Most builders merchants vacancies are for general trade staff, who will work on the trade counter, in the warehouse or yard, or carrying out stock control and other administrative duties. In addition to the normal requirements for any vacancy (e.g. relevant experience, good communication skills), having the right certificates can make a big difference to your application.
CSCS Card for Site-Related Roles
A CSCS card for Site-Related Roles. Many of the Builders Merchants yard and delivery jobs require a CSCS card. The CSCS card scheme covers a wide range of occupations within construction. The test for the health and safety aspect of the card is provided by CITB. This test can be booked and taken online for around £22.
Forklift Licences
A counterbalance forklift licence is one of the more common certificates held by people who work in the yard of a builders merchants. Most sites recognise RTITB or ITSSAR accredited courses and these can take from 3 days to 5 days of classroom based study. A reach truck licence is also highly desirable if the merchant in question holds a large amount of high-bay racking.
Maths and IT Basics
Stock control, ordering and invoicing all require basic numeracy skills, along with an understanding of how to use a computer for administration. A GCSE in maths or a Level 1 functional skills in numeracy will help to demonstrate these skills to employers. Experience of using software packages to manage and administer a stock holding, such as a builders merchant, using packages like Kerridge or Epicor for example, is also desirable and should be highlighted on your CV.
NVQ in Warehousing or Logistics
An NVQ Level 2 in warehousing and storage, or supply chain operations, would be suitable for builders merchants vacancies as it is relevant to the job. These can be taken at a local college or online as part of an apprenticeship.
Product Knowledge Courses
Practical product knowledge courses on various building products, e.g. timber, drainage, roofing materials are also available via most manufacturers and also some trade bodies, such as the Builders Merchants Federation. These are usually of short duration and enable applicants to gain knowledge of the products that they will be selling in a builders’ merchant. Builders Merchants Vacancies is covered in more detail at bmcareers.com/distributors-and-builders-merchants-vacancies.
A practical qualification in any of these areas will be useful to point to in your application.