The programme runs for either 12 months (standard route) or 8 months (fast track) on-programme, followed by a 3-month End-Point Assessment period.

Fast Track is subject to prior learning, experience and employer agreement in line with apprenticeship funding rules.

Supply Chain Warehouse Operatives are responsible for safely handling goods and products as they move into, through and out of a warehouse or storage environment. Depending on the organisation and job role, responsibilities may include:

• Receiving and processing incoming goods
• Checking deliveries against documentation
• Moving goods safely within the warehouse
• Storing and locating stock appropriately
• Picking goods accurately to meet customer or production requirements
• Packing and preparing goods for dispatch
• Loading and unloading goods
• Completing stock counts and stock-control activities
• Using warehouse management and stock-control systems
• Maintaining clean, safe and organised working areas
• Contributing to efficient and sustainable warehouse operations

Warehouse Operatives must work accurately and efficiently while maintaining high standards of health and safety, customer service and product care.

Typical job roles include Supply Chain Warehouse Operative, Warehouse Operative, Stock Control Assistant, Logistics Operative and Distribution Operative.

The occupation is found across a wide range of sectors including logistics, retail, manufacturing, automotive, construction, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as organisations operating their own warehousing and distribution functions.

Funding: Levy and non-levy employer funding available.

Find out how apprenticeship funding works for your organisation on our apprenticeships for employers page, or speak to our team.

Delivery Model: Workplace-based with structured face-to-face training and remote learning support.

Delivery combines structured training with practical workplace experience, enabling apprentices to develop and demonstrate competence within their own warehouse environment. Delivery includes:

• Workplace-based learning
• Structured off-the-job training
• Tutor-led workshops
• Remote learning support
• Practical warehouse activities
• Workplace observations
• Stock-control and inventory activities
• Warehouse systems and technology development
• Health and safety development
• Professional discussions and reflective practice
• Portfolio development
• End-Point Assessment preparation

High Ridge Training's programme incorporates 278 planned off-the-job training hours. Employers must provide protected time during working hours for required apprenticeship training and suitable workplace opportunities for apprentices to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the standard.

Apprentices develop the professional behaviours expected within the warehouse and logistics sector, including:

• Taking responsibility for their own work
• Prioritising health and safety
• Working effectively as part of a team
• Maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrating a customer-focused approach
• Adapting to technology, systems and equipment
• Taking responsibility for environmental impact and sustainability
• Demonstrating a positive approach to personal and professional development

Before entering End-Point Assessment, apprentices must:

• Achieve Level 1 English and Maths and work towards Level 2 (if required in line with current apprenticeship funding rules)
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard
• Complete their on-programme portfolio
• Complete a minimum of 278 off-the-job training hours
• Be confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer

The EPA is conducted by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation and typically includes:

• Interview Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence: a structured interview in which the apprentice uses examples from their portfolio and workplace experience to demonstrate their occupational knowledge, skills and behaviours
• Observation with Questions: the apprentice is observed carrying out their normal warehouse duties within the workplace, followed by questions from the independent assessor

The apprentice must successfully pass the EPA to achieve the full apprenticeship standard.

Apprentices need:

• Employment within a suitable warehouse or supply chain role
• Access to appropriate warehouse activities and responsibilities
• Opportunities to receive, move, store, pick, pack or dispatch goods as relevant to the workplace
• Access to relevant warehouse systems, equipment and technology
• Sufficient workplace opportunities to develop and demonstrate the requirements of the apprenticeship standard
• Commitment to safe and professional working practices
• Motivation to develop within the warehouse, logistics or supply chain sector

Individual English and Maths requirements will be identified during the initial assessment and enrolment process. High Ridge Training will work with the apprentice and employer to ensure that the job role provides sufficient opportunities to develop and demonstrate the occupational competence required by the standard.

Employers can enquire about enrolling an apprentice onto this programme.

Successful completion provides a strong foundation for continued development within warehousing, logistics and the wider supply chain. Progression opportunities may include further development within:

• Level 3 Transport and Warehouse Operations Supervisor
• Warehousing and distribution
• Inventory and stock control
• Logistics operations
• Transport and distribution
• Supply chain operations
• Team leadership and supervision
• Continuous improvement

Career progression opportunities may include:

• Warehouse Operative
• Senior Warehouse Operative
• Stock or Inventory Controller
• Goods-In or Dispatch Operative
• Warehouse Coordinator
• Logistics Operative
• Warehouse Team Leader
• Warehouse Supervisor

With further occupational experience and training, apprentices can progress into supervisory, management and specialist logistics and supply chain roles.

• Develop practical warehouse and supply chain skills within a real working environment
• Build competence across goods receipt, storage, stock control, picking, packing and dispatch
• Develop confidence using warehouse systems, technology and equipment
• Strengthen health and safety knowledge and safe working practices
• Build awareness of sustainable warehouse and supply chain practices
• Gain an industry-recognised Level 2 apprenticeship
• Build a strong foundation for progression within logistics and supply chain careers

Explore our transport and logistics apprenticeships or read more about apprenticeships for employers.

Professional Membership: CILT(UK) Affiliate Membership

Apprentices are supported to access Affiliate Membership with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK), the professional body for logistics, transport and supply chain professionals. Affiliate membership can help apprentices to:

• Begin developing their professional identity within logistics and supply chain
• Access industry networks and professional communities
• Access sector insights, news and industry information
• Participate in relevant events and webinars
• Build awareness of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Explore future professional membership and recognition pathways

Accredited CPD: Manual Handling Training

Apprentices also complete an accredited CPD course in Manual Handling, reinforcing safe working practices within warehouse and logistics environments. The training supports apprentices to:

• Understand the risks associated with manual handling activities
• Recognise common causes of manual handling injuries
• Understand the principles of safer lifting and handling
• Assess loads and handling activities before beginning a task
• Understand the importance of using mechanical aids where appropriate
• Recognise when assistance is required

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. Apprentices receive ongoing pastoral, academic and professional support throughout their programme.

The full Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship standard (ST0259) is published on Skills England. You can also contact our team for advice on eligibility, funding and start dates.