Transport and logistics apprenticeship

Level 2 – Seafarer (Deck Rating) – Apprenticeship

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Summary Overview

A Navigation Officer, also known as a deck officer, is an integral part of the ship’s navigation department. Their role is not confined to the bridge; they are the eyes and ears of the ship, ensuring its safe journey from one port to another.

Could you ensure the safe passage of ships and vessels across the vast oceans? Find out more by applying for an apprenticeship in ‘Seafarer’, the answer lies in the hands of the dedicated Navigation Officers. These professionals play a pivotal role in maintaining safety, security, and a range of practical tasks on board.

Entry Requirements for level 2 Seafarer

Becoming a Seafarer isn’t easy. You need to meet some important requirements first.

Medical Requirements:

Every person who wants to be a Seafarer must pass a series of medical tests which checks candidates physical health and capabilities. These include checks for deadness, ability to communicate using radio or phone, eyesight and seeing colours correctly, and conditions that limit mobility and stamina. These medical tests ensure that every candidate is physically capable of performing their duties effectively and safely.

Employer Requirements:

Individual employers may have their own selection criteria. However, they should satisfy themselves that the apprentice can meet the vocational requirements of their apprenticeship. This could include specific academic qualifications, previous experience, or certain skills relevant to the role.

Qualification Requirements:

English and maths qualifications form a mandatory part of all apprenticeships and must be completed before an apprentice can pass through gateway.

The key roles, responsibilities and interactions of a Seafarer:

The primary purpose of a seafarer’s role is to ensure the vessel reaches its destination or meets its objectives, such as unloading cargo, as per the requirements set by the ship’s Master. This is achieved by carrying out various operations and checks on the vessel, which can often be physically demanding. Even during rest periods, a seafarer has the responsibility to respond appropriately during emergencies to ensure the safety of the vessel and those on board.

Seafarers interact significantly with other crew members and often need to work with them to complete tasks. Good communication within the team is vital, especially considering the multicultural and multilingual crew members on most vessels.

Seafarers usually report to a supervisor on board their vessel and work according to the instructions given by the supervising officer. They may also interact with passengers, depending on the type of vessel.

Regulations and Career Progression

Seafarer regulations are set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and are known as the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). In the UK, these are implemented by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Upon completing the apprenticeship and obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications, a seafarer can work on any type and size of vessel anywhere in the world. This apprenticeship provides full competency in the role of a seafarer (deck rating) occupation.

For those looking to advance their career, they can obtain an Able Seafarer (Deck) certificate from the MCA, allowing them to work at the Able Seafarer level onboard a vessel. This requires an additional 12 months of sea time and is not included in the apprenticeship.

Career options for seafarers are numerous and varied. Depending on their future specialisation, they may need to gain additional “endorsements” (certificates from the MCA), which are not included in this apprenticeship.

Conclusion:

The role of a seafarer is both challenging and rewarding. It involves a wide range of responsibilities, from ensuring the safety and security of the vessel and its crew, to carrying out various practical tasks. It requires strong communication skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.

The career path of a seafarer is filled with opportunities for growth and specialization. With the right training, certifications, and experience, seafarers can work on any type of vessel, anywhere in the world.

Embarking on a career as a seafarer means becoming a vital part of the global maritime industry. It’s a role that offers the chance to travel the world, face new challenges every day, and make a significant contribution to global trade and transportation. So, for those with a passion for the sea and a desire for a career that is out of the ordinary, becoming a seafarer could be the perfect choice.

L2 Degree Apprenticeship – Express Delivery Sortation Hub Operative

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It’s time for those soft skills to pay off! Are you ready to put your organisational and time management skills to good use and earn that degree? The Sortation Hub Operative Apprenticeship provides the opportunity to put your skills to good use. Keep reading on and discover how your skills align with the role of an Express Delivery Sortation Hub Operative.

Overview of the Role The occupation, found in the Transportation logistics sector, provides the centralised support that enables the rapid distribution of goods in transit to and from couriers and postal services. The broad purpose of the occupation is to contribute to the successful processing of items within the expected time-frame. The nature of the job, remains highly organised and often uses the latest technological solutions.

Sortation hub operatives do not store or deliver goods themselves. Instead, they provide express service, in the form of quick turnaround time of distribution of goods. These goods go to couriers/postal services and other road transport operators.

Duties And Responsibilities of Sortation Hub Operative

  1. Collaboration: In your daily work communication and collaboration play a big part. You will work within your own team and together with the supervisors or managers.
  2. Sorting out goods: Firstly, you will in charge of determining the nature goods. Categorizing as perishables, parcels or mail and selecting the most suitable approach to sortation.
  3. Unload/Load goods & Use the correct equipment: This job requires familiarising yourself with using the appropriate tools for respective tasks. Machinery operating procedures including sortation belts, chutes, York roll containers, drop bags, mail bags, mail cages, and boom loaders.
  4. Operation of machinery: You will be operating sortation machinery. The job uses both manual and semi-automated machines. Attention to detail is needed to efficiently carry out duties.
  5. Maintenance of equipment: At the same time, you will take ownership of monitoring and maintaining sortation equipment. This includes: the minor adjusting of belts and chutes during a typical shift. This duty requires full ownership and the willingness to place safety and security first for themselves and others.
  6. Adaptability: Sortation hub operatives can expect to work indoors and at a fixed site. You will usually work shifts, which quite commonly includes some unsociable hours. 
  7. Respond to data sortation equipment: Respond to data to support the correct flow of automated sortation.
  8. Problem solving: Responding to incidents and emergencies, such as damage to parcels. However you will escalate more significant issues beyond your control responsibility.
  9. Meet organisational targets through ownership and team work: You will be responding to deliveries, collections and returns in accordance with own organisation procedures and any relevant contractual arrangements . Additionally, you will be comfortable working autonomously as well as collaboratively with the rest of the team .

The Fine Print: This apprenticeship has been designed by industry leaders and has been set to standard. The apprenticeship exist over a 12 month period. Moreover, you will have mandatory qualifications in English and Maths before you can successfully pass through gateway.

Further Information To find out more about the role and qualifications needed: click here more information on the Apprenticeship? click here

Safe urban driver course- Urban driver apprenticeship

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If you have stumbled across this blog, more than likely you have searched safe urban driver course. What if I told you there is an alternative to a boring old course such as the level 2 urban driver apprenticeship comes in. This occupation can be found in almost every industry across private and public sectors, so the demand is there. Urban drivers work in multiple ways. Whether in-house or part of the supply chain which can range from small companies to large organizations. Urban drivers are needed to transport goods by road to their destinations on time. They can work in different sectors such as with retail, removal, construction, recycling, agriculture, and manufacturing. In this blog, I will go over the reasons to go for an urban driver apprenticeship rather than a safe urban driver course.

  • Safe urban driver course

Benefits of an urban driver apprenticeship compared to a safe urban driver course

  1. Comprehensive training: A level 2 urban driver apprenticeship provides an extensive learning experience that goes over a number of aspects of urban driving. For example, being able to deal with heavy traffic while also understanding the different traffic laws in place and also teaches how to handle tricky road conditions such as icy roads. Compared to a safe urban driver course which tends to be less comprehensive. An apprenticeship will get you equipped with everything you need to know about urban driving.
  2. Real life experience- As an apprentice, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experts in the field of urban drivers which will gain you valuable on-road experience. The exposure to working with experienced drivers will give you crucial skills needed on the road. Such as defensive driving and effective communication with pedestrians and road users. Compared to a safe urban driver course, an apprenticeship allows you to learn on the job rather than it being theory-based.
  3. Chance to excel in various careers – After completing an urban driver apprenticeship, it can open doors to a range of different career opportunities within the urban transport industry such as a HGV driver. A lot of companies in the transportation industry prefer to hire apprenticeship grads as they have both practical skills and knowledge.
Urban driver

What you will learn as an urban driver apprentice that you will not learn in a safe urban driver course

The course is split into 3 sections. These include knowledge, skills, and behavior.

Knowledge

Some of the topics you will learn under knowledge include the following:

K1: Urban vehicle preparation and maintenance requirements, within limits of own role.

K2: Different types of goods transported by fixed axle vehicles over 3500 kg in weight.

K3: Personal protective equipment selection and use.

K4: The principles of load and weight distribution applicable to fixed axle vehicles over 3500 kg in weight.

K5: Mechanical and manual handling techniques when using auxiliary equipment. For example, using a mechanical grab for waste collection.

K6: The capability and limitations of fixed axle vehicles over 3500 kg in weight. This includes maneuverability, space requirements, access requirements, legal restrictions, and physical constraints.

Skills

Some of the topics you will learn under skills include:

S1: Prepare a fixed axle vehicle over 3500 kg in weight for the planned daily workload. This includes the cab, fluid levels, and general inspection.

S2: Monitor the charge or fuel level of the vehicle to meet the daily requirements of the urban schedule

S3: Monitor the vehicle for defects.

S4: Co-ordinate own work with others to meet business priorities.

S5: Apply protections, manual handling, and mechanical aids to the situation, when loading or off-loading goods.

Behavior

Some of the topics you will learn under behavior include:

B1: Work flexibly (for example, working alone and in a team as required).

B2: Puts safety first for themselves and others.

B3: Respectful of others.

B4: Takes ownership of own work.

B5: Sources solutions.

Qualifications from Urban driver level 2 apprenticeship

To be eligible to complete this apprenticeship, apprentices must have a maths, English qualification because English and maths qualifications form a mandatory part of all apprenticeships and must be completed before an apprentice can pass through the gateway.

Other mandatory qualifications include:

Category C driver’s license

Level: 2

Category C1 driver’s license

Level: 2

Conclusion

An urban driver apprenticeship is a better alternative to a safe urban driver course because the apprenticeship provides the driver with comprehensive learning, and real-world experience that a course cannot give. It produces skilled and responsible drivers who can navigate the urban landscape with confidence. The apprenticeship also plays a vital role in addressing the growing demand for skilled drivers to transport goods to destinations. For more information please check Urban driver / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Level 3 – Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship (previously Operator Manager)

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Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship (Previously Operator Manager)
ApprenticeTips banner displaying Level 3 – Supply Chain Practitioner (Previously Operator Manager)

Do you want to organise and coordinate a network of interconnected enterprises that provide goods and services to the end customer? The supply chain is at the heart of every organisation; engaged in the movement of goods and services from supplier to customer. Read on to find out how this level 3 apprenticeship can help kickstart your career!

What is the role?

The Supply Chain Practitioner Level 3 apprenticeship is major pillar in helping businesses build a stronger, more confident workforce equipped with greater skills. This qualification is designed for individuals who want to work in a logistics environment and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent and confident supply chain practitioner.

This Apprenticeship is for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) Supply Chain Practitioners are responsible for maintaining the dynamicity of supply chain functions in FMCG industries. Effective and dynamic supply chains are especially critical in fast-moving consumer goods industries, such as food and beverage, retail, or consumables. 

FMCG Supply Chain Practitioners will have the opportunity to advance to management or specialist roles.

supply chain practitioner holding box in warehouse
Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship

Key responsibilities of the role  

Depending on which part of the supply chain you’re in, day-to-day you may:

  • Work with procurement managers and buyers to select products that will sell well
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers
  • Plan the best way to get goods from suppliers to distribution centres and retailers
  • Track shipments and stock levels using computer software
  • Make sure retailers receive their goods on time and in the right condition
  • Look at ways to improve supply chain networks
  • Monitor overall performance to make sure targets are met
  • Prepare forecasts and inventories
  • Processing customer orders; and/or working with hauliers 
  • Influencing, stakeholder management  
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers

  • Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner Data

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours 

Knowledge

  • Customer service: order capture and management concepts, from order receipt to delivery to clients, and the significance of customer fulfilment
  • Different consumer groups’ characteristics and specialised needs: retailers, business-to-business, online, and export
  • Logistics: the significance of logistics costs, the impact of short-lead time logistics, and the impact of high demand volatility logistics on network planning
  • Plan manufacturing: the principles of establishing and implementing a supply plan that takes capacity, product life, and critical success factors into account.
  • Use of supply chain IT systems. To be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently  

Skills

  • Identify, manage and heighten risks to your business.  
  • Business management skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • Knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • To be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • Customer service skills
  • Communication skills 
  • The ability to work well with others
  • Analytical thinking skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequently changing requirements.  Work with procurement managers and buyers to select products that will sell well

Behaviours 

  • Make decisions with courage and conviction and demonstrate a sense of responsibility for your work 
  • Build good relationships with others, cooperate with each other, contribute appropriately to ideas and issues, and lead by example 
  • A highly effective communicator at all levels and with various stakeholders: 
    Always act with integrity and respect 
  • Proud of my work: 
    Striving for excellence, time management and meeting deadlines 
  • Work safely: 
    Keep yourself and others safe and challenge safety issues 
  • Responding to change: 
    Demonstrate curiosity and encourage new ways of thinking and working to ensure that economic benefits are maximised   

Entry Requirements

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment for this apprenticeship.

Additional Information

Visit to learn about other apprenticeship opportunities: ApprenticeTips.com. 

If you would like to find out about other apprenticeships available visit: ApprenticeTips.com.

Port Operative Apprenticeships

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Image is of an apprentice woman in training to become a forklift driver.
Young Woman in training to become a forklift driver.

Looking for a job where you can learn while you earn? Consider level 2 Port Operative apprenticeships for a new career. Visit ApprenticeTips.com if you’re interested in other roles.

Port Operative Apprenticeships

A Port Operative Apprenticeship is a great way to enter the transport and logistics industry. Typically, the course lasts around 12-18 months, and, during this time, you will be provided with hands-on experience whilst learning about the industry. Once you have completed the course, you will be awarded a Level 2 qualification which is equivalent to a GCSE.

This week’s blog at Apprentice Tips focuses on Port Operative Apprenticeships. Contact us via LinkedIn for more information or if you have any questions.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for Port Operative apprenticeships are determined by the individual employer. This is usually a certain amount of GCSEs or something that is equivalent to them. As this position is very active, it is important for candidates to be in good physical health. It would also be beneficial to have a full driving license, but this is not necessarily a requirement.

Benefits of a Port Operative Apprenticeship

There are so many benefits when it comes to Port Operative apprenticeships such as learning whilst earning. An apprenticeship allows you to get paid for your work whilst you are learning and being trained all at once.

Another benefit is receiving a competitive salary during your apprenticeship. Your employer will determine your wage at the start, and it will increase once you are qualified.

As an apprentice you will have a holiday entitlement of so many days a year, this is decided by your employer. Finally, it provides you with the opportunity to work in a dynamic industry and you will have lots of different challenges and opportunities along the way.

Cargo ship on loading

Activities  

As a Port Operative, you may be involved in many different activities. These could potentially include:

  1. Loading, unloading, handling, and securing cargo
  2. On-shore mooring and vessel handling operations
  3. Passenger operations
  4. Workplace transport operations
  5. Infrastructure operations
  6. Operation of heavy machinery
  7. Warehousing, storage, and retrieval

The main purpose of a port is to maintain a secure environment, and port operators usually work in teams under the supervision of a supervisor. Unsocial hours may be part of the workday, and laboring outside in bad weather is most likely. Shift and weekend work is possible and there could be some requirements for being on call. This is something that you should consider when applying for the apprenticeship.

Roles

The Port Operative’s occupation is broken down into two different roles. Cargo and passenger.

Cargo Operatives load and unload vessels securely and effectively in a variety of locations. They deal with goods such as bread bulk, liquid bulk, dry bulk, RoRo, and containers.

Operatives in the passenger, ferry, and cruise industries load and unload people, their luggage, and vehicles from vessels. They keep an eye on trip documents and support security measures like search and screening.

In case of an emergency, they are responsible for helping passengers. Operatives must provide a high level of customer care as they deal closely with both trade customers and members of the public.

Contact Apprentice Tips

A Port Operative apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for people who are looking to pursue a career in the maritime industry. For more information about Port Operative Apprenticeships please do not hesitate to contact Apprentice Tips.  Our website can help provide you with all of the up-to-date information you need. The site also offers apprentices a chance to publish online content. If this is something that you would be interested in, please get in touch.

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Air Traffic Controller – Level 5 Apprenticeship

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Air traffic control room
3 Air Traffic Controllers in the control room

Do you want to become an Air Traffic Controller?

Do you have an interest in being an Air Traffic Controller? Are you able to think in 3D? Do you have the ability to remain calm under pressure? If the answer is YES, look at the apprenticeship opportunity below to find your new career path.

The Uk is one of the busiest countries when it comes to flying with 600,000 people flying daily. Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world with over 80 million passengers in 2019. As a result of this, there is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidates to take on the challenge right on your doorstep.

What are the roles of an Air Traffic Control apprentice?

Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe movement of aircraft arriving and departing from airports and along major air routes. There is a range of opportunities that can follow from the Air Traffic Controller Apprenticeship depending on both the placement of your apprenticeship and the air traffic controller’s speciality. You may have the opportunity to take on any of the following tasks:

  • maintaining minimum safe distances between aircraft
  • keeping radio contact with aircraft
  • preventing collisions between aircraft and obstacles
  • monitoring data systems
  • providing pertinent information to aircraft
  • issuing instructions to aircraft
  • handling emergencies, unscheduled traffic and unexpected events.

In addition to this, you will find yourself working in many different locations during this time including; Air traffic control centres, Commercial airports, Military bases and other Airfields. Some air traffic controllers will find their apprenticeship training will help them navigate into other similar areas owing to the transferrable skills they have acquired on the course.

Key skills and behaviours to take off as an air traffic controller

This role requires the apprentice to take other people’s and their safety into their hands and will encourage applicants to have prior knowledge of or interest in, Air Traffic Control. This can be from several different sources i.e. Civil Controllers or Military controllers.

Skills

Some of the key skills and qualities to be an Air Traffic Controller are the following:

  • Strong eyesight and colour vision
  • Be able to raise safety concerns through the appropriate channels
  • Problem-solving skills before problems may arise
  • Maintain spatial awareness in an area of control
  • Have excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • The ability to work quickly, accurately, calmly and decisively under pressure
  • Must have motivation and self-discipline
  • Have a hunger for working with technology
  • Maintain both resilience and effectiveness while operating safely when a plan is not met

Behaviours

Similarly, it is good for you to have the following behaviours:

  • Shows pride in work, for example, a strong work ethic, displays a positive mindset and pays attention to detail
  • acts in line with the values of the business, for example, they will embrace and promote these values
  • Team player and works collaboratively with others
  • Commits to the development of the team and themselves also to the system and processes
  • Be proactive and vigilant in promoting a safe and compliant environment

However, it is also important for air traffic controllers to have good physical and mental health. Also, you will have to pass a class 3 medical and adhere to strict regulations regarding drugs (zero tolerance) and alcohol.

More details of the apprenticeship

This is a Level 5 apprenticeship that will take around 15 to 21 months to complete.

Entry Requirments

As has been noted, you must pass an EU class 3 medical and have the certificate to prove this. Also, note that employers will choose their own entry requirements, however, apprentices without a Level 2 in English and Maths will need to complete this before taking the EPA (End Point Assessment).

This apprenticeship is split into 2 parts, core knowledge, skills and behaviours and you must choose a specialist topic. This gives employers room to provide the apprentice with the best training they can in their speciality as well as enable transferable skills between roles and employers for the apprentices. To succeed, you must be competent in each of the core knowledge, skills and behaviours as well as complete one specialist option (for additional knowledge and skills) which must be taken out of the eight specialisms which are; Civil Area/ Terminal Controller, Civil Approach Controller, Civil Approach Procedural Controller, Civil Aerodrome Controller, Military Weapons Controller, Military Area Radar Controller, Military Terminal Radar Controller, Military Terminal Aerodrome Controller.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are currently taking part in a lower-level Travel and Logistics apprenticeship or are completely new to the sector, the Level 5 apprenticeship is filled with opportunities to grow your skill set to kickstart your new career. However, if you are looking for other apprenticeships in the Travel and Logistics sector please take a look at our other apprenticeships available in this area here.

We also have a range of information on various other apprenticeships available if you are interested in any other occupations here.

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