Royal Mail Apprentice Job Vacancies

If you are looking for a career change but feel held back by lack of experience or qualifications then you should consider applying for an Apprenticeship. Some of the leading names in UK industry offer places for apprentices, who can train whilst earning a wage, and one of the most recognised apprenticeship schemes in the UK is with the Royal Mail. It is common for some employers to place an age limit on their new apprentices, however, Royal Mail have no age limit whatsoever so regardless of your age you are entitled to apply.

The Royal Mail apprentice scheme allows you to gain valuable qualifications whilst earning a real wage. Qualifications are up to NVQ standard so are transferable if you ever chose the lead the Royal Mail for alternative employment.

Joining the apprentice scheme with Royal Mail is a real way to kick start your career. Successful applicants will embark on an 18-month training scheme, where you gain an insight into mail and postal services. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates can opt to take a further 6 months training scheme that can enable their progression into Management level.

What does a Royal Mail Apprenticeship involve?

If you are successful in securing the position of apprentice with Royal Mail you will be given an insight into the entire postal operation. This means you will be involved in all aspects of the business and you must be prepared for some hard work. This is not a simple office job! You will be expected to handle mail, from sorting to posting and you will frequently be out and about in your local area. You should be prepared to work from early in the morning, starting many days at around 5am and regardless of the weather conditions you will be expected to complete your duties.

In addition to the duties of sorting and delivering each apprentice is trained and mentored by a senior manager. You also have access to an NVQ assessor who will guide you for the full 18 months.

Royal Mail apprentices should expect to be trained in the following areas:

• Postal Operations (to NVQ Level 2 standard)
• IT
• Health and Safety
• Literacy
• Numeracy

Am I Guaranteed a Job with Royal Mail at the end of the Scheme?

The simple answer is YES! All Royal Mail apprentices are offered a job at the end of the scheme, generally as a postman or postwoman. Many of the apprentices quickly progress to a more senior managerial role with the additional 6 months training and are encouraged to do so by Royal Mail as they are seen as the managers of the future.

How Do I Apply for an Apprentice Job Vacancy?

There is a certain number of criterion that you must meet in order to apply. They are as follows:

• You must be a British National
• You must not have a degree
• You must not already be funded by a government initiative

You should also bear in mind that the role is likely to be physically demanding, with shift work during unsociable hours and a large amount of lifting and carrying. You will also be expected to walk several miles each day, in all types of weather so be certain you are able to work in such conditions before applying.

To search for an Apprentice vacancy in your local area you should check the Royal Mail website jobs section. You can enter your postcode and search to see if there are any vacancies of interest. If there are no vacancies when you search you should remain positive and keep checking on a weekly basis. The Royal Mail recruits apprentices on a year round basis so it is likely you will find a vacancy if you keep searching.

If you do find a vacancy of interest you will be asked to complete your details on line and you will be sent an application pack in the post. A short telephone interview will take place and if that goes well you will be invited to spend a day at your local mail depot. From here you can gain an insight of what will be expected of you, and the interviewer can determine if you are a suitable candidate for the apprentice scheme.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship if I already work for Royal Mail?

Yes. You should consult with your line manager and request an application pack. You will need to complete an interview but will not have to attend the day test.

Employee Benefits

If you are successful and secure an apprenticeship with Royal Mail you will be joining a team of over 200,000 employees working for the only company in the UK who can claim that every single citizen is a customer. You will be working in a role with much variety and will not be “chained to a desk” working 9-5. You will be provided with a full uniform and will learn with a likeminded team of fellow apprentices.

You will be rewarded with a good wage whilst you work and learn and upon completion of the scheme will be eligible to join one of two pension plans. You will also get a generous holiday allowance and shift bonuses. Perhaps more importantly you will be mentored and coached with the aim of becoming a manager within the organisation in a short space of time, meaning the prospects of career progression are outstanding.