Michael Cooke
Move Team Controller, Chester
Personal profile
- Age: 28
- Occupation: Move Team Controller
- Employer: Pickfords
- Location: Chester
- Education: NVQ level 2 in Driving Goods Vehicles
Michael is a move team controller and driver in charge of a removal team of three. He works at the Pickfords Chester branch and does everything from greeting the customer to introducing the team, packing goods, loading, driving and unloading at the new address.
What do you like about the job?
It’s physical, very hands-on. I have never wanted to be tied to a desk. I like the travel, getting around and meeting new customers who are often really grateful for the job our team is doing. It’s good to work in a team too, the team spirit is great.
I also enjoy driving. I drive a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) which I have taken on European jobs, moving families to Austria and Switzerland. The first time I drove to Europe was a real challenge, 14 days of driving – a really long haul.
How has your career progressed to date?
I was a stone mason before removals and then spent time doing a City & Guilds course in Bricklaying. On a friend’s recommendation, I then went to work for the local removals company and liked it. I moved on to work for Pickfords Chester where I’m now a permanent employee – having progressed from Porter to Removals Operative to Move Team Controller.
Pickfords has sent me on packing and loading courses to develop my skills. I have passed an NVQ level 2 in Driving Goods Vehicles, which included theory covering health and safety, loading skills and security. I also took a HGV driving test so I could progress to driving larger vehicles.
How would you like your career to develop?
I’m pretty happy where I am at the moment. I like where I work and the people that I work with. The next step on the ladder would be Team Leader, but I’ve seen colleagues move into training and management jobs, so I am thinking about that for the future.
