At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive Class 2 skip wagons, collect materials, and maintain vehicle safety.
- Company: Join WARD, a leading UK waste and recycling specialist with a strong environmental focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, overtime, bonuses, and perks like life insurance and paid training.
- Why this job: Be part of a dedicated team making a positive impact on sustainability while advancing your driving career.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid LGV Cat C licence; skip driving experience is a plus but not required.
- Other info: Full training provided; opportunities for career progression and cross-training available.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Based at our Transport Depot, Crompton Road, Ilkeston, DE7 4BG
Competitive pay + overtime + quarterly bonus
Full-time | Monday to Friday | Approx. 55 hours per week
We have 5 vacancies available – apply now and join our award-winning driving team.
Are you a Class 2 driver with experience in Waste and Recycling? Even if you’ve never driven a skip wagon before – we’ll train you.
WARD is recruiting Skip Drivers to join our growing fleet at our Ilkeston depot. Thanks to our dedicated in-house Driver Trainer, we offer full hands-on training for drivers with related experience who are keen to learn. If you’ve got the right licence and a great attitude, we’ll help you develop the rest.
You’ll be part of a team of over 100 professional drivers helping us lead the way in environmental sustainability. We’re proud to be a FORS Gold accredited operator and invest heavily in training, safety, and driver development.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll play a key role in our transport operation – collecting materials from customer sites and returning them to our processing centres, where waste and metal are transformed into reusable materials.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Operating Class 2 skip wagons (training provided if needed)
- Communicating with planners and following daily collection schedules
- Building strong relationships with customers on-site
- Carrying out daily vehicle checks and reporting defects
- Adhering to all Safe Operating Procedures and road regulations
- Maintaining your vehicle and completing associated paperwork
What You’ll Need
- A valid LGV Cat C (Class 2) licence
- CPC card and Digital Tachograph card
- Good UK geographical knowledge
- Experience in skip driving is ideal – but if you’ve got other Class 2 experience already, we’ll train you
- A professional, safety-first approach and strong work ethic
Speed-Up Your Driving Career with Ward
Once you’re established in the role and have gained the necessary skills, you’ll have the opportunity to cross-train across other vehicle types in our fleet – such as RoRo, Artics, or Tippers.
We also offer company-sponsored Class 1 licence upgrades through our ‘Wards Wheels’ driver develop programme, for drivers who want to take their career to the next level and increase their future earning potential. If you want to progress, we’re here to help make it happen.
What’s in It for You?
- Full-time, permanent role with approx. 55 hours per week
- Enhanced overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per week
- Achievable quarterly bonus, based on safe and efficient driving
- Access to Re-WARD Benefits, which include:
- Life insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free flu jabs
- And much more…
Why Join WARD?
WARD is one of the UK’s largest independent metal and waste recycling specialists, with over 400 employees and an annual turnover exceeding £300 million. We are a family-run business with a strong sense of purpose – transforming waste into resources and helping businesses meet their sustainability goals.
We’re a people-focused organisation that values loyalty, development and long-term careers. When you join Ward, you’re joining a company that genuinely cares – about the environment, the future, and you.
Interested but haven’t driven skips before? If you’ve got the licence and the right attitude, we’ll train you. Apply now and take the next step with Ward.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £14.50-£15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 – 55 per week
Skip Driver employer: Ward
Contact Detail:
Ward Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Skip Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area around Ilkeston. Having a good geographical knowledge will not only help you navigate efficiently but also impress your potential employers during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your communication skills. As a Skip Driver, you'll need to build strong relationships with customers and work closely with planners, so being able to communicate effectively is key.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your commitment to safety and environmental sustainability. Research WARD's initiatives and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience driving other Class 2 vehicles, highlight this in conversations. Emphasising your willingness to learn and adapt will demonstrate your potential as a valuable team member.
We think you need these skills to ace Skip Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your Class 2 driving experience and any relevant skills. If you have experience in waste and recycling, emphasise that as it aligns with the job requirements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for driving and commitment to safety. Mention your willingness to learn and how you can contribute to the team at WARD.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your LGV Cat C licence, CPC card, and Digital Tachograph card in your application. If you have good geographical knowledge of the UK, make sure to mention that too.
Show Enthusiasm for Training: Express your eagerness to undergo training if you haven't driven a skip wagon before. Highlight your positive attitude and readiness to develop your skills further.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ward
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of skip driving and waste management. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as operating Class 2 skip wagons and adhering to safety procedures.
✨Show Your Attitude
Since the company values a great attitude, be sure to convey your enthusiasm for the role. Highlight your willingness to learn and adapt, especially if you haven't driven a skip wagon before.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As you'll be communicating with planners and building relationships with customers, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. This will show that you're ready to engage with others on the job.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company and the role. Inquire about training opportunities or the team culture. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.