Tanker driver

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• training with a private training provider

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as a large goods vehicle driver.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You can start off as a 'crew' person, accompanying a qualified driver, whilst you train to get your licences.

OtherRoutes

You can take private training to get your large goods vehicle (LGV) licence and the Certificate of Professional Competence , known as a Driver CPC.

You'll also need to complete ADR training to carry dangerous goods like chemicals. ADR is the shortened name for the European Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.

You can find LGV and ADR training providers through the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training . It's recommended that you compare several providers before signing up, to see what they offer and to make sure it fits your needs.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of vehicle and public safety and security
• concentration skills for staying focused while driving
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be flexible and open to change
• observation and recording skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning

What you'll do:

Tanker drivers transport bulk materials and liquids by road.

On a typical day you could:

• check delivery schedules and note any special instructions
• supervise or help to load the tanker
• carry out safety checks before you set off
• travel to the delivery site
• clear an area to unload the tanker
• connect hoses or pumps, or remove manhole covers to unload materials into fuel tanks or storage silos
• update paperwork and make sure relevant staff sign for deliveries
• keep accurate records of driving hours and activities using a tachograph system

Environment : Your working environment may be physically active and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £36,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 52 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

You can often increase your salary through shift allowances and bonuses.

With experience, you could specialise in transporting particular loads or set up your own haulier business.

You could also move into transport and freight planning, driver instructor training, or distribution or haulage management.