Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Builders Yard Assistant- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- 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.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working Life
Builders' yards are attached to the premises of builders' merchants and supply building craftspeople such as plumbers, electricians and builders with the items they need to do their jobs.
An assistant's duties may vary slightly according to the type of goods that the builders' merchant sells. The 'heavy side' of the industry deals with bricks, cement, timber etc, for the construction trade. The 'light side' covers painting and decorating, bathroom fittings etc.
Yard assistants mainly work outside, helping to check in goods, move, display and load them, and keep the yard clean and safe.
When they open up the yard each morning, assistants usually have to display the products and materials outside so that the customers have a chance to see what they are buying. They move goods in and out of store, sometimes using trolleys, ladders, forklift trucks and other aids. They also have to handle and store goods in the right way such as stacking wood so that it stays dry and does not warp.
Meeting customers is another part of yard assistants' work. They show the customer which goods are available and may also have to measure, weigh or cut articles to the sise or quantity that the customer wants. After this, they may help package the order and load it onto a van, a lorry or the customers' own transport. They must also make sure that the health and safety of all customers is assured. They must dispose of dangerous or toxic materials in the approved way.
Builders' yard assistants are also responsible for making sure that the area is regularly swept, cleaned and, if necessary, washed.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, ships, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment.
- Sort cargo before loading and unloading.
- Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.
- Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
- Stack cargo in locations, such as transit sheds or in holds of ships as directed, using pallets or cargo boards.
- Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets.
- Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.
- Direct spouts and position receptacles, such as bins, carts, or containers, so they can be loaded.
- Attach slings, hooks, or other devices to lift cargo and guide loads.
- Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.
Further Information
- Timber Yard Operative- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Yard Person- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Builders Yard Assistant
You must be fit and strong as the work involves a lot of standing and heavy lifting. Some yards can be dusty and may not be suitable if you have asthma or chest complaints.
Taking orders and working under supervision is a vital part of the job and you should be prepared to do this. You must also be prepared to do some repetitive, dirty tasks. Certain knowledge of the products and services available will be needed.
A builder's yard can sometimes be a dangerous place, so you must use common sense and be sensible about safety precautions, especially when moving heavy loads or using equipment. Basic English and legible handwriting are needed to make out receipts and invoices or assist with stock control. A reasonable standard of arithmetic is also needed for these tasks and for estimating and calculating sizes and weights.
Customer contact means that you'll need to talk to people in a polite and helpful way.
Interests - Builders Yard Assistant
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.
Entry / Progression - Builders Yard Assistant
This is an entry level role and no specific qualification or background is necessarily required, but experience in construction, warehousing or retail could be helpful.
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: builders merchants sales, retail assistant.
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: builders merchants sales, retail assistant.
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: Sales.
Sales NFQ level 6 programme is also a possible entry route. You may choose to enter a trades based apprenticeship.
Search for Apprenticeships
To progress with experience, you could explore a supervisor or manager position.
Courses in Further education & Training may be available to support your supervisory, business, and management skills NFQ level 5-6 Search our FET CourseFinder.
You may also be able to develop your career by undertaking some training, through the Hardware Association Ireland
Pay & Salary - Builders Yard Assistant
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €30k
Salaries vary by employer, location. experience, duties, and shift pattern.
Data Source(s):
Indeed.ie/ Excel
Last Updated: January, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Builders Yard Assistant
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Sales and retail assistants; cashiers and checkout operators; Telephone salespersons; Pharmacy and other dispensing assistants; Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Despite a below average growth rate, employment for sales assistants grew by 8,700 persons between 2021 and 2022 in line with the recovery in the wholesale and retail sector. However, recent job hires far exceeded any growth in employment pointing to significant job churn for this occupation.
This is likely to be related to the young profile of workers in this occupation (44% were aged 15-24 years) and the majority (58%) being in part-time roles. There was a large volume of vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland and OVATE. Job opportunities are likely to continue to arise for this occupation given its large size and the volume of turnover.
Useful Contacts - Builders Yard Assistant
-
Construction Industry Federation
-
Hardware Association Ireland
- Blackchurch Business Park, Naas Road, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, D24 C796
- 01 298 0969
- Click Here
