Operations Apprentice

Operations Apprentice – Sort & Ramp Hub Operations

East Midlands Airport | 15-Month Apprenticeship | Earn While You Learn!

Looking for your first step into a career? Could this be your first job?

At DHL, we're not just delivering parcels – we're connecting people and businesses across the world. As the world's leading logistics company, we're looking for enthusiastic and motivated people to join our Sort & Ramp Hub Operations Team at East Midlands Airport.

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.

📍 Location: East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, Derby

📅 Contract: 15-Month Fixed-Term Apprenticeship

💰 Salary: £22,785 per year plus shift pay allowance of £4,399 per year with 25 days holiday

⏰ 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.

Why Choose DHL?

This is more than an apprenticeship. It's the start of a career with a global organisation that invests in its people.

What You'll Receive

💰 Competitive salary plus shift allowance

🎯 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

🎓 Fully supported Level 2 Supply Chain Warehouse Operations Apprenticeship

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

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

Who We're Looking For

You don't need previous logistics experience to apply.

We're looking for people who are:

⭐ Positive and enthusiastic

⭐ Willing to learn new skills

⭐ Reliable and hardworking

⭐ Comfortable working as part of a team

⭐ Able to follow processes accurately

⭐ Flexible to work evenings, nights and bank holidays

⭐ Physically able to carry out manual handling activities

⭐ Must be aged 18 or over

Desirable

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
• Interest in logistics, transport, aviation or operations
• Basic IT skills

What Happens After the Apprenticeship?

Many apprentices go on to build successful careers within DHL.

Future opportunities may include:

🚀 Operations Agent (Sort)

🚀 Operations Agent (Ramp)

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)

Please include any employment, education or gaps of more than 28 days on your application, when required.

Ready to Start Your Career?

If you're looking for a role where you can earn, learn and grow with a world-leading employer, we'd love to hear from you.

📧 Questions? Contact: [email protected]

Advert closing date: 17th August 2026

Potential interview date: 1st September 2026

Potential start date: 12th October 2026