Large Goods Vehicle Driver Apprenticeship in Plymouth

Location: Devonport, Plymouth, GB, PL1 4SG

Onsite or Hybrid: Level: 2

Salary: £15,500

Our 16‑month Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver Apprenticeship will give you the skills you need to become a successful Transport Operative and launch an exciting and varied career in logistics.

About the Programme

At Babcock, defence logistics is more than just moving goods – it’s about ensuring that our servicemen and women have what they need, when they need it, wherever they are in the world. As an LGV Driver Apprentice at Devonport Royal Dockyard, you will play a key role in this mission, learning how to safely deliver loads on time and provide reliable passenger transport services for both Babcock and our Royal Navy customers. Whether moving critical supplies or transporting people, your role will be vital in keeping operations running smoothly.

Safety is at the core of our logistics operations. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will learn how to maintain the integrity of your load and vehicle by performing essential vehicle checks, applying safe load restraint procedures, and practising fuel‑efficient driving. You will also gain a thorough understanding of workplace health and safety regulations, the highway code, traffic legislation, and working time directive laws.

As an LGV Driver, you will interact with a wide range of people daily, including transport planners, transport managers, fellow drivers and customers. You will master the art of providing excellent customer service, using effective communication techniques and problem‑solving skills to ensure a high‑quality service, even when challenges arise.

Your Education/Training

Your training will be divided between in‑person sessions at our training provider’s premises in Marsh Barton, Exeter, and onsite at Devonport Royal Dockyard (travel costs to Exeter will be covered by Babcock). After the initial 13‑month training period, you will enter the End Point Assessment (EPA) phase for the final three months of the programme. This phase will include a practical driving assessment, a multiple‑choice test and an interview to demonstrate your skills and competence. On successful completion of the programme, you will achieve the Level 2 LGV Driver Apprenticeship standard.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you will be ready to take on the role of Transport Operative within our Transport Department at Devonport Royal Dockyard, with a competitive salary of £30,000. As you progress, you will have the opportunity to further develop your skills and potentially advance to a Senior Transport Operative role. Additionally, you may have the option to obtain your Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence, expanding your career opportunities across various roles and functions.

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, you may be required to undertake L2 Functional Skills in Maths and English during your apprenticeship. You must be 18 years old or over at the start of the programme. 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.

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
• 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. 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.