Builders’ merchants are what they say on the tin: places that sell and hire out all the equipment or materials used by builders, or sometimes the general public for DIY work.
You will find anything the industry may demand here, from basic materials such as bricks, cement, and timber, to niche fitments for electricians and plumbers to use. Gardening equipment, power tools, and just about anything to do with building homes can be found at these places, including the paint to finish the job.
The work
As for the work you would be carrying out if you worked at a builders’ merchants, the job varies from hour to hour, day to day. One moment you may be providing advice to prospective customers, the next you could be doing database work.
Arranging, handling, and ordering stock is essential, and you are likely to do some heavy lifting. Research can even factor in, although this will mostly be to acquire new stock.
Why work there?
Outside of an interest or passion for the role, the major incentive for any job is pay. Although pay will vary depending on where you are located, the size of the organisation you work for, and the general demand for the role, the starting wage is typically the National Minimum Wage.
No qualifications are needed for the role, but having a solid education can help. Whilst it is not essential, a driving license is favourable. As mentioned earlier, heavy lifting is common in the role; therefore, you will need to be in good shape.
You will typically learn on the job and may even be able to train for driving forklifts or other vehicles designed for handling large goods.
Builders merchants jobs are often advertised online; for example, you will find a wide range of builders merchants jobs at BM Careers.
Security
Society will always need builders; in fact, there is a shortage right now, which the UK government is keen to fill. This means builders will need builders’ merchants, so the role doesn’t look like it will be going away anytime soon.