Brian Cunningham Transport Job Description 2026

1. Role purpose

The Apprentice Commercial Driver will complete a structured programme of workplace learning and classroom-based education leading toward competent, safe and professional commercial driving. Commercial driving is the core occupation. To build a full understanding of the transport chain, the apprentice will also receive planned introductions to BCT operations/planning and yard/container operations.

The apprentice will work under appropriate supervision and will progressively undertake tasks only after the required instruction, licence, certification, authorisation and competence sign-off have been achieved. The role supports BCT services across Ireland and may, at a later stage and where permitted, include exposure to UK and European operations.

2. Programme structure

• Attend all scheduled classes, workshops, practical training sessions, reviews and assessments arranged by the education provider, FTAI programme and BCT.
• Complete work-based learning under the guidance of an assigned workplace mentor and suitably qualified personnel.
• Maintain the required learning records, logbook/portfolio, evidence of competence and assessment documentation accurately and on time.
• Progress through the programme in accordance with the official apprenticeship training plan and all applicable programme rules.
• Apply classroom learning in the workplace and bring operational experience back into assignments and assessments.

3. Main learning areas

The planned rotations below provide breadth of experience. They do not authorise the apprentice to operate vehicles, machinery or specialist equipment independently before formal approval.

4. Responsibilities and duties

4.1 Commercial driving and vehicle operations

• Undertake Category C and/or C+E licence training and driving activities in accordance with the programme plan and legal eligibility.
• Drive or manoeuvre a vehicle only when properly licensed, insured, authorised and supervised to the level required by law and BCT.
• Learn to operate relevant equipment safely and efficiently, which may include curtain-sided trailers, refrigerated trailers, containers, flatbeds and, following specialist training, GP tankers or other equipment used by BCT.
• Complete daily vehicle and trailer walkaround checks; identify, record and immediately report defects; do not use unsafe equipment.
• Learn safe coupling/uncoupling, trailer height and landing-leg checks, load positioning, load restraint, security and seal-control procedures.
• Comply with drivers’ hours, tachograph, Road Transport Working Time, road traffic, speed, weight and dimension requirements.
• Plan and adapt routes safely, consider restrictions and delivery requirements, and keep the traffic office informed of delays or issues.
• Complete delivery and collection paperwork, PODs, CMRs, app entries and other electronic returns promptly and accurately.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness, cab security and professional standards at customer premises, depots, ports and on the road.
• Take responsibility for fitness to drive and immediately disclose any condition, medication, fatigue or other issue that could affect safe driving.

4.2 Operations and planning rotation

• Review customer orders and emails with the planner and learn how complete, accurate delivery information and special instructions are captured.
• Assist with accurate job entry and job updates in MoveIT or other approved transport management systems.
• Prepare and check PODs, CMRs and associated driver/customer paperwork.
• Monitor driver locations, waiting time and estimated arrival times; escalate exceptions to the planner and support appropriate customer updates.
• Review returned paperwork and completed jobs to confirm that required documents are attached to the correct job legs.
• Support container management records, reports, Aptarus training administration, customer apps and driver compliance records.
• Assist with driver and customer queries while maintaining confidentiality, accuracy and professional communication.

4.3 Yard and container operations rotation

• Follow yard traffic plans, pedestrian controls, PPE requirements and site-specific safety instructions at all times.
• Learn container identification, inventory status, safe storage principles and the use of the container management system.
• Coordinate with the planner so trailers, containers and paperwork are prepared to minimise avoidable driver waiting time.
• Observe or assist with loading, unloading, repalletisation and trailer/container preparation only when trained and authorised.
• Operate a reach stacker, forklift or other plant only after the relevant certification, familiarisation and written BCT authorisation have been obtained.
• Support accurate weekly/monthly storage and handling reports, depot consumable controls and general yard/office housekeeping.
• Recognise unsafe equipment, restricted/VOR areas and damaged or unsuitable containers, and report concerns immediately.

4.4 Classroom, study and assessment duties

• Attend punctually, participate fully and meet the attendance requirements of the programme and education provider.
• Complete assignments, projects, practical demonstrations, examinations and other assessments by the stated deadlines.
• Keep apprenticeship records current and provide evidence of workplace learning for review and verification.
• Notify the BCT mentor and education provider promptly of any absence, learning difficulty or risk to programme progress.
• Observe academic integrity, confidentiality, data protection and acceptable-use requirements.
• Act on feedback and take responsibility for continued development.

5. Health, safety and compliance

• Comply with BCT policies, risk assessments, safe operating procedures, customer rules and all reasonable safety instructions.
• Wear the correct PPE and never undertake a task where training, competence, supervision or equipment is inadequate.
• Immediately report accidents, near misses, hazards, defects, damage, spills, security concerns and compliance issues.
• Never use a handheld mobile phone while driving and never drive under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or impairing substances.
• Comply with load security, dangerous goods, food safety, temperature-controlled/GDP, customs and site controls where applicable and only after the required training.
• Cooperate with incident investigations, corrective actions, audits and continuous-improvement activities.

6. Conduct and customer service

• Represent Brian Cunningham Transport Ltd. professionally and respectfully.
• Communicate clearly with planners, mentors, drivers, customers, instructors and colleagues; escalate uncertainty rather than guess.
• Protect confidential customer, employee and commercial information.
• Maintain clean, organised work areas and care for company vehicles, equipment, documents and systems.
• Contribute positively to teamwork and identify practical opportunities to improve safety, service and efficiency.

7. Entry requirements and personal attributes

Appointment and continued participation are subject to the eligibility requirements of the national apprenticeship, FTAI, the education provider, driver-licensing authorities and BCT. Evidence may be required before enrolment or progression.

Essential

• Meets the current apprenticeship entry and employment eligibility criteria.
• Holds, or is eligible to obtain, the learner permits/licences required at the relevant programme stage.
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in professional commercial driving, logistics and road safety.
• Is able to attend the workplace and all scheduled off-the-job/classroom learning.
• Has good basic literacy, numeracy, digital and communication skills, with willingness to develop these further.
• Is reliable, punctual, respectful, safety-conscious and able to follow instructions.
• Is adaptable and prepared to work flexibly as part of a team, subject to apprentice protections and legal limits.
• Is medically fit for the driving and operational duties required at each stage.

Desirable

• Previous exposure to transport, warehousing, vehicles or customer service.
• Basic Microsoft Office or other workplace IT skills.
• A full Category B driving licence.
• Safe Pass, manual handling, forklift or other relevant certification.

8. Supervision, progression and competence

• A workplace mentor will agree a learning plan and coordinate meaningful exposure across the three BCT operational areas.
• Progress will be reviewed at planned intervals using attendance, assessment results, workplace evidence, safety behaviour, task competence and feedback.
• Tasks will move from observation, to supervised practice, to competence sign-off. Independent activity is permitted only where legally allowed and formally authorised.
• Where progress or conduct falls below the required standard, BCT and the education provider may agree additional support, retraining or a formal improvement plan.
• Successful completion of the apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee appointment to a particular permanent role; future opportunities will depend on competence, vacancies and business needs.

9. Indicative competence progression matrix

The sequence and timing will be adjusted to the official programme plan, licensing milestones, operational availability and individual progress.

10. Performance standards

• Safety: follows instructions, completes checks and reports concerns without delay.
• Learning: attends, participates, completes coursework and maintains accurate evidence.
• Compliance: respects licensing restrictions, working-time rules, procedures and authorisation limits.
• Quality: completes records, paperwork and system entries accurately and on time.
• Service: communicates early, behaves professionally and supports customer requirements.
• Development: responds constructively to coaching and demonstrates measurable improvement.

11. General provisions

This job description describes the main duties and learning objectives of the role. It is not exhaustive. Reasonable duties may be assigned in line with the apprentice’s programme stage, competence, safety, legal requirements and business needs. The content may be reviewed as BCT operations or apprenticeship requirements evolve. Material changes will be discussed with the apprentice and, where appropriate, the education provider.

Send CV and Covering Letter to: John Horan john.horan@bctransport.ie