Warehousing and distribution

Who is this Apprenticeship for?

This programme is designed for:

• School or college leavers who want to start a career in warehousing and enjoy working in a fast-paced, practical environment
• Individuals seeking to develop skills in areas such as receiving, storing, packing, and dispatching goods, as well as operating warehouse equipment
• New or existing employees working in warehouses, distribution centres, or logistics operations within retail, manufacturing, or supply chain businesses

Are there any entry requirements?

For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 1/G or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.

For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 1/G or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.

Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.

What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?

The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to advance in your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.

As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.

What will the Apprenticeship cover?

The Supply Chain Warehouse Operative L2 Apprenticeship will develop the core knowledge and understanding of:

Knowledge Areas

• Safety & Compliance: Risk assessments, PPE, COSHH, health & safety regulations, and safe working practices
• Equipment & Handling: Use of manual and powered tools for product handling, loading, and transport procedures
• Warehouse Operations: Processes for receiving, storing, picking, packing, dispatching, and returns
• Quality & Stock Control: Principles of stock rotation, quality assurance, and resource management
• Environmental Responsibility: Efficient resource use, recycling, and safe waste disposal
• Digital & Communication Skills: IT systems, GDPR, cyber security, written and verbal communication techniques
• Professional Standards: Reporting procedures, handovers, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace

Skills Development

• Safety & Risk Management: Conduct risk assessments and apply safe working practices in line with legislation and company policy
• Warehouse Operations: Receive, store, pick, pack, dispatch, and return products following organisational procedures
• Product Handling & Equipment: Load/unload goods safely and use appropriate tools and equipment for handling
• Digital & Information Management: Use IT systems securely, comply with GDPR and cyber security, and locate operational information
• Communication Skills: Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with colleagues, managers, and customers
• Environmental & Sustainability: Follow procedures for reducing waste, recycling, and selecting packaging materials that minimise environmental impact
• Professional Standards: Support stock-taking, escalate issues, complete handovers, follow EDI principles, and record learning activities

End Point Assessment

This is the final assessment and includes a:

• Practical observation with questioning
• Professional discussion (based on a portfolio of evidence)

Progression Routes

Roles such as:

• Warehouse Team Leader
• Stock Control Supervisor
• Transport Coordinator
• Logistics Operative

Higher-level qualifications:

• Supply Chain Practitioner Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Transport and Wearhouse Operations Supervisor Level 3 Apprenticeship

Professional recognition with organisations such as:

• Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
• Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM)

Where and when will I learn?

This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progress is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at Lingfield Way (DL1 4QZ) to further enhance your learning.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Supply Chain Warehouse Operative standard.

The programme typically takes 12 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.

What do I do next?

View our latest vacancies

Or you can:

Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.

If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us