Royal Mail sorts and delivers more than 80 million items of mail to over 27 million households and businesses in the country. As a Royal Mail Apprentice you’ll be involved in making sure that we maintain the very highest standards in this vital service.
What to expect
Here are some of the things you can expect from your life as a Royal Mail apprentice:
Having a varied routine
As a Royal Mail Apprentice you will be working on a range of different tasks. These could include:
- sorting mail - both by hand and using the latest technology
- organising mail - in correct address order ready for delivery
- delivering mail - out and about in the community
Becoming an early riser
You will be working shifts, which means an early start (typically 5am), or a late finish (typically 10pm). Many of our employees find that the shift system fits in well around their personal and social lives.
Getting out and about
Delivering mail can mean walking for 3.5 - 4.5 hours, often covering distances of up to 8 miles a day - so you’ll be keeping fit, even while you work. Also you’ll be outside in all sorts of weather - and many of our apprentices enjoy not being stuck in an office all day.
Working hard
If you’re delivering mail, your day will involve physically demanding work such as carrying heavy bags of mail on foot or by bike. You’ll also spend time working at Mail Centres - factory type environments which can be noisy and dusty. Working at the Mail Centre is both physically demanding and repetitive; you may be lifting bags, trays or pushing trolleys full of mail. It may involve sorting mail by hand, and you may also have to stand or walk for long periods of time.
Working with people
Depending on what you’re doing on any given day, you could be working as part of a group, or on your own. In some situations you’ll have to talk to customers and help solve their queries so it is important for you to be able to get on and communicate with other people, and that you remain enthusiastic and committed to our high standards.
Receiving 'on the job' training
Whilst on the Apprentice Scheme, you will receive on the job training and experience working with people from all backgrounds, some of who may have worked in Royal Mail for a long time. You will also have to work towards an NVQ Level 2 in Mail Services. You will have some time during your working day to do this but you will also be expected to spend some of your own time outside of work on the NVQ as well.
Developing yourself
As an Apprentice you will be proactive and keen to learn how you can work to improve Royal Mail’s service. If you are keen and enthusiastic we will support and help you to progress. As a Royal Mail Apprentice we will want you to be willing to use your initiative, to challenge others, and to have the confidence to ‘do the right thing’.
Before you apply for an Apprenticeship with Royal Mail, you should find out about the application process. If you’ve already done so, you can apply here by clicking on the button below.
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