ASCO
   
ASCO FAQ
ASCO FAQ's

What jobs are currently available within ASCO?

To find out what jobs are currently available at ASCO you should visit the “Job search and apply” page where you will be able to search by area of expertise and/or location for all current vacancies.

How do I apply for a job within ASCO?

You can apply through the on line function, by email to careers@ascoworld.com or in writing by sending in you CV or by requesting an application form from the HR department.

What if I don’t have the necessary qualifications for the job?

If you don’t have the necessary qualifications, but feel you may have the skills and experience to do the job, contact the HR department by email at careers@ascoworld.com who will advise you accordingly.

What are the career prospects within ASCO?

We believe in developing our people’s talents.  People are at the very core of our business and we want every employee to realise his or her potential.

ASCO offers a wide range of challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in locations around the globe for individuals that are motivated and passionate about being the best

At the heart of this lies ADVANCE, our performance management system which helps all of our employees focus on their job and developmental goals and maps out a pathway for them to progress within the company.

Are there opportunities to move around the company?

Once employed at ASCO every employee is able to apply for any vacancy or secondment that may arise anywhere within the Group. All opportunities are posted internally across the Group before being advertised externally. Also see question, “What are the career prospects within ASCO?”

Where is ASCO based?

ASCO has 4 regions across the world, Europe, North America, Caribbean and South America and Caspian with the Group Head Quarters in Aberdeen, at ASCO Group, Regent Centre, Regent Road, Aberdeen AB11 5NS Scotland
Tel: 44 (0)1224 580396

What happens after I send in my application?

First your application will be acknowledged, you will then be informed by letter at the appropriate stage of the selection process whether you have been successful in progressing to the next stage.

What are the wages like?

Wages will depend on the type of job you would be doing. ASCO is a people business. The quality of the service we deliver and the success we achieve as a business is all down to our people, and our wages reflect our commitment and company success.

Will you require references?

Yes, we will require you to supply the names and contact details of two referees. All offers of employment will be subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references covering at least the last fours years of your employment history.

Do I need a work permit?

All resident labour workers within their home country will not normally require a work permit. That is, if you are a UK resident labour worker and intend to work within one of our UK bases, then you would not require a work permit. But if you are, for example, applying to work in the UK and you are from a country outside the European Economic Area, then yes, you would probably require a work permit.

For further individual advice on whether you would require a work permit please contact the immigration agency of your home country or for information about working in the UK visit http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/.

What hours will I be expected to work?

Most full time contracts are based on 40 hours per week, although depending on the type of work you are doing the hours could average up to 48 hours per week. ASCO recognises the need for a work/life balance and therefore does not encourage excessive overtime.

Do you work shifts?

There are various roles within ASCO that would require you to work shifts. If this is a requirement, the job advertisement will clearly state this.

Am I expected to work weekends?

Depending on your role, weekend working may be part of either your normal weekly working hours or may be required as overtime. You will be made fully aware during the application process of the normal and overtime hours which will be expected as part of the role. If you are unable or unwilling to work weekends and the role requires this, you should make your interviewers aware of this as early as possible.

Is there overtime?

For some roles, yes, overtime will be available. You will be made aware during the application process of any requirements to work overtime and the overtime payments available for such work.All overtime must be authorised by your line manager in advance.

Are there opportunities to work offshore?

No, ASCO operations are shore based

Are there opportunities to work overseas?

Yes. ASCO has a worldwide presence and opportunities do arise to apply to work overseas.

I have holidays booked in the near future. Will this affect my application?

No. You should make the HR Dept / your interviewers aware of the dates you have booked, however this will not affect your application.

What staff benefits do you provide?

All staff may join the ASCO pension scheme. On joining the scheme, ASCO will match your contributions up to a maximum of 5% of basic annual salary and employees who join will also benefit from x3 of basic salary Life Assurance cover. In addition, employees enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement and have access to discounted online shopping scheme and discounted legal services. Management roles may also include private healthcare, a company contribution to the pension fund and/or a car allowance. Full details of the benefits associated with each role will be provided throughout the interview process.

Are you an equal opportunities employer?

Yes, ASCO welcomes applications from all potential employees.

Do you employ people who wish to work part-time?

Yes. ASCO is an equal opportunities employer

Do you encourage job-sharing?

Yes, some roles may be suitable for job-sharing. Any requests to job-share should be made through the HR Department or your line manager.

Are there opportunities for flexible working?

Yes. ASCO supports requests for flexible working and will accommodate alternative working arrangements where possible.

Are there opportunities for home working?

At the moment, ASCO does not offer home working arrangements.

Do you have Trade Unions?

Yes. Some parts of the organisation have Union representation. Local Union representatives will provide more information on joining the company.

Do you provide work experience / placement opportunities?

We do provide work experience / placement opportunities, dependant on operational requirements. Applications should be made via the recruitment link on the website.

Do you have a pension scheme?

All permanent employees are eligible to join the Company’s pension scheme on completion of their 13 week Arrival programme. 

The Company’s pension scheme is a contributory scheme whereby the Company will match your contribution of 5% of your annual salary. Membership of the Company’s pension scheme will provide you with Life assurance of three times salary.

Do you employ older workers?

ASCO are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on any grounds. We welcome applications for employment from all ages.

Will I get paid if I’m off sick?

Provided you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be entitled to SSP, full details are contained within contracts of employment

What is your Maternity leave policy?

All employees, regardless of length of service are eligible for both ordinary and additional maternity leave. Eligibility to receive maternity pay is based on the length of continuous service with the Company.

What is your Paternity Leave policy?

Provided you meet the legal eligibility requirements, you will be entitled to either one week or two consecutive week’s paternity leave. During their paternity leave, eligible employees are entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP).

Do you have a bonus scheme?

Yes. ASCO has a bonus plan which is linked to the Performance Management Appraisal System. Your performance during the year will be measured against four factors and this will determine the bonus amount paid to you.

Will I be expected to undertake a medical before starting work with ASCO?

Yes. All potential employees are required to undergo a pre-employment medical before employment can commence. The pre-employment medical includes an alcohol and drug screen.

Do you provide canteen / restaurant facilities?

This varies dependant on your work location although most ASCO bases do have kitchen facilities. Currently, only our Peterhead South Base has a full canteen / restaurant.

Do you provide safety clothing?

Safety Clothing (PPE) is provided to all employees who require it to carry out their role in a safe manner.

Do you employ people with disabilities?

ASCO are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on any grounds. We welcome applications from any candidates and will do all that we possibly can to accommodate a disability.

Learning and Development FAQ

What training is offered within ASCO?

ASCO offers training to all staff to support them in their current roles and to prepare them for future challenges. The training may fall under the banner of:

  • Personal development;
  • Management development;
  • Health and Safety;
  • IT;
  • Operational (job specific) training

Do you have a Management Development Programme?

Yes. Aspire is the ASCO Management Development Programme. It offers all staff who have completed their initial induction the opportunity to gain a formal, externally verified, and internationally recognised management qualification. There are three levels of qualification, from initial supervisory level through to a middle-management level qualification.

Do you have an Apprenticeship scheme?

Yes. The Apprenticeship scheme offers a two-year Modern Apprenticeship in the areas of Warehousing and Distribution and in Business and Administration. Recruitment takes place throughout the summer with the Apprenticeship beginning in early Autumn.

Do you have an Appraisal system?

Yes. The ASCO Advance system offers all staff the opportunity to sit down twice-yearly with their line manager to agree training plans, operational objectives and to give and receive formal feedback on all aspects of the job.

What is the ASCO induction procedure?

Arrival, the ASCO induction procedure lasts for 13 weeks, and in that time new staff will receive clear objectives that they are expected to achieve. In addition, all new staff attend a company induction and local Human Resources and Health and Safety inductions. Also included in the Arrival process is on-the-job training and three formal feedback sessions with the line manager.

Do I have to pay for training?

No. All training costs, including travel costs, are met by the company.

When does the training take place?

Training usually takes place during office hours on weekdays.

Where does the training take place?

Training courses are delivered as close to the place of work as possible. In the UK, typically this means in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Great Yarmouth

Do you offer opportunities to study further and higher education?

Yes, there are numerous opportunities to progress through formal study, from HNC’s through to Masters degrees, with each application being judged on its individual merits.

If I leave, do I have to re-pay the cost of training?

For job-specific training there is no repayment required. For further and higher education, if you were to leave the company within a certain period of time following the course then a percentage of the fees would have to be re-paid.

Do you offer study leave?

Yes. Up to ten days study leave per year, depending on the nature of the study.