How To: Stay Safe Behind the Wheel in Poor Weather Conditions
When we experience poor weather conditions it’s important to adapt your driving style. This type of weather brings poor visibility and reduced grip which can make your job extremely challenging. Good manoeuvring skills and skid control skills are essential. Here are some of our tips to stay safe behind the wheel in poor weather conditions.
Inspect the vehicle
Ensure that you have prepared your vehicle according to the weather to prevent any major problems. You should check the tire pressure, engine oil, wiper blades, fluids and lights before you set off for your journey.
Slow down
By driving at a slower speed, you have more time to react in the event that something happens. There is often risk of hydroplaning when driving at a higher speed. This can be due to loosing control of the vehicle due to slush in the road.
Keep a safe distance
Ensure that you keep a safe distance between you and the cars around you when possible. In the event of any unpredictable situations it’s always good to have extra room so you can move out of harm’s way. When driving in snowy conditions more stop time is required. This is due to reduced grip, visibility and the unpredictability of what could happen from the other drivers on the road.
FACT: The stopping distance on a wet road is twice the normal stopping distance. On an icy road it’s almost 10 times as much!
Turn on your headlights
Not only do you need to keep a safe distance from the other drivers, they need to keep a safe distance from you. Ensure that you have your headlights switched on so they can see you and maintain a safe distance.
Keep an eye out for black ice
Black ice is a thin transparent layer of ice that forms when the temperature is close to freezing. Black ice will make the road look slightly wet. How to spot black ice:
- There might be a build-up of ice on the mirror arms, top corners of the windshield or antenna
- There will be no spray back coming from the tyres of the vehicle in front of you
Pull over
If the weather condition become too severe and you’re nervous about driving, ensure you either stay parked at your location or pull over if you are driving. However, if you’re driving on a motorway do not pull over into the hard shoulder as other drivers may mistake you for a moving vehicle. Instead continue onto the next exit or services and come off safely there. Ensure that you listen to the weather reports and warnings so that you can react appropriately.
Be Prepared
Make sure you pack your essential bag and include a little bit extra! Ensure you have warm clothing and blankets with you. If you are going on a longer journey you might want to take other items such as a torch, windshield scraper, a bag of sand/salt and shovel etc…
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
For one of our last news update in 2020 we just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has been on assignment with us throughout this year! We hope that you all stay safe and well this holiday season.
Merry Christmas From Everyone at Igloo!
How To: Become a Mechanic
Are you looking for a career change? Interested in becoming a mechanic? Keep reading!
As a mechanic you will be working on vehicle mechanics and electricals. You will need to be able to repair and maintain different types of vehicles. You might also be working on but not limited to cameras, parking sensors, checking oil, water, break fluids, changing brake pads and discs, removing and replacing tyres, diagnostics and stripping and refitting the vehicle.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a good way to get started as you’ll get great hand on experience of being in a working environment as well as getting the education. You earn whilst you learn!
To be accepted onto a course you will most likely need GCSE Maths, English and Science however, circumstances are different for every course so this may vary.
The courses might be as seen below: (Course titles may vary depending on the course you choose)
- Level 1 certificate in vehicle maintenance
- Level 2 certificate in light vehicle maintenance and repair
- Level 3 diploma in vehicle technology
College Courses
There are a few different types of courses that you can complete. These types of courses can be found on the City and Guilds website or on any other providers websites.
Volunteering
You might be able to get the chance to volunteer servicing cars and equipment at a local garage. You’ll get great experience from this however, you will only be time served. This might be a slight issue when trying to apply for any jobs where it’s a requirement for you to have a specific qualification.
What skills would I need?
- Strong communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Good attention to detail
After completing my course, what are my next steps?
Update your CV!
Ensure that you have updated your CV and include your new qualifications. To see our tips on how to write a good CV please CLICK HERE.
Landed your first interview? For our interview tips CLICK HERE.
Furloughed and Need Work? Igloo Wants YOU!
Have you been furloughed by your current employer?
Do you still want or need work?
IGLOO WANTS YOU!
With the announcement that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (also know as the Furlough Scheme) has been extended until March 2021, more people are being put onto furlough.
You will not be able to work for the company that put you on the furlough scheme during this time however, you will be able to work for another employer providing that your contract with your current employer allows you to.
For more information on this please CLICK HERE.
We are prepared to start taking candidates on a short-term basis as we understand that once your furlough period is up you will be required back to work at your current employers.
We currently have jobs available nationwide within the automotive, transport and logistics industries.
Does this sound like something you are interested in?
Take a look at our Job Search page to see what positions we currently have available.
Or call into our head office on 01455 891 358 opt 1 to speak to our consultants today!
How To: Application Process
Wondering how easy our application process is? Keep reading to find out.
We’ve been using different E-Signature websites such as Docusign and Signable for years. However, we recently got a brand new website and have been able to move all our documents onto there. This makes the application process so much quicker and easier! Try it for yourself!
How does it work?
Once you have spoken to our consultants regarding your desired position, they will send you an email with a list of full instructions of what we need from you. This will include:
- A list of all your ID documents that we need
- How to create a share code for a DVLA check (if applicable)
- A link to our application packs. The application pack that you receive will depend on the job role that you apply for, your employment type and the site that you will be working at.
All ID must be sent to Compliance@igloodrivers.com. You will then need to click the links and fill out the packs. Any mandatory field will have a ‘*’ next to it. If this section does not apply to you, please put ‘N/A’.
Once you have completed filling in your details you will need to:
- Click ‘SUBMIT’. This will then take you to the next page where you can see the full document.
- Please ensure that you read through the full document and click into the E-Signature box to sign.
- Once signed you will see a blue button in the bottom right of the screen, ‘Agree & Sign’ once you click on this button Igloo will receive your completed sign off and you will also receive a copy of the document.
The packs are very straight forwards however, if you get stuck, we have a ‘chat with us’ option in the bottom right hand corner of the website. During office hours we will be active on this however, during out of office hours it will come into the compliance inbox and we will reply as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Get to Know The Automotive Team - Corby
Amandeep Basra
How old are you?
23
What department do you work in at Igloo?
The Automotive Team, based onsite in Corby
How long have you worked for Igloo?
1 year and a half
Highlight of your Igloo career to date:
Being able to manage a whole site on my own during lockdown
What are your interests outside of work?
I enjoy baking especially cakes and dancing
What type of music are you into?
Anything really! But the main ones would be R&B, Indian and Rap
What was your dream job when you were a child?
To be a Crime Scene Investigator!
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
My dog, a bottle of gin and a tent
Favourite food:
I can only pick one?! It would have to be Chinese!
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by….. Priyanka Chopra
Lindsay Hunter
How old are you?
31
What department do you work in at Igloo?
Automotive
How long have you worked for Igloo?
5 years (this time round)
Highlight of your Igloo career to date:
Being promoted to site supervisor
What are your interests outside of work?
Fashion, makeup, lifestyle blogs & learning to cook
What type of music are you into?
Motown/Soul would be my ultimate favourite
What was your dream job when you were a child?
Shop assistant HAHA!
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
A knife, matches & a hammock
Favourite food:
Steak
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by….. Jessica Alba
Get to Know The Automotive Team - Sheerness
Christine George
How old are you?
Nearer 60 than 50
What department do you work in at Igloo?
Sheerness Compound
How long have you worked for Igloo?
Within the compound 20years. For igloo 2years
Highlight of your Igloo career to date:
Becoming Compound Manager
What are your interests outside of work?
Reading True Crime
What type of music are you into?
You play it, ill dance to it
What was your dream job when you were a child?
I wanted to be a librarian
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
Chocolates, sunglasses, toilet roll
Favourite food:
Chocolate
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by…..
Ruby Wax
Gabby
How old are you?
I am 27
What department do you work in at Igloo?
I work in recruitment – onsite
How long have you worked for Igloo?
I have worked for Igloo for just under 7 years now.
Highlight of your Igloo career to date:
Filling bookings !
What are your interests outside of work?
Spending time with my daughter, family and reading.
What type of music are you into?
I will listen to anything !
What was your dream job when you were a child?
Physiotherapist !
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
- My daughter
- Beer
- A boat to take me back to mainland !
Favourite food:
Hummus & Pitta !
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by….. Melissa McCarthy
Get to Know The Recruitment Team - Head Office
Laura Dalby
How old are you?
24 Years old
What department do you work in at Igloo?
I work in the Transport department.
How long have you worked for Igloo?
I have worked at Igloo for 3 Years
Highlight of your Igloo career to date:
Working with a great team
What are your interests outside of work?
Spending time with my daughter and Partner
What type of music are you into?
Chart music
What was your dream job when you were a child?
My dream job when I was younger was a Beauty Therapist/Hairdresser after completing the training I decided it wasn’t for me.
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
Phone, Make-up, Bed
Favourite food:
Anything Mexican
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by….. In a movie of my life I think I would be played by Amy Schumer.
Conor Parish
How old are you?
27
What department do you work in at Igloo?
Transport
How long have you worked for Igloo?
7 years
Highlight of your Igloo career to date:
Progressing from an administrator all the way up to where I am now
What are your interests outside of work?
I’m a big football fan, I follow Tottenham and Kidderminster Harriers
What type of music are you into?
I am a very open-minded person so I will listen to anything
What was your dream job when you were a child?
I’m sure most lads will agree with me in becoming a professional footballer
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
Football Manager, Bag of Skittles and a Hammock
Favourite food:
A Sunday Roast
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by….
I think it would have to be Ryan Reynold, some people say I look like him!
Tracey Hamilton
How old are you?
52
What department do you work in at Igloo?
Automotive, Head Office
How long have you worked for Igloo?
5years on and off
What are your interests outside of work?
Family
What type of music are you into?
All sorts
What was your dream job when you were a child?
As a child my dream job was to be a nurse
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
My daughters, our dog and Bacardi
Favourite food:
Chinese
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by… Helen Mirren
Get to Know The Payroll Team
Sophie Lunn
How old are you?
25
What department do you work in at Igloo?
I work in the Payroll department at our Head Office in Hinckley
How long have you worked for Igloo?
Since July 2016, so just over 4 years
Highlight of your Igloo career to date:
I think the Christmas parties and organised nights out have to be the biggest highlight
What are your interests outside of work?
I enjoy going on spontaneous days / nights out, spending time with my daughter, family and friends
What type of music are you into?
POP music, and anything other than kids programme theme tunes!
What was your dream job when you were a child?
My dream job when I was little was to work on a cruise ship as a hairdresser
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
Definitely wine, snacks and a boat
Favourite food:
Ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by…
Lacey Turner
Paulina Dziewiecka
How old are you?
26
What department do you work in at Igloo?
Payroll Department
How long have you worked for Igloo?
Since December 2018 – almost 2 years
Highlight of your Igloo career to date:
At the beginning, I was taking care of the transport payroll. After few months I took over some of the Automotive sides. Recently I am responsible for the whole payroll with my lovely colleague Sophie. I also helped our Accounts Team with the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme.
What are your interests outside of work?
Sports- especially skiing and music.
What type of music are you into?
Dance/EDM, house. However, I can listen to any kind of music.
What was your dream job when you were a child?
A lawyer
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
- Food
- Water
- Family
Favourite food:
Steak
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by….. Jennifer Lawrence