Apprentice Business Admin and Transport Co-ordinator
MB RETAIL DISTRIBUTION LTD
Rangemore (DE13 9DF)
Closes in 14 days (Tuesday 6 October 2026)
Posted on 22 September 2026
Contents
Summary
Begin your career in transport by managing PODs and driver documentation before progressing into planning and transport management. With a clear development pathway, you’ll gain experience across a busy transport operation while working towards an industry-recognised qualification.
- Wage
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£20,800 a year
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
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Monday- Friday
8:30am- 5.00pm
30-60 min lunch break
40 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 16 November 2026
- Duration
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1 year 6 months
- Positions available
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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
The successful candidate will begin their transport career by supporting the day-to-day administration of our busy haulage operation. Initially, the role will focus on proof of delivery (POD) management and driver documentation, helping the apprentice build a strong understanding of how a professional transport operation works.
As their knowledge and confidence develop, they will receive training across vehicle planning, driver coordination, customer service, compliance and transport management. The role offers a clear progression pathway and the opportunity to work towards an industry-recognised qualification.
Typical duties will include:
- Collecting, checking, scanning and filing PODs, ensuring documents are accurate and returned promptly
- Checking driver paperwork, delivery notes, vehicle documents and other transport records
- Communicating with drivers to obtain missing documents and resolve delivery queries
- Updating internal systems and spreadsheets with job, delivery and vehicle information
- Supporting customer invoicing by ensuring all required PODs and supporting documents are available
- Answering telephone calls and responding professionally to customers, drivers and suppliers
- Assisting the transport team with daily vehicle and driver planning
- Monitoring delivery progress and helping to keep customers informed of any delays or changes
- Learning about drivers’ hours, Working Time Directive requirements and operator licence compliance
- Supporting the planning of efficient routes and the effective use of vehicles and drivers
- Gaining experience across the full transport operation, with opportunities to progress into transport planning and management
No two days in transport are the same, so the apprentice must be organised, willing to learn and comfortable working in a busy environment. Full support and training will be provided throughout the apprenticeship.
Where you'll work
Home Farm
Rangemore
DE13 9DF
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COLLEGE
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
- Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
- Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
- Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
- Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
- Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
- Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
- Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship standard (can include Level 2 elements if required)
- Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (if required)
This apprenticeship is delivered through a combination of Work Based Assessment and day/block release. The programme will culminate in an End Point Assessment, where all the skills and knowledge gained on the apprenticeship will be formally tested.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Administrative skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Customer care skills
- IT skills
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Time-Management
Other requirements
Driving licence would be an advantage for commuting but not essential.
About this employer
Our 38-tonne tandem axle vehicles give versatility for express/local type store deliveries. Our larger 44- tonne tri-axle vehicles are designed to be more road-friendly and are more suitable for larger store deliveries/trunking operations. We offer our vehicles and drivers on an ad-hoc supply basis to cater to unexpected demand. We can also offer vehicles and drivers on a long-term contract basis to supplement your own fleet. For contract work, we are happy to brand our vehicles to match your fleet in line with your marketing strategy.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to progress into a permanent full-time position with MB Retail Distribution Ltd. Potential career routes include Transport Administrator, Transport Planner, Transport Supervisor and, with further experience and development, Transport Manager.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COLLEGE
Jasmine James
Jasmine.James@bsdc.ac.uk
07812 963966
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000054863.
Apply now
Closes in 14 days (Tuesday 6 October 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.