Warehouse Operative Apprenticeship

Programme title: Warehouse Operative Apprenticeship

Level: 2

Salary: £15,500
Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID:  67797

Defence logistics isn’t just about moving goods - it’s about being a pivotal part of a team that ensures the safety and security of our nation. Our 15-month Warehouse Operative Apprenticeship will provide you with key logistics skills, helping manage stock and deliveries to support vital defence operations.

About the programme

As a Warehouse Operative Apprentice, you'll safely handle goods in and out of our storage facilities, assisting with unloading, inventory management, and product distribution. You will have the opportunity to work in various warehouse and storage environments across the Devonport Dockyard site, assisting both Babcock and Royal Navy customers.

Your responsibilities will include unloading products from lorries, checking their accuracy, and placing them in designated storage locations. You may also be required to operate mechanical handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet trucks, and reach trucks.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will gain essential skills in stock and warehouse management, computer systems, and risk management. You’ll learn the importance of following processes and procedures and how to safely handle various materials, including engine parts and hazardous materials.

Safety is our top priority, and you will develop a strong commitment to workplace health, safety, and well-being. Additionally, you’ll enhance your customer service skills and learn effective communication.

Your education/training

Your training will take place at Devonport Royal Dockyard with a representative from City College Plymouth visiting regularly to observe your work and undertake progress reviews.

You may also need to attend the college occasionally for tutorial sessions or to complete Functional Skills in Maths and English if you do not already have GCSEs at grade 4.

After your first year, you’ll move to the End Point Assessment (EPA) phase for your final three months. During this time, you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence showcasing your work and skills.

On successful completion of the programme, you will achieve the Level 2 Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship standard.

Future prospects

By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to take on the role of a Warehouse Operative where you can expect to earn a competitive salary exceeding £30,000.

As you progress, you will have the opportunity to further develop your skills and potentially advance to a Senior Warehouse Operative role.

We work closely with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) to provide all members of our Logistics team with the chance to enhance their professional skills as they advance in their careers. With a wide range of training programmes, leadership development opportunities, and career progression paths, your potential is limitless.

What you’ll need

• GCSEs in Mathematics and English at grade 3/D are beneficial but not mandatory. For applicants who do not hold qualifications in Maths and English, please note that you may be required to undertake L2 Functional Skills in Maths and English during your apprenticeship.

• Due to ID requirements for entry to the Devonport Dockyard, you will need to provide either a valid passport or a provisional/full UK driving licence. If you do not currently hold one of these forms of ID, we strongly recommend applying in advance to ensure smooth access on your first day.
• Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What you’ll get

We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

In addition, you’ll benefit from:

• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.

Your career development

It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career.

Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.

Application process and closing dates  

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.