Logistics and Transport Apprenticeship 2026

Logistics and Transport Apprenticeship – Fixed Term Contract (2 Years) – Attractive Salary and Benefits – 38 Hour Week – Newtownabbey

Who are we? Henderson Group are proud to be Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,500 staff and have been placed 3rd in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2025. We’re an Investors in People accredited, family‑owned group, and our culture is lived out through our four core values – Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork and Integrity.

A look into the Apprenticeship Scheme: Are you ready to take the first step in a dynamic and rewarding career? Based at our purpose‑built distribution centre in Mallusk, our Apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience and industry‑recognised qualifications across warehousing, transport and supply chain operations. Over the course of up to two years, you’ll learn how a highly successful logistics operation works, gaining practical skills, operational licences and valuable industry experience, while completing a Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Warehousing & Storage, along with a Level 2 Certificate in Employee Rights and Responsibilities in the Logistics Industry.

Delivered in partnership with Loughview Training Services Ltd, your apprenticeship will include a blend of on‑the‑job learning and short classroom sessions designed to help you succeed and build confidence throughout the programme. From Day 1, you’ll be supported by experienced colleagues and mentors who will help you develop practical skills, learn new systems and progress within the business. The speed at which you progress is up to you!

As an apprentice, you’ll gain experience within either our Ambient, Fresh or Foodservice warehouse operations, while also spending time with our Transport team to understand how products move through the full supply chain – from supplier to customer. You’ll gain exposure to our state‑of‑the‑art Warehouse Management System, learning all about warehouse technologies, stock systems and operational processes that help keep a major logistics operation running efficiently every day. Upon completing the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in Warehousing, Transport or our System Admin team. Interested in driving? You could progress to our Warehouse to Wheels programme and train as a fully qualified HGV Driver (subject to minimum age and service criteria). We also offer team‑leading training for those with ambitions to move into leadership and management roles. This is more than an apprenticeship, it’s the beginning of a long‑term career with genuine opportunities for development and progression.

Your daily responsibilities will include:

• Working as part of a busy team to keep products moving efficiently through the supply chain
• Using warehouse technology and systems to track stock and customer orders
• Supporting goods‑in, picking, loading and transport operations
• Learning how stock control, scheduling and logistics planning work in practice
• Assisting drivers and warehouse colleagues with day‑to‑day operational activities
• Following all health and safety procedures and maintaining high operational standards

Skills for Success: What do I need to apply? To be eligible, you must be resident in the UK for over 3 years and no longer be in full‑time education. It would be ideal if you had GCSE English and Maths (Grades A‑C) or equivalent but, if not, we would help you gain Essential Skills alongside your NVQ qualifications. The attributes you’ll need include:

• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Good focus and attention to detail
• The ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• A willingness to take on new challenges and develop new skills

Are we right for you? As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by:

• Ambition: We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to improve.
• Customer First: We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
• Teamwork: We succeed together. We support colleagues and share our knowledge and skills.
• Integrity: We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.

What is on offer? We recognise the hard work, flexibility and commitment of our people by offering a competitive pay and benefits package. Your package will include:

• Competitive starting rate of pay with staged incremental increases as you progress your NVQ and develop your practical skills and experience
• Pension Scheme & Life Assurance
• Health Care Scheme
• Discount off groceries (10%) and fuel (2p per litre) in Company‑owned Stores for you and a nominated user
• Discounts with thousands of retailers across the UK & Ireland through THE Store online platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee wellbeing site and programme of events
• Financial support and time‑off for further education qualifications

Hours of Work: This is a fixed‑term contract for a period of 2 years, working 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Working hours will vary depending on the warehouse and operational area you are assigned to. Current shift patterns include:

• Henderson Wholesale: 8.00am – 4.00pm, Monday to Thursday
• 8.00am – 4.30pm, Friday

As our logistics operation runs 24 hours a day, a degree of flexibility will be required to support the needs of the business and the role.