This job expired on 30th June 2025
Apprentice Cargo Operative
Job Title: Apprentice Cargo Operative
Location: Port of Tilbury
Compensation: £20,393
Start Date: September 2025
Forth Ports is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.
We are proud to have hired Apprentices into our business for over 4 decades, and they remain an integral part of our talent pipeline. We are once again excited to be adding a number of Apprentices to our workforce in 2025. Whether you are looking to begin your career, are considering a career change or a return to the world of work, we would love to hear from you.
At Forth Ports, we’re offering motivated individuals the chance to kick-start their careers with our Warehouse Operative apprenticeship. Over two years, you'll gain hands on experience, develop valuable skills, and work towards a Supply Chain & Warehouse Level 2 qualification—all while earning as you learn.
About the role
What you will learn:
As a Cargo Operative apprentice, you will gain a thorough understanding of the wider port operations and receive high quality training on a range of mechanical plant equipment and machinery. You'll gain insights into our port assets and develop a deep understanding of health and safety policies and procedures. By the end of the programme, you'll emerge as a fully trained port operative ready to excel in your career.
What can we offer you?
Full support and training throughout the apprenticeship programme, both on the job training and classroom learning
A great opportunity to build a long-term career at the port
A competitive salary
Generous annual leave entitlement – 34 days including bank holidays
A defined contribution pension scheme and life assurance
Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives
Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family
Cycle to work scheme and on-site free parking
Attractive Family Friendly Policies
Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK-wide restaurants, car rentals, and holidays
GymFlex health club memberships
Supportive and collaborative work culture
What are we looking for?
Functional Skills Level 2 English & Maths (GCSE Grade 4 and above or equivalent) OR you will need to achieve a Functional Skills Level 2 in both subjects as part of the apprenticeship programme
Individuals who are able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the work that we do at the port, and are looking to build valuable skills for your future career
Ability to work effectively with colleagues in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment
Full UK working rights
UK driving licence required
We welcome applications from candidates of all ages to apply, but please note due to the nature of our work, we do require all candidates to be a minimum of 18 years of age.
We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
What is the Application Process?
Application: Apply via the link on our vacancies page with your updated CV and cover letter detailing your interest in the position. Please note the deadline for applications is Monday 30th June 2025.
Screening call: If your application is of interest, our Talent Acquisition team will be in touch for an initial discussion, answer any questions that you may have and invite you to the assessment centre.
Confirmation email: We will share an email to confirm what to expect at the assessment centre, anything that you need to prepare and what to bring on the day.
Assessment Day: This will take place on Monday 28th July 2025. You meet the team and get a great feel for why Forth Ports is for you!
We recognise that assessment centres may not be the best fit for everyone, so we are committed to offering alternative recruitment methods to ensure a fair and accessible process for all candidates.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Full UK driving licence
- Full right to work in the UK
- GCSE Grade 4 and above or equivalent OR you will need to achieve a Functional Skills Level 2
- Will be aged 18 or above for September start date
Forth Ports Group
Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries. Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.
Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London. A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day. The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
Our benefits
We are committed to creating a positive working culture for all employees, as well as a good work-life balance. Here are just some of the benefits of working for Forth Ports.
