Builders' Merchant
What is the work like?
Builders’ merchants or DIY store workers sell building and do-it-yourself products to the building trade and the general public. Products include timber, bricks, decorating materials, plumbing supplies, tools and gardening equipment.
As a builder's merchant, you would:
- give out product information to customers
- load and unload deliveries by hand or with a forklift truck
- process orders and handle payments
- move goods to storage areas
- put orders together and organise deliveries
- advise customers about which materials to use for a particular job.
With experience, you could work as a team leader or yard manager, with responsibility for staff training, planning, purchasing, stock control, and health and safety.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any formal qualifications to work as a builder's merchant, but some employers may ask for some GCSEs (A-C), particularly in English and maths.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme with a DIY store or building suppliers. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) website also has details about apprenticeships.
Experience in the construction industry, warehousing or retail may give you an advantage when applying for this type of work. An LGV licence and/or forklift truck licence would also be useful. See the profile for Forklift Truck Operator for details about forklift training.
What further training and development can I do?
You would normally receive training on the job when you start as a builder's merchant. You can take one of several NVQs at levels 2 and 3 once you are working. These are backed by the BMF and include:
- Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations
- Sales (including Telesales)
- Customer Service
- Retail Operations
- Business Administration.
The BMF also offers short courses in management, operations, product knowledge, sales and forklift operation. For more details, contact the BMF.
Where can I go for more information?
Fourth Floor93 Newman Street
London
W1T 3EZ
Tel: 0800 093 5001
London
W1D 3HL
www.bmf.org.uk
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Trainee builders’ merchants earn upwards of £9,500 a year.
- Yard staff earn between £12,500 and £16,000 a year.
- Delivery drivers can earn around £16,000 a year.
- Counter sales staff earn in the region of £17,000 a year.
Some employers may pay overtime rates for working shifts and weekends, or reward staff with bonus payments based on sales or profitability.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally start your working day at around 8am. Large DIY outlets are open seven days a week and many open for extended hours on weekdays and Sundays. You may have to do shiftwork and part-time work is common.
You would divide your time between the store and the yard. Most of your time would be spent on your feet and the job could involve some lifting and carrying of heavy materials. Your employer would usually provide a uniform and safety footwear.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- knowledge of building products
- excellent customer care skills
- numeracy skills for taking measurements and handling cash
- good spoken and written communication skills
- good timekeeping
- a reliable and honest approach to work
- a reasonable level of fitness
- a friendly and helpful personality
- an awareness of health and safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
Your opportunities in this job are closely linked to trends in the construction industry. You may find vacancies in the local press, jobcentres or recruitment agencies. Larger companies tend to recruit on a regular basis.
If you work for one of the larger merchants or DIY chains, you may have more secure job prospects, and many of them provide training to help you to progress to supervisory and management positions.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
Builders Merchants Journal
Builders Merchant Federation
The Doorway (careers in wood and timber sales)
Jobcentre Plus
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