Kyle Rae

My role is driving the HGV road sweeper to different sites over Scotland and sometimes the UK depending on current contract. I carry out daily maintenance checks on the vehicle and its various systems to ensure that it is safe for driving on public roads and also in the best possible condition to perform the daily tasks to the highest standard. I have to adhere to strict site safety regulations and these can vary from site to site.

My role is not only to drive the vehicle but to operate the sweeping gear simultaneously whilst keeping good communication with the ground staff on site, operate the gully sucker to clear drains and the pressure washing system to clean paths, barriers, signs etc. All to help keep the site as clean and safe as possible.

I have to resolve faults and problems with the vehicle on site with limited resources to try and complete the job at hand before getting back to the workshop. I take the machine to the workshop every weekend to attend to any faults/maintenance tasks that could not be completed on site. This includes jobs such as changing sweeping brushes, topping up engine and hydraulic oil levels, main and donkey engine servicing, thorough inspection of Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Water systems, repairing any hoses that may be damaged or leaking. I also use this time to clean the vehicle and have it best prepared for the weeks work ahead.

When I first started at S.Rae Plant I worked as part of a road/paving surfacing team before obtaining my HGV Class 2 License. During this time I gained manual labouring skills working on private and council projects. This was a physically demanding job that had to be done on strict time schedules and in all weather conditions. I then moved on to driving a HGV Road Sweeper once I gained my license in August 2020.

In this job I learned the processes and procedures for running a retail store. I had tight deadlines within the day to day running of the store to ensure all staff were delegated jobs appropriately. I would be in control of the safe money which involved ensuring the tills had money for beginning the shift. My role would also include overseeing the deliveries and ensuring all stock was correct. When customer complaints were risen to myself I would handle these professionally and timely, calming customers down before raising any matters to management. I used my time management skills to ensure all staff completed their tasks in an efficient manner which would allow them to finish their shift on time. When I was on a close shift I had the responsibility of ensuring that the shop was secure for the night.

I worked here as part of the kitchen staff during my final year at school.