Express Delivery Operative

On an express delivery operative apprenticeship course, you’ll help transport and deliver a range of goods.

Postal workers, couriers, and express delivery drivers have a high level of individual responsibility for their working day and delivery route since they rely on technology and software to guarantee on-time deliveries and pickups to homes and businesses. 

As a result, they may ask you to walk with trolleys or to use a vehicle such as a bicycle, motorbike, van, or truck in one of these roles.

You will be a spokesperson for the industry, your business, and the things you offer. In addition, you will provide excellent customer service, which may include real-time delivery tracking or electrical and other item installation.

You will keep excellent communication throughout the delivery chain, from pickup to delivery point, and you will efficiently manage failed deliveries and returns. The Institute of Couriers (IOC supports this apprenticeship), and upon completion, you will be eligible for associate membership.

What you’ll learn

On an express delivery operative apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Deliver products to customer locations, and load and unload things safely, ensuring the safety and condition of the goods while sticking to the delivery timetable.
• Interpret delivery/collection schedules; follow route directions and corporate policies and procedures for collections, deliveries, failed deliveries, and returns.
• Consistently meet customer expectations, respond to customer needs, and seek ways to improve customer service.
• Check to see whether the things have been delivered or picked up. 
• Use physical and ICT techniques to confirm delivery and pickup and approve or pay for the merchandise as required.
• Work safely under labour and traffic rules. When needed, drive cars in compliance with DVSA requirements to safeguard other people’s safety and to have a positive environmental impact by decreasing fuel consumption, noise, and congestion.
• Transport, collect and deliver things using the equipment provided and any systems and associated equipment as required, in line with company instructions.
• Comply with all legal and regulatory criteria for express delivery services and a contract with a client business if needed.
• Use suitable manual handling procedures and the required tools and equipment while completing basic product installation according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
• Work in a way that saves company costs while meeting customer expectations.
• Comply with all rules and regulations regulating product transportation and handling, handle things properly, and use lifting and other equipment as required.
• Use a safeguarding policy when delivering children or vulnerable adults.
• When making deliveries, keep your health, safety, and security in mind and the health, safety, and security of your colleagues and customers.
• Inspect equipment or vehicles daily and fix or report any faults.
• Prepare for and adapt to changing situations by using dynamic risk assessment ideas. For example, footpath closures, road diversions, mishaps, and accidents.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• Depending on the employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment comprises three distinct assessment methods: 

• Multiple-choice test
• Role simulation (RS)
• Professional discussion (PD)

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 2 Express Delivery Operative Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.