At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to plan and coordinate the movement of goods across our ports.
- Company: PD Ports, a leading UK port group focused on safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a competitive salary and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a fully funded European industry trip and residential learning experiences.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in transport and logistics with hands-on experience and a recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
PD Ports is on a mission to be the UK’s leading port group, driving forward new levels of safety, sustainability and innovation. Employing over 1400 people in the UK, PD Ports owns and operates the UK’s sixth largest port by volume, offering end-to-end supply chain solutions with operations in 11 key ports and logistics centres across the UK.
Are you looking for your first step into an exciting industry? Want to earn while you learn, gain a nationally recognised qualification and work with one of the UK’s leading ports businesses? PD Ports is looking for a motivated and ambitious individual to join our Humber team as a Level 3 Transport Planning Apprentice. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop practical skills, work alongside experienced professionals and build a long-term career in transport, logistics and supply chain operations. No previous industry experience is required.
The Role
As a Transport Planning Apprentice, you’ll work alongside experienced colleagues in our transport team, helping to plan and coordinate the movement of goods across our ports and logistics network. You’ll play a part in making sure deliveries arrive safely, on time and in the most efficient way possible. From day one, you’ll gain hands-on experience and learn how transport plans are created, how resources are managed and how technology and data help keep operations running smoothly. As you develop your skills and knowledge, you’ll build a strong foundation for a successful career in transport, logistics and supply chain operations.
Skills & Experience
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people at all stages of their journey. We encourage you to apply even if you haven’t worked in the industry before. No previous experience in transport or logistics is needed. We’re looking for enthusiastic people who are interested in transport, logistics and supply chain operations, enjoy working as part of a team, and are keen to learn and develop new skills. You should hold GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above.
Behaviour & Values
- Keen to learn and develop new skills
- Motivated, reliable and eager to build a long-term career
- Positive, enthusiastic and willing to take on new challenges
- A good team player with strong communication skills
- Committed to doing their best and developing their future career
Why Join Us?
At PD Ports, we invest in our people. Over this two-year apprenticeship, you’ll become part of a supportive team where your development matters. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience, earn while you learn, and work towards a nationally recognised Level 3 Transport Planning Technician Apprenticeship qualification. Along the way, you’ll develop practical skills, industry knowledge and experience that can help launch a successful career in transport and logistics. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a fully funded European industry trip in Year 2, where you’ll learn about transport and logistics across Europe while building your professional network. As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll attend three two-week residential learning blocks each year, giving you the chance to learn alongside apprentices from across the UK and build connections within the industry.
What You’ll Gain
- Extensive on-the-job training with experienced industry professionals
- A Level 3 Transport Planning Technician Apprenticeship qualification
- A fully funded European industry trip in Year 2
- Residential learning experiences alongside other apprentices from across the UK
- Development of professional skills, technical knowledge and industry understanding
- The opportunity to work for one of the UK’s leading ports and logistics businesses
- Support and guidance throughout your apprenticeship journey
- The opportunity to work towards Engineering Technician (EngTech) status, helping to enhance your future career prospects
Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Hybrid working arrangements
- A comprehensive welfare programme
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Access to learning and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life insurance scheme
- A welcoming, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture
Applications close on 26th August 2026. Successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment centre at PD Ports, Groveport. This will include a variety of activities designed to help us get to know you and assess skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork. You’ll also take part in a short interview with members of the team. We are planning to hold our assessment centre during the week commencing 07th September 2026.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Level 3 Transport Planning Apprentice employer: Pd Ports
PD Ports is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Teesside, where innovation and growth are at the forefront of our operations. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous opportunities for career advancement, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances and family leave. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values resilience and creativity, making a meaningful impact in the logistics and supply chain industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 3 Transport Planning Apprentice
✨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 Pd Ports, 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 Pd Ports, 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 Level 3 Transport Planning Apprentice
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 Pd Ports. What do you hope to gain from this apprenticeship?
Keep it Relevant:Remember to tailor your application to Pd Ports. 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 Pd Ports
✨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 Pd Ports.
✨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 Pd Ports.
✨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.
