Warehouse Operative Apprentice (Plumbing Superstore)

CMO SUPERSTORES LIMITED

Darlington (DL3 0AW)

Closes in 21 days (Friday 27 February 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 6 February 2026

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Summary

We are looking for a motivated apprentice to support warehouse operations, including picking, packing, goods‑in, stock control and online order fulfilment. You'll gain key skills in logistics and inventory while helping ensure smooth, efficient warehouse performance.

Wage

£14,976 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Supply chain warehouse operative (level 2)
Hours
Shift pattern working Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.00am - 4.30pm. Normal hours of work: 72 hours per fortnight (alternating pattern of 40 hours per week, and 32 hours the next week).

36 hours a week

Start date

Monday 2 March 2026

Duration

1 year

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Duties include, but are not restricted to:

  • Picking and packing items ordered from our ecommerce website
  • Conduct regular cycle counts and assist with full stock takes
  • Keep locations tidy, zoned and compliant with housekeeping standards
  • Identify low/out‑of‑stock items and escalate for replenishment
  • Pick customer orders accurately using handheld scanners or pick lists
  • Pack items securely using the right packaging to prevent damage
  • Print labels and book consignments via courier portals and stage orders for collection on time
  • Meet targets for pick accuracy, on‑time dispatch and damage‑free orders
  • Handle basic order queries/returns, quarantining damaged/incorrect items for investigation
  • Work safely at all times
  • Use warehouse management systems to receive, locate, pick and dispatch stock
  • Maintain accurate digital records and complete checklists and delivery notes
  • Suggest improvements to reduce waste, errors or damage (lean mindset)
  • Support colleagues across inbound/outbound as needed
  • Attend training and reviews to progress your apprenticeship

Where you'll work

1 Hannah Court Business Park
Faverdale North
Darlington
DL3 0AW

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

Training course

Supply chain warehouse operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Conduct risk assessments within the working environment.
  • Apply safe working practices in line with associated health and safety legislation and company policy.
  • Receive products in line with organisational procedures.
  • Store and pick products in line with organisational procedures.
  • Dispatch products in line with organisational procedures.
  • Decant, pack products in line with organisational procedures.
  • Communicate with others verbally, for example internal and external customers, colleagues, and managers.
  • Communicate in writing with others, for example internal and external customers, colleagues and managers.
  • Load and unload products, considering the product that is to be moved and its current and planned destination.
  • Use tools and equipment to aid in product handling.
  • Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security.
  • Locate and use operational information, electronic or paper based, required to fulfil contractual requirements.
  • Select, prepare, and use packaging materials that reduce waste and mitigate environmental impacts.
  • support under instruction scheduled and unscheduled stock taking activities relevant to the organisation and product.
  • Identify and escalate problems beyond own responsibility.
  • Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Follow equity, diversity and inclusion rules.
  • Carry out and record learning and development activities.
  • Conducts handover activities.
  • Conduct risk assessments within the working environment.
  • Apply safe working practices in line with associated health and safety legislation and company policy.
  • Receive products in line with organisational procedures.
  • Store and pick products in line with organisational procedures.
  • Dispatch products in line with organisational procedures.
  • Decant, pack products in line with organisational procedures.
  • Communicate with others verbally, for example internal and external customers, colleagues, and managers.
  • Communicate in writing with others, for example internal and external customers, colleagues and managers.
  • Load and unload products, considering the product that is to be moved and its current and planned destination.
  • Use tools and equipment to aid in product handling.
  • Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security.
  • Locate and use operational information, electronic or paper based, required to fulfil contractual requirements.
  • Select, prepare, and use packaging materials that reduce waste and mitigate environmental impacts.
  • support under instruction scheduled and unscheduled stock taking activities relevant to the organisation and product.
  • Identify and escalate problems beyond own responsibility.
  • Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Follow equity, diversity and inclusion rules.
  • Carry out and record learning and development activities.
  • Conducts handover activities.

Training schedule

You will be completing the Level 2 Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Apprenticeship Standard with Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills. This programme will equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to work effectively within a fast‑paced warehouse and logistics environment. Training is delivered through a blend of online learning and tutor‑led sessions, covering key areas such as goods‑in processes, order picking and packing, stock control, safe handling of materials, and maintaining a clean, efficient and compliant warehouse.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll be supported by experienced warehousing tutors who bring real industry expertise. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in the workplace, developing your confidence and competence in day‑to‑day tasks while working toward a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for a successful career in warehousing and distribution.

More training information

Training will be provided to achieve the following qualifications:

  • Level 2 Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Apprenticeship Standard
  • Functional Skills in maths and English (as required)

Training would be primarily conducted in the workplace with frequent visits from your tutor, but some training may take place periodically at one of our three Darlington based training centres.  Here you will learn the theory and practical elements of the course, gaining the knowledge and developing skills to exceed the minimum apprenticeship standards.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 1+/G+)
  • maths (grade 1+/G+)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4+/ C+)
  • maths (grade 4+/ C+)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Logical
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

The Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage guide (ANMW): https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.

Travel to and from the employer, based at Unit 1, Hannah Court Business Park, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0AW.

Job can be physically demanding and fast paced.

Temperatures can vary depending on the building and types of goods stored.

Warehouses operate with machinery, vehicles and fast-moving goods.

Applicants should be comfortable in a structured, industrial environment.

About this employer

Plumbing Superstore is a UK‑wide online plumbing supplier with over 25 years of industry experience. They provide a comprehensive range of plumbing products at competitive prices and supply to trade professionals, sole plumbers, and the general public. The company focuses heavily on excellent customer service, fast and reliable delivery, and an easy‑to‑use website, ensuring customers can order products quickly and efficiently. They offer nationwide delivery, expert advice, and access to thousands of plumbing essentials—from fittings and fixtures to tools and sundries.

Plumbing Superstore forms part of the wider CMO Superstores group, recognised as one of the UK’s largest online builders’ merchants, with a strong reputation for transparent pricing, secure payments, and efficient service. Customer reviews highlight quick order processing, good communication, and reliable delivery. The company is based in Darlington and operates with a growing team, positioning itself as one of the UK’s leading online plumbing suppliers.

http://www.plumbingsuperstore.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Only work 9 days in a fortnight
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Medicash
  • BHN Extras discount scheme
  • Free on-site parking
  • Company events

After this apprenticeship

Successfully completing the apprenticeship may open opportunities for further training and progression into full‑time employment.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000013578.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Friday 27 February 2026 at 11:59pm)