheels and sack barrows and their limitations.
  • Techniques including hand signalling required to direct the movement of vehicles and manual handling equipment (MHE). The Health and Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations.
  • Principles of using tools, and machinery including wearing and using of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Industry procedures and quality standards. Keeping work area tidy.
  • Techniques of dismantling and reassembling items: beds and tables.
  • Documentation methods and requirements – electronic and paper: Condition reports, inventory labelling for removal activities.
  • Information systems used to support removals activities. GDPR and cyber security.
  • Written communication techniques.
  • Verbal communication techniques.
  • Principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and the impact on their work for example those customers with illnesses, children, and pets.
  • Limits of own authority and escalation procedures for example: reporting inappropriate behaviour.

  Skills

  • Follow procedures in line with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
  • Comply with Industry specific regulations and legislation relating to the moving and handling of items for example, inland domestic moving, commercial moving, overseas moving, and storage.
  • Identify and document hazards and risks in the workplace. Complete risk assessments. Apply control measures to manage risk.
  • Organise and prioritise own work in line with permitted time allowances.
  • Apply standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies.
  • Apply team working principles.
  • Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
  • Select packing materials appropriate to the individual task.
  • Follow processes for moving, handling, packing and unpacking items.
  • Load or unload identified goods.
  • Use manual handling techniques and equipment, for example, lifting equipment, vehicle ramps or platforms.
  • Direct the movement of vehicles or mechanical handling equipment (MHE).
  • Use tools, machinery, and personal protective equipment (PPE) following manufacturers instructions.
  • Follow company procedures and quality standards, for example housekeeping, clean equipment and machinery, and keep work area tidy.
  • Dismantle and reassemble items using tools and equipment in line with company policy.
  • Record or enter task information - paper based or electronic.
  • Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security.
  • Communicate in writing with others for example, clients, colleagues, and managers.
  • Communicate with others verbally for example, clients, colleagues, and managers.
  • Follow equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.
  • Carry out and record learning and development activities.

  Behaviours

  • Put health and safety first.
  • Considers the environment and sustainability.
  • Support an inclusive workplace for example, respectful of different views.
  • Team-focus to meet work goals.
  • Act in a professional manner.
  • Seek learning and development opportunities.
  • Respond and adapt to work demands and situations.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Transport and logistics
• Qualification level: 2; Equal to GCSE
• Course duration: 12 months
• Maximum funding: £5,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Furniture handling operative
  • Furniture handling operative packer
  • Furniture moving logistics specialist
  • Porter
  • Porter packer
  • Removalist
  • Removals operative
  • Removals porter
  • Removals specialist

View more information about Removals operative (level 2) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.