Apprentice Transport Planner

Summary

To support the Transport Planning team in the effective scheduling, coordination, and optimisation of transport operations. The Trainee Transport Planner will learn to plan vehicle routes, manage delivery schedules, monitor driver performance, and ensure compliance with company policies and transport legislation.

Wage

£15,600 a year

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Friday, between 9.00am - 5.00pm. Based in an office environment with regular interaction with drivers and warehouse staff. May involve working shifts, weekends, or on-call support depending on operational needs.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 5 May 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Assist in the day-to-day planning and coordination of vehicle routes and delivery schedules
• Support the allocation of drivers and vehicles to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries
• Learn to use transport management systems (TMS) and routing software to optimise operations
• Monitor vehicle locations, delivery progress, and driver hours in line with legal and company requirements
• Communicate effectively with drivers, warehouse staff, and customers to resolve scheduling issues or delays
• Undertake on-the-job training and shadow experienced planners to develop planning and analytical skills
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the transport department

Where you'll work

New York Way
New York Industrial Park
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE27 0QE

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

ZENITH TRAINING LIMITED

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

• This is a fully work-based programme
• You will get allocated time to complete your apprenticeship work and also receive regular meetings with your training provider
• You will be studying the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working