At Ballards, providing a professional removals service starts with having a well-trained, knowledgeable team. Training has long been an important part of how we develop our people, helping our removals teams work safely and efficiently while delivering the high level of customer service our customers expect.
In 2017, we took that commitment a step further with the launch of a new trainee programme, welcoming six new recruits into the business and giving them a structured route to build a career in the removals industry.
A three-year removals training programme
The programme was designed to give trainees a clear progression route over three years. Training covered the practical skills required to work within a professional removals team, including loading and unloading, packing, wrapping and protecting customers’ belongings.
During their first year, trainees worked towards becoming fully qualified removals porters. By the end of the second year, they had the opportunity to develop further, while year three provided a route towards qualifying as removals LGV drivers and potentially working on moves throughout the UK and Europe.
This structured approach helped new team members develop both practical experience and a broader understanding of what is involved in delivering a professional removals service.
Building careers within the removals industry
The trainee scheme built on an approach to staff development already established within Ballards.
One example was Clint, who joined the business on a casual part-time basis before progressing to become a full-time porter. Following further training, he became a second man and then completed driver training to gain his Class 2 licence. That progression allowed him to work on European removals and demonstrated the career opportunities available to people joining the Ballards team.
Professional removals training
Our trainees received training through Ballards’ BAR-approved training centre, covering the practical skills needed to safely handle customers’ possessions.
Training included working with dedicated training facilities containing furniture and other items that could be used to practise handling, packing and moving techniques.
However, professional removals involve more than simply moving furniture. The programme also covered what Ballards described as the “Ballards way”, including professionalism, communication and customer care.
Trainees were regularly assessed as they progressed, helping ensure they developed both the practical skills and service standards expected from a member of the Ballards team.
Why training matters when choosing a removals company
Moving home means placing your belongings in somebody else’s hands, which makes the experience and professionalism of the removals team particularly important.
Investing in training helps removals teams understand how to pack, protect, handle and transport customers’ possessions safely while also providing reassurance throughout moving day.
For Ballards, developing our own people has therefore always been closely connected to the service we provide our customers.
Looking back at the 2017 trainee intake
The 2017 scheme brought six trainees into Ballards at the same time, beginning with their company induction before moving into their first Complete Mover training.
It represented another step in our commitment to developing people within the removals industry and giving new members of the team an opportunity to build long-term careers.
Planning a move? Find out more about our house removals, local & UK removals and European removals services, or get in touch with the Ballards team to discuss your move.
