Operations Apprentice
DHL AVIATION (UK) LIMITED
Leicestershire (DE74 2TR)
Closes in 15 days (Monday 17 August 2026)
Posted on 31 July 2026
Contents
Summary
No previous experience? No problem!
If you're reliable, eager to learn, enjoy working as part of a team, and want to build a long-term career, this apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity for you.
- Wage
-
£22,785 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
💰 Salary: £22,785 per year plus shift pay allowance of £4,399 per year with 25 days holiday
- Training course
- Supply chain warehouse operative (level 2)
- Hours
-
⏰ Hours: 40 hours per week, typically 17:00– 01:30 (flexibility required)
Please check you can travel to and from East Midlands Airport during these hours before applying
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 12 October 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 3 months
- Positions available
-
6
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
What You'll Be Doing:
As an Operations Apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience across our busy logistics operation while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
You'll learn from experienced colleagues and develop skills that can support a future career in logistics, aviation and operations.
Sort Operations
You'll help ensure thousands of shipments move accurately through our network by:
✅ Scanning and sorting freight
✅ Labelling shipments
✅ Building and breaking down pallets and containers
✅ Identifying damaged or incorrectly routed items
✅ Maintaining a safe and organised working environment
Ramp Operations
You'll gain exposure to airport and aircraft operations by:
✅ Supporting the loading and unloading of aircraft and vehicles
✅ Assisting with airside activities (where authorised)
✅ Learning how different operational teams work together
✅ Helping ensure flights and transport movements depart on time
Your Safety Matters
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. You'll receive training and support to:
✔ Follow safe working practices
✔ Use equipment correctly
✔ Wear appropriate PPE
✔ Report hazards and safety concerns
✔ Meet aviation and operational compliance standards
Where you'll work
Building 121 EMA Cargo West
East Midlands Airport
Castle Donington
Leicestershire
DE74 2TR
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DERBY BUSINESS COLLEGE LIMITED
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
Your Apprenticeship Journey
Throughout your apprenticeship you'll:
🎓 Complete your Level 2 Supply Chain Warehouse Operations qualification
📚 Attend off-the-job learning sessions
📝 Build evidence for your qualification
🔄 Experience different operational areas
🤝 Receive coaching, mentoring and support from experienced colleagues
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
Important Information
As this role operates within an aviation environment, successful applicants will be required to complete:
🛂 A full 5-year employment and education history
🛂 Aviation security background checks
🛂 Criminal Record Check (CAA regulatory requirement)
Must be 18 years or over to apply for this position!
About this employer
DHL is the most international company in the world with a global network in over 220 countries and territories across the globe and a workforce exceeding 500,000 employees serving 2.8 million customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on our inclusive and diverse workforce, as demonstrated through our initiatives such as DHL4All.
Company benefits
🎯 Annual bonus opportunity
🛍️ Discounts at over 3,000 retailers through My DHL Rewards
🚗 Free onsite parking
🏦 Pension with up to 6% company contribution
🏥 Private medical cover after 12 months
🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme
🤝 Spark wellbeing support programme
✈️ Comprehensive training
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Many apprentices go on to build successful careers within DHL.
Future opportunities may include:
🚀 Operations Agent (Sort)
🚀 Operations Agent (Ramp)
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DHL AVIATION (UK) LIMITED
Charlotte Hadley
hguktalent@dhl.com
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045879.
Apply now
Closes in 15 days (Monday 17 August 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.