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Working Abroad Job Vacancies Job Hunting Guide Voluntary Work Working Part-time and Temping Useful Job Hunting Resources Working in Somerset Wages and Employment Rights Driving jobs in Somerset CLCI: YAD CRCI: WE There are all sorts of driving jobs. Examples include driving lorries, buses, coaches, rescue service vehicles and taxis. Age rules vary a lot. For many jobs you need to be 21 (even older); occasionally you may be able to start at a younger age. It’s not just about driving. Depending on the job you may need to load and unload goods, plan routes, keep records, maintain the vehicle, cope with emergencies, know the local area and deal with customers and members of the public. You might also be self-employed and have to handle things like tax, insurance and paper work. To find out more look under the above CLCI/CRCI headings in your careers or Connexions library. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DRIVING JOBS IN SOMERSET Somerset has fairly good opportunities for lorry and van drivers because of the many depots close to the M5 and A303. Some Somerset road haulage businesses are amongst the biggest in the South West and employ several hundred people. Others may consist of just a few vehicles and people. Bus and coach drivers are in demand because of local bus routes, school bus services in country areas and the summer tourist trade. Taxi services are to be found throughout the county with a need for taxis both in the countryside and in towns. Taxi driving offers the chance to be self-employed and work when you want. And, as with anywhere, there are chances to drive fire, police and ambulance vehicles (but these are often as part of a wider job and quite different to what is described here). HOW DO I GET STARTED?   Get work experience when at school in an organisation employing drivers to see if it’s the career for you (but remember you’ll be too young to drive!)   Start as a trainee – or apprentice – in a non-driving job in an organisation and possibly switch to driving later   Obtain driving qualifications and look for work as a driver (although certain qualifications will require you to be a particular age. Employers may also their own age and insurance rules) USEFUL QUALIFICATIONS   No particular GCSEs but being good in maths, English and science can help   Specific licenses for the job in question: LGV for large goods vehicles; PCV for passenger carrying vehicles More about qualifications, courses and training can be found in Moving On (published by Connexions Somerset) DO YOU KNOW? The Young LGV Driver Training Scheme helps you get an LGV licence (C) at 18, possibly followed by an articulated lorry licence soon afterwards. Visit www.skillsforlogistics.org for details WHAT IS THE PAY LIKE? This is a job where it’s unlikely you’d be starting as a trainee or apprentice on £80 per week. You’d probably start when over 21 with the pay varying between jobs. For example a lorry driver could earn £17-22,000 (more depending on hours and routes); bus and coach drivers are typically paid around £6-7 per hour; taxi driver earnings depend on journeys and time worked. FINDING A JOB   Connexions centres   Job centres   Through applying for work apprenticeships   School and college careers notice boards   Speculative letters/visits/emails   Newspaper and industry publications adverts   Adverts displayed at premises and on industry/company websites   Job offer after work experience   Word of mouth   A Guide to Job Hunting gives tips on CVs, interviews and job letters. To view click here OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS WORK   Working as a taxi driver involves looking after your vehicle, taking calls, picking up people, handling money and knowing your way round   Lorry drivers are involved in loading and unloading, planning routes and often travel long distances   Bus and coach drivers are responsible for passenger safety, need to be good with the public and should be able to follow routes and timetables   Paperwork is usually important. You may need to keep records, invoices, delivery notes and handle money   Time management is a key skill - you need to work out how long things will take and plan your work accordingly   Hours, distances, where you are and the amount of stress can vary enormously between jobs   It’s always important to check what age you need to be. For certain jobs being over 25 helps for insurance purposes   Many driving jobs involve spending time on your own and - for some - you may need to be away from home at times WHO DOES THE WORK? Josie (23), from Wincanton, left school and worked in a warehouse before finding a place on a young driver’s scheme. She’s now been driving lorries for several years and is even thinking of setting up her own haulage business in a few years. Arul (27) is a taxi driver in the Mendip area, did several jobs after leaving school and only got into driving taxis when insurance rules allowed. Arul likes his job because he meets people, gets around and can choose when he works. More info: A-Z Careers Careers information dates rapidly. Every effort has been made to ensure information is accurate but please check details before making firm decisions. Connexions Somerset April 2006. Make text larger Make text smaller Text Only Display Disclaimer