Global Equipment Logistics (GEL) Apprentice

DHL GLOBAL FORWARDING (UK) LIMITED

Essex (RM19 1NA)

Closes in 14 days (Monday 23 November 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 9 November 2026

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Summary

You'll develop towards becoming a Container Fleet Operator within DHL Global Forwarding, supporting the management of our Shipper Owned Container (SOC) fleet across a global network. You will learn how to coordinate container movements, manage equipment utilisation, liaise with depots and overseas offices, and our requirements worldwide.

Wage

£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salary reviewed after 12 months

Training course
International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.30pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 7 December 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

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

  • Develop relationships with customers (internal/external)
  • Ensure  all customer enquiries are responded to promptly and professionally
  • Managing the GELCAB system for owned fleet management and SOC container movements
  •  Maintaining container specifications and image databases for the owned fleet
  • Communicating equipment availability across the Hillebrand network
  • Responding to network enquiries in a timely and professional manner
  • Coordinating with Operations Managers, Team Leaders and the SOC team to maximise fleet efficiency
  • Managing on-hire and off-hire activity and ensuring timely communication to the network
  • Reviewing damage estimates and approving or disputing costs as appropriate
  • Maintaining accurate fleet diary records
  • Managing fleet projects from initiation through to completion
  • Liaising with container depots regarding gate movements, inspections and damage reports
  • Issuing seaworthy certificates and equipment releases as required
  • Producing weekly fleet management reports for operational leadership teams.

 

 

Where you'll work

Unit 2
Queen Elizabeth Distribution Park
Purfleet Bypass
Essex
RM19 1NA

Training

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

Training provider

SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED

Training course

International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.
  • Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
  • Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.
  • Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.
  • Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.
  • Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.
  • Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.
  • Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.
  • Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
  • Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.
  • Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.
  • Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.
  • Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.
  • Air. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the air freight industry.
  • Air. Select and use documentation appropriate to the air freight industry.
  • Ocean. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the ocean freight industry.
  • Ocean. Select and use documentation appropriate to the ocean freight industry.
  • Road. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the road freight industry.
  • Road. Select and use documentation appropriate to the road freight industry.
  • Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.
  • Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
  • Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.
  • Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.
  • Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.
  • Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.
  • Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.
  • Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.
  • Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
  • Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.
  • Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.
  • Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.
  • Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.

Training schedule

On the job training delivered by the employer.
Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3.
Allocation of an apprenticeship delivery coach who will carry out regular training.
Assessment and support visits to ensure you acquire new learning, knowledge skills and behaviours in order to progress and develop.
Identify, track and support 6 hours off the job training activities.
Quarterly formal progress review meetings, identifying learning achievements and next steps.

More training information

Internal systems training will be provided by the employer.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)
  • Maths (grade Minimum Grade C or 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
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working

Other requirements

Note: This role will have either the International Fright Forwarder L3 or Business Administrator L3 apprenticeship attached to it.

About this employer

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is one of the five DHL divisions within DPDHL Group. DGF UK specialise in shipping freight by air and sea. We are the world and UK market leader for airfreight and number two for ocean freight. At DGF we have over 30,000 employees working across more than 200 countries. In the UK we have over 1,000 colleagues working across office, warehouse and transport roles. We collect, store and deliver the goods and handle customs formalities.

https://www.dhl.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays.
  • Access competitive package of voluntary benefits including retail, entertainment, gym membership, cycle to work scheme, contribution to eye care costs, and many more discounts
  • Pension scheme which includes life assurance

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

The apprenticeship will initially be a 24 month Fixed Term Contract (FTC), with the aim that apprentices either move onto a further apprenticeship or a permanent role  within the business – subject to a suitable vacancy being available and in line with the selection process for the role. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED

Paul Cotton

paul.cotton@seetec.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000063091.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Monday 23 November 2026 at 11:59pm)