Apprentice Cargo Operative

SeeMeHired; Tilbury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading port operator in Tilbury offers an apprenticeship program for Cargo Operative roles. This 2-year program provides on-the-job training and a recognized qualification in Supply Chain & Warehouse Level 2. Candidates must be 18 or older and hold a GCSE in Maths and English at Grade C/4 or equivalent. The role promises full support and training for a long-term career in logistics, along with additional benefits like a competitive salary and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Discretionary group bonus

Generous annual leave entitlement

Defined contribution pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

GymFlex health club memberships

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in port operations.
• Must be 18 years or older for employment.
• Full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Work as a Cargo Operative apprentice.
• Gain practical experience over 2 years.
• Build specialist knowledge in Supply Chain & Warehouse.

Skills

Interest in port operations

Ability to work in a team

Education

GCSE in Maths & English at Grade C/4 or Functional Skill in Level 2

Job description

Overview

At Forth Ports, we keep trade, logistics, and infrastructure moving. Our emerging talent roles are central to this mission, developing the skills that power our economy and connect communities across the country. Joining our apprenticeship programme means gaining hands‑on experience in a dynamic, forward‑thinking environment, while developing skills that matter for life and career. You'll have the opportunity to make a real impact, helping businesses thrive, supporting the smooth operation of our ports, and contributing to projects that shape the UK’s infrastructure and renewable energy future. With our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero by 2042, we’re investing heavily in sustainable and digital technologies including major growth in offshore wind and greener port operations. For you, this means joining a business that’s evolving, ambitious, and making a real difference.

About Us

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. 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.

Qualifications

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.

• GCSE in Maths & English at Grade C/4 or Functional Skill in Level 2 is essential
• 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
• Full UK working rights
• Full UK driving licence is required
• Full right to work in the UK
• Will be aged 18 or above for February start date

Responsibilities

You will work as a Cargo Operative apprentice as part of the Forth Ports Cargo Operatives apprenticeship. Over 2 years, you will gain practical experience, build specialist knowledge, and work towards a recognised qualification – Supply Chain & Warehouse Level 2.

Assessment Process

We will hold our assessment day for this role on Tuesday 27th January 2026 at the Port of Tilbury, where you will have the chance to meet some of the team and to find out more about the role and the apprenticeship. We will be in touch before then to let you know if you have been selected to attend.

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: You meet the team and get a great feel for why Forth Ports is for you! This will take place on Tuesday 27th January 2026. 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.

Benefits

• 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
• Discretionary group bonus
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• 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
• Vacation, Paid time off