SOC 2020 unit group 8239

8239 Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.

Unit group 8239 in the ONS Standard Occupational Classification 2020, with the line the Appendix Skilled Occupations gives it. Not immigration advice.

ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: file dated 27 August 2026, version V13 · Appendix Skilled Occupations: figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked against the 8 October 2026 page on 26 October 2026 (unchanged)

In short

  • ONS unit group 8239, in minor group 823 (Other drivers and transport operatives) and major group 8 (Process, plant and machine operatives).
  • Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Not on the list: Table 6.
  • Going rate as the tables print it:

    What the ONS says

    Description

    Job holders in this unit group monitor the activities of bus drivers, conductors and other road transport depot drivers, undertake various tasks related to water transportation, and perform other transportation tasks not elsewhere classified in minor group 823: Other drivers and transport operatives.

    Typical entry routes

    There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is provided both Off and on-the-job. In some areas relevant vocational qualifications are available at level 2 and 3.

    Tasks

    • checks that vehicles run as scheduled, monitors number of passengers travelling particular routes and makes recommendations for improvement of services
    • organises relief and replacement crews as necessary, ensures compliance with regulations regarding the carrying of passengers and luggage, and submits reports of any irregularities
    • checks that goods have been correctly loaded into vehicle, monitors and records information from tachograph, and arranges for servicing, refuelling, cleaning and repair of depot vehicles
    • operates and maintains lighthouses and navigational lights in harbours, and assists in mooring craft
    • operates and maintains locks, opens and closes moving bridges across inland waterways and docks, and measures depth of water in canals, rivers, etc. to determine possible dumping or dredging sites
    • guides horses or ponies and drives horse drawn vehicles to transport goods and passengers

    Related job titles

    • Bus inspector
    • Marshal (transport)
    • Operations assistant (freight handling)
    • Test driver (motor vehicle mfr)
    • Transport supervisor
    • Yard foreman (road transport)

    What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

    The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

    Table 6: SOC 2020 occupation codes which are not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or Scale-up routes

    SOC 2020 occupation code
    8239 Other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified
    Examples of related job titles (non-exhaustive)
    • Bus inspector
    • Marshal (transport)
    • Operations assistant (freight handling)
    • Test driver (motor vehicle mfr)
    • Transport supervisor
    • Yard foreman (road transport)

    Other unit groups in minor group 823

    Sources

    Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

    All 412 occupation codes

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