This level 2 apprenticeship within the transport and logistics sector develops the skills and knowledge to be a successful traffic operator. It is an excellent entry point to a career in the sector with opportunities for progression.
What is a Traffic Operator?
A traffic operator assists traffic teams by ensuring the accurate flow of information throughout traffic and warehouse operations, to facilitate the movement of goods, ensuring timely deliveries for diverse clients. They help coordinate daily operations, support drivers, and liaise with stakeholders while maintaining compliance with transportation regulations, escalating any issues as they arise. Responsibilities include assisting with route planning, driver briefing, and problem-solving delivery issues. This office-based role involves interaction with drivers, traffic planners and managers, engaging with customers, and ensuring safety and cost efficiency. They must stay informed on best practices and legal standards.
Typical Job Roles
The traffic operator apprenticeship equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and behaviour necessary for various job roles, including traffic assistant, traffic clerk, traffic operator, traffic planner, transport assistant, transport clerk, and transport operator.
Skills Development
Apprentices will develop a range of skills aligned with best practices, company procedures, and regulatory requirements, enabling them to:
- Comply with current legislation and regulations and maintain health, safety, and security standards
- Plan and provide timely documents and instructions for colleagues
- Support maintenance plans by allocating vehicles and equipment, collaborating with colleagues for planned and unplanned maintenance.
- Plan routes for safe product delivering, considering fuel and time efficiency
- Select the most appropriate vehicles for deliveries, considering access limitations, route, cost, and fuel efficiency
- Allocate appropriate resources and equipment to jobs, considering sustainability, and utilising internal and external organisations
- Monitor and track progress of jobs, communicating with colleagues and customers appropriately
- Plan and organise work according to business need in relation to deadlines, prioritisation, and unforeseen circumstances
- Populate the transport management system (TMS) or relevant system with job information, following related processes and instructions to achieve deadlines.
- Provide detailed briefings to ensure effective handover between shifts, including prioritisation of instructions when necessary.
- Deal with and escalate complaints to ensure effective resolution and protect the company image and brand
Apprentices can also enhance their maths and English skills if they have not achieved level 2 standards. TRS provides specialist tutors who deliver numeracy and literacy education in engaging, industry-relevant ways.
Duration
This apprenticeship lasts 12 months.
Assessment Method
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Apprentices will have a 60-minute interview with an independent assessor who will ask at least 5 questions about aspects of the occupation. Apprentices must compile a portfolio of evidence which they can use to help answer the questions.
Practical assessment with questions
Apprentices will be observed completing a set of tasks by an independent assessor who will ask at least three questions. This lasts approximately 60 minutes.
Progression Options
The traffic operator apprenticeship is one of several ways of starting a career in transport and logistics. After finishing this apprenticeship, we encourage apprentices and their employers to explore apprenticeship progression routes available to develop higher level skills or specialisms which link to career aims and promotion opportunities. For example, the transport operations supervisor apprenticeship.
Costs & Funding
Many employers are concerned about the costs of apprenticeships. However, there is very little, if any, cost to employers for apprenticeship training. SMEs benefit from government funding, covering between 95% and 100% of the costs. Large employers use their apprenticeship levy to cover all costs.
Bolt-on Option
Every apprenticeship delivered by TRS includes a bolt-on additional commercial course (paid for by TRS). For this apprenticeship, our recommended bolt-on course is the online Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT). We have partnered with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) to deliver this course for our traffic operator apprenticeship.
Why Choose TRS?
- Niche logistics industry experts
- Award-winning: TRS is the Transport & Logistics Apprenticeship Provider of 2024
- Additional “bolt-on” industry course for every apprenticeship!
- Free recruitment service for employers who have vacancies to fill
- Expert advice on maximising available funding
- Bespoke training curriculum and schedules to meet the organisation’s requirements
Reach Out
Want to learn more about this apprenticeship? Fill out our contact form, and we’ll contact you within 48 hours.
More information on Institute for Apprenticeships website.