Job as a courier / messenger?

Dunno about the politics of the 'creative' industry but I wouldn't work for courier systems if you paid me. wait, something's wrong with that...

Not long before my time, young trainee solicitors had to pay a premium to work as articled clerks. This was abolished and by the time I trained a minimum wage had been introduced ensuring that all articled clerks earned the grossed up equivalent of a student grant. Barristers followed suit some years later. Even today, however, the legal profession is under pressure from government for its perception as a profession closed to all but the sons and daughters of the affluent. One wonders why the govenment don't put pressure on other professions but, instead, allow them to become bastions of the ineffectual offspring of the wealthy. I mean, just look at all the designers on here if one wants to see a microcosm of second generation dilletanti wealth.

Your absolutely bang on. People with family ties/links/monies get a head start in an already over saturated industry.

isn't this the same with pretty much any job?

I mean, just look at all the designers on here if one wants to see a microcosm of second generation dilletanti wealth.

I was the first in my family to be born in a city... First non-peasant generation... Ironic woohoo... Tbh I'd rather live on a farm...

Not long before my time, young trainee solicitors had to pay a premium to work as articled clerks. This was abolished and by the time I trained a minimum wage had been introduced ensuring that all articled clerks earned the grossed up equivalent of a student grant. Barristers followed suit some years later. Even today, however, the legal profession is under pressure from government for its perception as a profession closed to all but the sons and daughters of the affluent. One wonders why the govenment don't put pressure on other professions but, instead, allow them to become bastions of the ineffectual offspring of the wealthy. I mean, just look at all the designers on here if one wants to see a microcosm of second generation dilletanti wealth.

I looked at law for a while - no way the sums added up when I was looking at finance.

Your absolutely bang on. People with family ties/links/monies get a head start in an already over saturated industry.

Hmm.. I'm not so sure about that actually. I think that design is less susceptible to that as an industry than many others, given that it's talent driven.

As for the free working situation —*you can argue that from both sides really..

It's a sad fact that most design education in this country (particularly graphic design) rarely leaves students with a complete set of skills with which to enter the world of work. For a small studio, employing someone as a junior designer for even as little as £18k is a HUGE risk. Taking that chance on someone with essentially no working references, a portfolio created under zero pressure from clients and probably little or no client-facing experience etc is an even bigger risk. One that could feasibly bankrupt a small studio...

I think people doing short shifts (2 weeks) of unpaid work experience can benefit both sides, as long as expenses etc are paid. That said I think there is an inherent danger, where it's possible to get stuck doing endless work experience and never get a job.

The bottom line is, if you are good and you have any people skills you will get a job eventually. Or develop enough on your own to work for yourself—*which can be much better than having a 9 to 5...

I think the Uni's need to have much stronger links with business, and internships should be much more part of the course itself, having to do one whilst studying etc. Then anyone can afford to do them ( as there still living off student loans) and they come out of uni with practical experience. The idea of having to work for free after graduating just means that the only people who can really get into the business are people who are funded by parents/savings etc (especially with the cost of living in london)

But I suppose the problem is supply and demand. Maybe there are now just far too many people trained as graphic designers etc.

This is speaking as another disgruntled UAL student btw.

PM maxcrowe, you could take his old job at any of the companies hes been sacked from

I think the Uni's need to have much stronger links with business, and internships should be much more part of the course itself, having to do one whilst studying etc. Then anyone can afford to do them ( as there still living off student loans) and they come out of uni with practical experience. The idea of having to work for free after graduating just means that the only people who can really get into the business are people who are funded by parents/savings etc (especially with the cost of living in london)

But I suppose the problem is supply and demand. Maybe there are now just far too many people trained as graphic designers etc.

This is speaking as another disgruntled UAL student btw.

These measures are exactly what's happening at the LCC with their Foundation Degrees. Have a look!

Courier Systems told me about 3/4 weeks ago that they're gagging for riders because of crashes over Christmas and big new contracts. Start there, email this guy:
david.wilks at couriersys dot co dot uk
Say you're responding to a Gumtree ad.

Courier Systems are fucking dodgy (they employed me), but I suppose it's a foot in the door if it's gonna be your thing.

I need a job for this summer and i decided i want to become a bike messenger in london.
How do i go about getting involved with it? Are there any agencies or people that i should contact?

http://www.movingtargetzine.com/

oh thanks for the advice that was really helpful. i literally dont know what i would have done without it.

Do you have the cojones?
That is the question.

Had to look that one up! i like to think i do. ive been cycling fixed for 4 years so im pretty confident on a bike and i like to think im fit enough. what kind of check list do i need?

Go for it then,

I was considering doing the same, i hear it's pretty competitive getting a job during summer though.

can you live off less then minimum wage? are you so badly in need of scene points you cant get a better job? got a bike? YOUR HIRERED.

can you live off less then minimum wage? are you so badly in need of scene points you cant get a better job? got a bike? YOUR HIRERED.

hirered?

Go for it then,

I was considering doing the same, i hear it's pretty competitive getting a job during summer though.

im just going to have to try and prove that im good enough. don't know how to do that tho.

By having a bicycle.

By having a spok.

.

if you struggled to find out how to become a courier, i am concerned at your lack of initiative or ability to find the places you are going to

Just google any company that employs bike couriers and I am sure they will tell you what they expect.
So my company use these people ( http://www.bondsworldwide.co.uk/contact.html ) when we need a bicycle courier (but they also do vans trucks etc)

They are a big company so probably have a standard job description or paper they can send you if you wanna get a job.

But there are loads of companies just ask them, after all they will choose to hire or fire you.

Not that I am an expert (as I have never worked as one), but I would also take into strong consideration all the comments above,i.e mucho cojones are required, and its not the best paid job in the world. And DJ's point is valid...

http://www.urban75.net/vbulletin/archive/index.php/t-137074.html