Timber Yard Operative
What is the work like?
As a timber yard operative, you would be employed in a timber merchants, sawmill or large DIY store. Your duties would normally include:
- loading and unloading timber supplies either by hand or using a forklift truck
- moving and stacking timber
- sorting and labelling wood into sizes and wood types
- transferring timber to the sawmill or workshop
- treating timber, for example with preservatives
- updating paper and computer records
- making deliveries.
- advising customers and processing orders
While most of the timber cutting for orders is done by staff in the sawmill, you may occasionally be asked to trim the timber to size using basic cutting and sawing tools.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any particular qualifications, but some employers may ask for GCSEs (A-C) in subjects such as maths, English, and design and technology, or equivalent qualifications like the BTEC Introductory Certificate/Diploma in Construction. It may be helpful if you have some experience of warehouse or manual work, and a forklift truck licence could also give you an advantage.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
If your job includes deliveries to customers, you would need a normal driving licence to use a van, or an LGV licence for a delivery wagon.
For more information about careers, training and qualifications in the timber trade you could visit The Doorway website, which has been created by the Timber Trade Federation and its partners.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start work in a timber yard, your employer will usually give you induction training, covering company policies, procedures and timber products. You may also receive forklift training.
You could work towards qualifications such as the NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Distribution, Warehouse and Storage Operations. You can find advice about qualifications on the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) website. The BMF also offers short courses in operations, product knowledge and sales.
You may also be able to take the Institute of Wood Science's (IWSc) Foundation, Certificate and Associate awards if you work in the timber trade. The Foundation level is also available online. Please see the IWSc website for further details.
Where can I go for more information?
London
W1D 3HL
www.bmf.org.uk
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries are between £10,000 and £14,000 a year.
- Operatives with duties like wood machining, or supervisory responsibilities may earn up to £18,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You could expect to work up to 40 hours a week, Monday to Saturday, with possible overtime.
A lot of your work would take place outdoors in the yard. Working in a sawmill or warehouse could get very noisy and dusty. Your job could be physically demanding with some heavy lifting at times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a reasonable level of fitness
- good customer care skills
- the ability to work out quantities and make accurate measurements
- practical ability
- teamworking skills
- an understanding of health and safety regulations.
What opportunities are there?
You can find work in timber yards, builders' merchants and sawmills across the country. Jobs are advertised in the local press and Jobcentre Plus. You could also apply directly to local firms.
With experience, you could progress to supervisory work in the yard, mill or shop. You could also move into related areas such as training and assessing, sales and marketing, and timber importing.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Timber Trades Journal
Builders Merchants Journal (links to timber companies in the Supplier section)
Jobcentre Plus
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