At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to support the movement of freight in a fast-paced logistics environment.
- Company: DHL, the World’s Best Workplace™, known for its supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, and health benefits after 12 months.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a safe, inclusive working environment.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career with hands-on experience and a nationally recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, teamwork skills, and willingness to learn are essential.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Kick‑start your Career with the World’s Best Workplace™. DHL's people are our superpower. Every colleague helps keep us the No.1 Express Delivery & Logistics Company worldwide — and we’re proud to be named the World’s Best Workplace™.
Location: DHL Aviation, Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, TW6 3SJ
Contract Type: Apprenticeship (Fixed Term Contract)
Working Pattern: Two shift patterns 15:00 – 00:00 & 04:00 – 13:00. Flexibility will be required. 40 working hours per week Monday to Friday. Shift times to be confirmed after successful interview.
Benefits
- Competitive salary + shift allowance
- Annual bonus up to 5%
- Free onsite parking
- My DHL Rewards – discounts at over 3,000 retailers
- Pension up to 6% company contribution
- Share Purchase Plan
- Private medical after 12 months
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- CIS Induction Week
- Spark – wellbeing support
About The Role
We are seeking motivated and reliable Operations Apprentices to join our Operational team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced logistics environment while working towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification. The role provides practical exposure across operational activities, supporting the safe, accurate and timely movement of freight through the hub. You will be an integral part of the team, learning core logistics and aviation/transport processes under the guidance of experienced colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the manual and automated sorting of shipments to correct destinations.
- Scan, label, and load freight using operational IT systems.
- Build and break down Unit Load Devices (ULDs), pallets, and cages in line with procedures.
- Ensure freight is handled in accordance with service, security, and customs requirements.
- Identify, report, and upscale damaged or misrouted shipments.
- Maintain housekeeping standards (5S) within the sort area to support safety and efficiency.
- Support operations administration.
- Assist Operations Supervisors with CIS facilitation.
- Analyze Operational KPI data with Operations Managers.
- Champion processing efficiencies.
- Identify, report, and investigate Health & Safety breaches/near misses.
- Attend local operations meetings.
- Work collaboratively with ramp agents and supervisors to meet departure schedules.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Work in line with all Health & Safety, security, and operational procedures.
- Wear appropriate PPE and follow safe manual handling techniques.
- Report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly.
- Comply with regulatory and company standards at all times.
Learning & Development
- Complete all elements of the apprenticeship programme, including off-the-job training and coursework.
- Take responsibility for personal learning, development, and performance.
- Gather workplace evidence and participate in assessments as required.
- Rotate across operational areas to build broad hub knowledge.
Qualifications
Essential
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Ability to work as part of a team in a time-critical environment.
- Good attention to detail and ability to follow processes accurately.
- Flexibility to work shifts, including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Physically able to undertake manual handling tasks.
- Willingness to complete required security and background checks.
- Age 18 years or older.
- Ability to follow instructions.
Desirable
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths grade 4 or above.
- Interest in logistics, operations, or aviation/transport environments.
- Basic IT skills.
What We Offer
- A structured apprenticeship programme with on- and off-the-job training.
- Supply Chain Warehouse Operations – Level 2 apprenticeship.
- Practical experience within a busy hub operation.
- Support, coaching, and mentoring from experienced colleagues.
- Opportunities for career progression upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
- A safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
Career Progression
Operations Agent. Full 5‑year history including work, education, and any gaps over 28 days is required. Internal applicants must inform their manager before applying.
Closing Date: 22nd June 2026
Note: Aviation roles require a full 5‑year background check + Criminal Record check (CAA regulation).
Operations Apprentice in London employer: DHL Express
DHL Aviation at Heathrow Airport offers an exceptional apprenticeship experience, where you can kick-start your career in a dynamic logistics environment. As part of the world's best workplace, you'll benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. With opportunities for career progression and a range of perks including discounts, medical benefits, and a pension plan, DHL is committed to nurturing talent and ensuring a rewarding work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Apprentice in London
✨Get Involved in Local Transport Initiatives
Join local transport and logistics meetups or community groups. These gatherings can be goldmines for meeting professionals in the field and discovering apprenticeship openings, often before they're advertised.
✨Leverage Your College Links
If you're at college, get in touch with your career services. They often have partnerships with companies in the transportation and logistics sector that are looking for enthusiastic apprentices, so don't be shy about tapping into those connections.
✨Showcase Your Passion for the Industry
Create a small portfolio or blog that reflects your interest in logistics. Share insights or analysis about trends in transportation. This shows potential employers, like DHL Express, that you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Direct Hits
When you find an apprenticeship with DHL Express, make sure you apply through our website. It's often the quickest way to get noticed by hiring managers, plus you’ll gain a bit of an edge over candidates who apply through other channels.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Apprentice in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Navigating the Basics:Make sure your CV outlines any relevant experience in transportation or logistics, even if it's just from school projects or part-time jobs. It’s all about showing your enthusiasm for the field and any skills like organisation and time management that you've gained along the way.
Show off Your Skills:In your cover letter, mention specific skills that are important in transportation and logistics, such as problem-solving or communication. Share examples of how you've used these skills effectively in past experiences; it could be from group work, projects, or even helping out with family businesses.
Your Journey to Us:Don’t shy away from sharing your motivation for wanting to do an apprenticeship in the transportation-logistics sector. Employers love to see a genuine interest in learning the ropes and contributing to their team at DHL Express. What do you hope to gain from this apprenticeship?
Keep it Relevant:Remember to tailor your application to DHL Express. If there are specific projects or innovations they’re known for in the transportation-logistics space, mention them. This shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
How to prepare for a job interview at DHL Express
✨Know Your Logistics Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with transportation and logistics concepts, like supply chain management and inventory control. It might be helpful for us to brush up on common terminology and key players in the industry, which could pop up during your interview at DHL Express.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In logistics, interviewers often like to present you with hypothetical scenarios, like dealing with delivery delays or managing unexpected changes in shipments. Try and think of examples from your past experiences or even use case studies to illustrate how you’d handle these situations effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an apprenticeship, showing off your eagerness to learn is super important! We want to showcase that we are not just here for the job but that we are invested in growing our skills and knowledge within the logistics sector at DHL Express.
✨Show Off Those Soft Skills
In transportation-logistics, communication is key! Be prepared to discuss how you can effectively collaborate with team members and manage relationships with clients and suppliers. It's all about teamwork and adaptability, so let’s make sure we convey that enthusiasm during the interview.
