Responsible for the delivery and collection of goods throughout Ireland, the UK, and on the continent.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Transport Operations and Commercial Driver- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
- Transports hasardous goods under ADR – the European agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road
- Conducts transport of air freight and its heightened security and legal requirements
- Completes relevant safety qualifications around the transportation of goods to construction and other sectors
- Completes Good Distribution Practice training for transportation of pharmaceutical, medical device and allied products
- Supervises the receipt, storage and dispatch of goods
- Operates manual, electrical and mechanical goods handling equipment safely
Qualities -
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Core Skills
- Achieves full HGV Rigid and Articulated drivers licence (C, CE Class).
- Adheres to relevant health & safety requirements.
- Demonstrates economical driving and fuel efficiency.
- Operates relevant IT / telematic / tachograph equipment.
- Achieves all modules of the driver’s CPC.
- Describes the electrical and mechanical operations of an HGV vehicle.
- Conducts a logical, structured, mechanical and electrical fault diagnosis and respond appropriately.
- Organises and properly load, secure and unload goods on an HGV.
- Demonstrates geographical awareness and navigation of routes.
- Interprets, completes and maintains all relevant transportation documentation.
Common Skills required:
- Discuss legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements within the road transport operations sector.
- Describe best practice around the transportation of Agriculture Livestock, Food, Car Transportation, Waste recycling, Forestry, Abnormal load haulage, General haulage.
- Calculate weights and dimensions of cargo.
Interests - Transport Operations and Commercial Driver
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.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Entry / Progression - Transport Operations and Commercial Driver
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:
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include:
Search for PLC 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:
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include:
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include:
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
