Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Working Life

Van delivery assistants help transfer goods from site to site for a client. They assist the van driver and help to load, secure and unload goods.  
 
Sometimes they will be involved in the assembly of goods e.g. computers or furniture. Some delivery assistants may also collect money and take orders from customers.  
 
Some delivery assistants only travel within a local area while others travel long distances throughout the country and may spend short periods away from home.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Scan labels on letters or parcels to confirm receipt.
• Obtain signed receipts for registered, certified, and insured mail, collect associated charges, and complete any necessary paperwork.
• Return to the post office with mail collected from homes, businesses, and public mailboxes.
• Sort mail for delivery, arranging it in delivery sequence.
• Deliver mail to residences and business establishments along specified routes by walking or driving, using a combination of satchels, carts, cars, and small trucks.
• Meet schedules for the collection and return of mail.
• Sign for cash-on-delivery and registered mail before leaving the post office.
• Hold mail for customers who are away from delivery locations.
• Turn in money and receipts collected along mail routes.
• Leave notices telling patrons where to collect mail that could not be delivered.

Further Information

• Removals Worker- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Roundsperson- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

There are many pathways to build up experience, and skills to support a career in the transport industry.  Training may be carried out on-the-job with an experienced driver.

Key Skill Certs:

• Manual Handling
• SafePass
• Hazchem 
• Power pallet/ Reach/ Counterbalance Forklift training
• CPC Certified professional competency C license for van delivery

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: rigid, artic driver, van driver.

Search for FET Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Supply Chain, Logistics, Commercial Driver.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €24k - €35k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed.ie/ Gov.ie/ WRC/ Morgan McKinley/ Excel

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Large goods vehicle drivers; Van drivers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although employment levels declined annually between 2019 and 2021, 2022 saw an additional 3,500 persons employed, with numbers employed exceeding 2019 levels. At 25%, the share of those aged 55 years and older was above average, as was the share of non-Irish citizens employed. The number of new employment permits issued in 2022 increased and related to HGV drivers.

There was also a high volume of vacancies for HGV drivers advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland although the volume of vacancies in the OVATE data fell. Both the Recruitment Agency Survey and the Skills for Growth data identified issues in filling vacancies for this occupation including for articulated and rigid truck drivers. Given the strong employment growth and the evident demand, a shortage of HGV drivers persists.

• Road Safety Authority (RSA)

  • Moy Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co.Mayo
  • (096) 25000 / LoCall 1890 506080
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI)

  • Unit 1, Airport Business Park, Cloghran, Co Dublin
  • (01) 844 7516
  • Click Here