Apprenticeships

Britain’s transport and distribution industry needs intelligent, highly motivated young people who are keen to carve out a career for themselves as Transport and Distribution specialists. Apprenticeships provide a way in for just these people and are focused at two levels: Foundation and Advanced.

Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain valuable skills in one of 4 specialisms:

• Traffic Specialists – plan routes and organise loads to ensure goods reach their destination on time and in good condition. To do this job well you’ll need a quick brain and the ability to think on your feet.
• Warehouse Specialists – organise the handling, storage, packing and movement of goods in and out of the warehouse. To do this job well you’ll need to be highly organised and ready to take responsibility.
• Professional Drivers – when you’re out on the road in charge of up to 38 tonnes of awesome power and a valuable cargo on board, you are literally in the hot seat. You’ll need your wits about you and be ready to make decisions every moment of every mile.
• Postal Operatives – deal with the collection, processing and delivery of mail to and from businesses and individuals.

If you think you have the potential to develop the qualities needed for any of these demanding and responsible jobs this could be what you’re looking for.

Apprenticeships (England) / Foundation Modern Apprenticeships (Wales)

An Apprenticeship gives you practical training leading to the award of a NVQ Level 2 in one of the following:

• Traffic Office  
• Carry and Deliver Goods
• Warehousing and Storage
• Driving Goods Vehicles
• Purchasing and Supply Management
• Mail Services

These qualifications are highly regarded in the industry and prove your competence to do the job. What’s more you can use the award as a stepping stone to further training.

Advanced Apprenticeships (England) / Modern Apprenticeships (Wales)

Advanced Apprenticeships are designed for young people who have the potential to become the supervisors and managers of tomorrow. That sort of responsibility requires people with initiative, good organisational ability and strong practical skills rooted in sound training. If you have the potential and are keen to carve out a successful career in a dynamic industry, this could be just what you’re looking for.

Advanced Apprenticeships have been specially developed to provide a program of work-based learning and assessment, designed to equip you with the skills you need in order to reach your full potential. An Advanced Apprenticeship gives you practical training leading to the award of a NVQ Level 3 in one of the following:

• Logistics Operations Management
• Driving Goods Vehicles
• Purchasing and Supply Management (also available as a Higher Apprenticeship)

These qualifications are highly valued by employers and prove your competence to do the job.

Modern Apprenticeships (Scotland)

In Scotland, only the Level 3 apprenticeships are available. These are called Modern Apprenticeships and give you practical training leading to the award of an SVQ Level 3 in one of the following:

• Driving Goods Vehicles
• Storage & Warehousing
• Supply Chain Management

The Detail

Apprenticeships, Advanced Apprenticeships and Modern Apprenticeships are made binding by a written agreement between you and your employer. The Agreement sets out what you will do for your employer, what your employer will do for you.

When you undertake to become an Apprentice you will be issued with a detailed Training Plan. This means both you and your employer will know exactly what is expected to be achieved, how and where your training will take place and when your training will be reviewed. This enables you to chart your progress throughout your apprenticeship.

Framework Documents

England & Wales

• Carry and Deliver Goods Apprenticeship Framework  
• Driving Goods Vehicles Apprenticeship/Advanced Apprenticeship Framework
• Mail Services Apprenticeship Framework  
• Traffic Office Apprenticeship Framework 
• Purchasing & Supply Management Apprenticeship/Advanced Apprenticeship/Higher Apprenticeship
• Logistics Operations Management Advanced Apprenticeship Framework  
• Warehousing & Storage Apprenticeship Framework 

 Scotland

• Scottish Driving Goods Vehicles Modern Apprenticeship Framework
• Scottish Storage and Warehousing Modern Apprenticeship Framework
• Scottish Supply Chain Management Modern Apprenticeship Framework

 Associated information for Apprenticeships

• Employment Responsibilities & Rights workbook
• REVISED England/Wales Certificate Request Form
• Post Test Assessment form for the new Driving Goods Vehicles Framework

• Scottish Certificate request form

Funding

Employers may be able to access funding through the local Learning and Skills Council (if in England), ELWa (if in Wales) or Local Enterprise Company (if in Scotland). For more details on how to access funding, please contact your local  apprenticeship provider. For contact details of of apprenticeship providers, please contact Skills for Logistics on 01908 313360.

Further Information

For further general information on apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeship website.