Culina Group, the UK’s largest privately owned logistics supply chain partner, is proud to announce that its subsidiary, Fowler Welch, has won the Environmental and Sustainability Award at the 2025 TCS&D Awards.

The TCS&D Awards celebrate excellence in the temperature-controlled storage and distribution sector. The Environmental and Sustainability category recognises organisations that demonstrate measurable progress in reducing their environmental footprint through innovation, leadership, and long-term commitment.

Fowler Welch’s win reflects its, and the groups, outstanding contribution to sustainable logistics and our ambitious goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Through a series of practical and forward-thinking initiatives, the business has significantly reduced carbon emissions and improved energy efficiency across its operations.

At its Spalding warehouse, Fowler Welch has delivered a major transformation by installing a state-of-the-art ammonia refrigeration plant, replacing outdated HFC systems. Ammonia, a natural refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential, has dramatically improved cooling performance while reducing the site’s environmental footprint.

Wider additional measures include the introduction of LED lighting, insulated rapid doors, and air barriers, as well as the creation of insulated office spaces to reduce heat loss. These upgrades have reduced daily power consumption from 3,150 kWh to approximately 1,000 kWh—resulting in a daily carbon saving of around 382 kg, equivalent to planting thousands of trees.

Commenting on the award, Liam McElroy, Chief Executive Officer at Culina Group said:
“We are delighted to see Fowler Welch recognised for its leadership in sustainability. This achievement reflects our Group-wide commitment to investing in innovative solutions that reduce our environmental impact and set new standards for responsible logistics.”

Culina Group’s sustainability strategy is aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and supported by cross-functional teams across its businesses. The Group continues to explore renewable energy sources, smart systems, and collaborative partnerships to drive progress and inspire positive change throughout the supply chain.

The Pallet Network (TPN), a leading provider of palletised freight distribution and part of Culina Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Conroy as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Underpinned by his 30 years’ experience in express distribution, including CEO roles at Palletforce, EV Cargo and Kinaxia Logistics, Michael’s leadership will be instrumental in driving TPN’s strategic vision forward.

That includes driving operational efficiencies across the network, spearheading digital transformation and ensuring TPN delivers outstanding service alongside an exceptional customer experience.

His appointment marks a significant milestone for TPN as it continues to pursue ambitious growth plans and leverage its collective strength through greater Partner collaboration.

Michael Conroy, CEO of The Pallet Network, said: “I am delighted and honoured to take up the new role of CEO. TPN is a fantastic business with great colleagues and Partners helping to make it a special organisation. I am incredibly optimistic about our future together and look forward to playing my part in the next exciting chapter of TPN’s story. Every Partner plays a vital role in our collective success and it’s essential we drive forward together to deliver an exceptional service to our customers that we can all be proud of.”

Commenting on the appointment, Fabian Koehler, Deputy CEO of Culina Group, said:

“Michael’s significant experience will bring valuable insight into the opportunities ahead for TPN. As we mark 25 years of success, the business is entering an exciting new phase. Under Michael’s leadership, we are confident in our ability to strengthen the network and evolve our operations to meet the changing needs of our customers.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, TPN remains the UK’s largest network by Partner volume and a benchmark for collaborative logistics. The business is built on a foundation of Partner success and outstanding customer service, empowering both Partners and customers to grow with confidence.

Special congratulations go to two of our Stobart drivers who successfully claimed Awards.

Stobart Driver, Simon Poll from Leicestershire, won the Award for Driver Hero of the Year, following a fatal road traffic collision, where Simon displayed not only quick thinking but exceptional bravery, which lead to him receiving a commendation from Leicestershire Police.

Stobart Driver, Ian Simpson from Cumbria, won the Short Distance Award, based on his driving performance recorded through Microlise.

This shortlisting followed a review of over 220,000 drivers’ performance data from across the UK.

The Microlise Awards each year recognise the UK’s most talented HGV drivers, acknowledge the vital work they do, and the professionalism with which they carry out their work.

The Microlise Awards were developed in cooperation with the vital support of The University of Nottingham, with a team at the Advanced Data Analytics Centre providing impartial analysis of telematics data.

Culina Group are a logistics company, founded in 1994. There are several companies within Culina Group, including Culina Logistics, Fowler Welch, Great Bear, Warrens, CML and IPS. Culina Group has also been working in partnership with Müller Milk & Ingredients (MMI) since 2019. Müller Milk & Ingredients Distribution (MMID) manages the distribution operation for MMI by using the expertise of Culina Group. The group companies cover four sectors, chilled and ambient distribution, co-pack, and resourcing. Culina Group has also recently acquired Stobarts and International Road Ferry.

Where are we located?

We have a network of many depots across the UK and Ireland. These depots offer chilled, ambient, and co-packing facilities, as well as warehousing space. You can view your nearest depot here.

What are the entry criteria for the apprenticeship scheme?

In regards to entry requirements, we would go through the following when filtering candidates:

1. Hold a valid full UK driving licence (manual Cat-B licence) with at least 6 months of driving experience to qualify for the license acquisition and do not hold any driving LGV entitlements (Cat C or C+E)
2. Applicant must be over the age of 18
3. No DR or DD codes.
4. 6 points maximum allowed.
5. Having a ‘can-do’ attitude and an appreciation of customer service are important qualities for us.
6. The ability to remain motivated whilst working alone is essential for a driving-focused role.
7. An excellent team player is vital at Culina Group as the ability to communicate effectively with your colleagues will be an important part of the role.
8. For safety purposes, we do require our apprentices to have a satisfactory medical assessment.

What does the apprenticeship entail?

This role is brand-new within the business, not only will you earn whilst you learn on our structured 13 month scheme, but on completion, you will be guaranteed a permanent position. This amazing opportunity is not just a job, it will allow you to develop your skills and begin your journey to a life-changing career.

Over the 13 months, you will be working towards becoming a fully-fledged member of our growing Driver team through work shadowing, ‘hands–on’ training and computer-based learning.

Throughout the scheme, you will have the full support and guidance of fellow colleagues, trainers and our dedicated Apprenticeship Manager to help you grow and develop into an outstanding Logistics professional.

What are the key responsibilities of the role?

• You will be responsible for collecting and delivering our customers’ products in line with our agreed service levels, whilst ensuring professional service throughout.
• You will be learning about the regulations surrounding Drivers’ Hours, Tachographs and Working Time legislation to ensure both compliance and safety standards are adhered to.

What qualifications do I need?

You need to hold a valid full UK driving licence (manual Cat-B licence) with at least 6 months driving experience to qualify for the license acquisition and do not hold any driving LGV entitlements (Cat C or C+E). You must also be over the age of 18.

What are the Apprenticeship Scheme pay rates?

£364 per week, payable in arrears by credit transfer to your bank account at monthly intervals on or about the 25th day of each month.

On the satisfactory completion of your basic training programme and the achievement of your licence acquisition, your pay will increase in % increments during the first year of employment. These % increases will be based on the standard LGV Driver rate for the depot to which you are contracted to work at. The % increases are also specific to the group company you work for and the depot you are contracted to work at.

An example of the % increases are as follows:

Week 15- 23 = 80% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Week 24 – 32 = 90% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Week 34 – 52 = 95% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Week 53 = 100% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Where can I apply?

Please check out our most current live vacancies via our Culina Careers website page by clicking the provided links below. From this page you can search for and apply directly for available vacancies that are local to your area, should there be any live and advertised which are titled as per the image below.

View Active Apprenticeships

View All Vaccancies

What happens after I apply?

At least four weeks before the assessment day is due to take place, candidates will be filtered for their suitability to the apprenticeship scheme. If the candidate passes the filtering stage, they will then have a phone interview with the training provider, and subsequently be invited to the assessment day. During the assessment day, candidates will complete a variety of activities, including a driving assessment and group exercise. These exercises are designed to be a fun and informative experience to help the candidate decide whether a career as a driver is the right choice for them. There will also be a more formal interview with the depot management. Following the assessment day, successful candidates will be contacted and sent contracts. Any unsuccessful candidates will also be contacted with an update.

What do I do while I wait for my provisional entitlement?

While you wait for your provisional entitlement, you will be completing lessons in preparation for your Theory and Hazard perception tests. During this period, you will also be exposed to as many aspects of the industry as possible. We hope to give you a well-rounded insight into all areas while on the apprenticeship scheme, not just driving. This could include shadowing in the transport office, shadowing planners, or working in the warehouse. This experience will help your knowledge as a driver regarding routes, loading trailers, and weight distribution within the trailer. You will also be completing a series of masterclasses with the training provider which will build upon your knowledge, ready for the end-point assessment. As part of the apprenticeship, you will also need to complete ‘Off-the-job logs’, these logs must make up at least 20% of an apprentice’s normal working hours (paid hours excluding overtime) over the planned duration of the apprenticeship. The logs will also help to improve your skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed for the apprenticeship and your role as a driver.

What will I be taught on the apprenticeship?

Below is an image from one of our training providers, TPMT explaining the licence acquisition journey and the masterclasses you will be taught. While enrolled in the apprenticeship, you will complete a series of masterclasses aimed to give you a better understanding of the logistics industry, as well as improve the knowledge you will need as a Class 1 driver. Topics covered in the masterclasses include the structure of the industry, how to prepare a vehicle, and drivers hours.

What does the apprenticeship involve?

This role is brand-new within the business, not only will you earn whilst you learn on our structured 13 month scheme, but on completion, you will be guaranteed a permanent position. This amazing opportunity is not just a job, it will allow you to develop your skills and begin your journey toward a life-changing career.

Over the 13 months, you will be working towards becoming a fully-fledged member of our growing Driver team through work shadowing, ‘hands–on’ training and computer-based learning.

Throughout the scheme, you will have the full support and guidance of fellow colleagues, trainers, and our dedicated Apprenticeship Manager to help you grow and develop into an outstanding Logistics professional.

What are the key responsibilities of the role?

• You will be responsible for collecting and delivering our customers’ products in line with our agreed service levels, whilst ensuring professional service throughout.
• You will be learning about the regulations surrounding Drivers’ Hours, Tachographs, and Working Time legislation to ensure both compliance and safety standards are adhered to.

What are the Apprenticeship Scheme pay rates?

£350 per week, payable in arrears by credit transfer to your bank account at monthly intervals on or about the 25th day of each month.

On the satisfactory completion of your basic training programme and the achievement of your licence acquisition, your pay will increase in % increments during the first year of employment. These % increases will be based on the standard LGV Driver rate for the depot to which you are contracted to work at. The % increases are also specific to the group company you work for and the depot you are contracted to work at.

An example of the % increases are as follows:

• Week 16- 24 = 80% of your depot current driver rate per annum
• Week 25 – 33 = 90% of your depot current driver rate per annum
• Week 34 – 52 = 95% of your depot current driver rate per annum
• Week 53 = 100% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Where can I apply?

Please check out our current live vacancies via our Culina Careers website page by clicking the provided links below. From this page you can search for and apply directly for available vacancies that are local to your area.

https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CulinaGroup1

What happens after I apply?

At least two weeks before the assessment day is due to take place, candidates will be filtered for their suitability to the apprenticeship scheme.

If the candidate passes the filtering stage, they will then have a phone interview with the training provider, and subsequently be invited to the assessment day.

During the assessment day, candidates will complete a variety of activities, including a driving assessment and group exercise. These exercises are designed to be a fun and informative experience to help the candidate decide whether a career as a driver is the right choice for them.

There will also be a more formal interview with the depot management. Following the assessment day, successful candidates will be contacted and sent contracts. Any unsuccessful candidates will also be contacted with an update.

What do I do while I wait for my provisional entitlement?

While you wait for your provisional entitlement, you will be completing lessons in preparation for your Theory and Hazard perception tests. During this period, you will also be exposed to as many aspects of the industry as possible. We hope to give you a well-rounded insight into all areas while on the apprenticeship scheme, not just driving. This could include shadowing in the transport office, shadowing planners, or working in the warehouse.

As part of the apprenticeship, you will also need to complete ‘Off-the-job logs’. These logs must make up at least 20% of an apprentice’s normal working hours (paid hours excluding overtime) over the planned duration of the apprenticeship.

What will I be taught on the apprenticeship?

While enrolled in the apprenticeship, you will complete a series of masterclasses aimed to give you a better understanding of the logistics industry, as well as improve the knowledge you will need as a Class 1 driver.

You will also be scheduled time to shadow drivers on their runs. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions regarding how to drive the vehicle, as well as any other questions about the industry.

Will I need to complete functional skills training?

Unless the candidate already has a grade C or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English, they are required to complete functional skills assessments. Functional skills are taught and assessed by the training provider as part of the apprenticeship curriculum.

What benefits are there within Culina Group?

We offer:

• Opportunities for personal progression
• Opportunities for training and development
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment
• Employee feedback via employee Surveys
• Cross depot project involvement
• Effective H&S / Occupational Health Management
• Culina news – In Culina Magazine
• Customer interaction

Pension Scheme – If you qualify for the Company’s Group Personal Pension Scheme then this will be set out in your Letter of Appointment / Contract of Employment and the Company’s appointed Pensions Scheme Administrator will be in touch with you shortly.

Life assurance is provided by the Company and covers you whilst you are in the employment of the Company, not just at work. You should nominate your beneficiaries using the form available from HR.

Culina Group Benefits Website – As part of our drive to make this a great place to work, we are now very pleased to offer you a wider choice of benefits which are now available in addition to the existing core benefits you enjoy. On your behalf, we have negotiated special rates and discounts which should not only save you money but will also be a source of general assistance and support via our HAPI Benefits.

Available training:

We have training courses for operational development, management development, and personal development.

Professional Qualifications:

We have a huge choice of professional qualifications through the RISE programme funded by the government levy.  These qualifications are available to everyone who has passed their probation.

Personal Development Plan:

Each year we’ll ask you to participate in a 1:1 personal development plan with your manager designed for your benefit.  This is your opportunity to express an interest in your development and any programmes, qualifications, or coaching you’d like to be involved in.

How long does the apprenticeship last?

The apprenticeship is 12 months and a day long, with an end-point assessment (EPA) at 13 months. The EPA will be conducted by a third-party assessor.

Become An Apprentice

Stobart has marked another milestone in its sustainability journey with an official commitment to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global project that aims to provide business leaders with the accountability framework they need to reduce their carbon footprint.

SBTi is a collaboration between CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The initiative defines, promotes and showcases best practice on setting science-based targets to reduce emissions, and independently assesses and approves targets set by committed companies.

Stobart is the first Major UK Logistics provider in the UK to make the SBTi commitment. As a leading logistics provider, they have made this momentous pledge to set this milestone as part of their sustainability journey.

Stobart have created an initial roadmap for how they will achieve the SBTis and these plans will be approved by SBTi within the next year. They will continue to progress their initiatives and work towards the commitment to achieve the common goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This could mean 11 million fewer people exposed to extreme heat, 61 million fewer people exposed to drought, and 10 million fewer people exposed to the impacts of sea level rise.

“This commitment forms part of the Stobart aim to be the most sustainable UK LSP”, said Stobart CEO, David Pickering, “we’re driving cultural change in our ways of working and are thoroughly committed to driving continuous improvement through sustainable initiatives that positively impact the environment.”

The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, and receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for health and safety worldwide. Competitive awards go to the best entries in 31 industry sectors including construction, healthcare, transport and logistics, engineering, manufacturing and education.

Culina Group has received a RoSPA Silver Health and Safety Award for working hard to ensure its staff get home safely to their families at the end of every working day.

Tom Lack, Head of Health and Safety, said: “Attaining the ROSPA Silver Award on the first application is a testament to the hard work of the SHEQ Department and the dedication of our operational colleagues.  A nationally recognised award like this, along with our ISO Accreditations, is testament to Culina Group’s dedication to protecting its workforce.”

Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as being world-leaders in health and safety practice. Every year, nearly 2,000 entrants vie to achieve the highest possible accolade in what is the UK’s longest-running H&S industry awards.

Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “This is a fantastic and well-deserved accomplishment. All our award entrants demonstrate their unwavering commitment and passion for keeping people safe at work. By receiving this recognition Culina Group join like-minded businesses and organisations worldwide, who represent the very best in their approach to Health and Safety. I would like to add my personal thanks for all the work that it has taken to secure this well-deserved award – congratulations to all those involved, who champion and drive up Health and Safety standards every day. You are a fantastic example to others in your sector.”

For more information about the RoSPA Awards visit www.rospa.com/awards

Throughout 2021 Stobart has actively partnered with Co-op to agree a measured ongoing Sustainability Road Map including a pipeline of key initiatives to be rolled out incrementally. The overall aim is for joint Stobart/Co-op operations to become more and more sustainable, through forensic governance and improved carbon efficiency management.

Three specific initiatives were implemented in 2021; a Carbon reporting process for inbound RDC deliveries enabling measurement of the environmental impact, introduction of Wedge Double Deck Trailers to carry more freight whilst at the same time reducing carbon emissions and, a review of one way backhaul trunking activity, utilising the extensive Stobart network to improve efficiency of the Co-op fleet.

A further pipeline of defined initiatives is currently in progress including a long-term project to review any further opportunities to transfer freight shipment from Road to Rail, along with an alternative fuel trial and a move to real time carbon emissions reporting.

“These important initiatives form part of the Stobart aim to be the most sustainable UK LSP”, said Stobart CEO, David Pickering.

“Through our collaboration with Co-op, we are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to delivering sustainable initiatives that positively impact the environment. The ongoing roadmap that we have developed, in collaboration with Co-op, forms a key cornerstone in a cultural change in our ways of working. We are committed to driving continuous improvement and sharing of best practice amongst all of our partners”.

Stobart Multimodal will offer a wide range of integrated specialist services including ambient and temperature controlled logistics solutions, road and rail transport to continental port of exit, export customs formalities, shipment to the UK, import customs clearances, and deliveries in to Culina Group locations.

Following the acquisition of Stobart Europe in the summer of 2021 Culina Group had a vision to establish a fully integrated supply chain and over the last six months have been working hard to make Stobart Multimodal a reality.

Accelerated development of the vision was prompted by the various unprecedented logistics challenges of 2021, including COVID, Brexit, and the evolving driver shortage. These challenges have been financially tough and time-consuming for many Culina Group customers. Significantly COVID exacerbated Brexit issues have frequently caused continental loads to arrive in to the UK late, sometimes leading to empty shelves in stores. The challenges confirmed to Culina Group that the time was right to develop the Stobart Multimodal concept.

“Well over 100,000 full loads are delivered into Culina Group warehouses from the continent each year and up until now we have had limited control over when goods would be arriving”, said Thomas Van Mourik – Culina Group CEO,

“Stobart Multimodal will address this. High-level logistics solutions will be offered and performance will be guaranteed, all backed up by emergency solutions in the form of Culina Group resources.

We will work with selected partners on specific corridors easing the pressure on our customers supply chains and limiting disruption to their operations.”

Leading the development of Stobart Multimodal is International Logistics Expert – Arthur Koutstaal. Arthur has nearly forty years’ experience in logistics and has worked in numerous operational positions for prominent businesses such as Geest North Sea Line (now part of Samskip), P&O Ferrymasters Zeebrugge, ECS European Containers, Koolwijk Logistics, and Move Intermodal.

“I am very pleased to welcome Arthur to the Culina Group business in the position of Senior Supply Chain Specialist for Stobart Multimodal”, said Thomas, “He has always had strong links with the UK and Ireland and has historically worked very closely with Culina Group delivering into our warehouses so knows our business well.”

Stobart Multimodal priorities going forward will be focused around infrastructure and IT whilst developing its network with strategic partners. Culina Group will also be looking at potential acquisitions that fit with the Stobart Multimodal business model as well as identifying appropriate investment opportunities.

We are a market leading logistics company, founded in 1994. There are several businesses that form Culina Group including Culina, Stobart, Stobart Europe, Fowler Welch, Great Bear, Warrens, CML, IPS, The Pallet Network, iForce, Logistics People and MMiD. These Group businesses cover four key service sectors, chilled and ambient warehousing and distribution, co-pack and resourcing.

Where are we located?

We have a nationwide network of depots across the UK and Ireland offering chilled, ambient and co-packing services, as well as warehousing space. To find your nearest depot please visit https://www.culina.co.uk/about-us/nationwide-network/

What are the entry criteria for the apprenticeship scheme?

When filtering candidates we complete the following checks:

• Hold a valid full UK driving licence (manual Cat-B licence) with at least 6 months driving experience to qualify for the license acquisition and do not hold any driving LGV entitlements (Cat C or C+E)
• Applicant must be over the age of 18
• No DR or DD codes.
• 6 points maximum allowed.
• Having a ‘can-do’ attitude and an appreciation of customer service are important qualities for us.
• The ability to remain motivated whilst working alone is essential for a driving focused role.
• Being an excellent team player is vital at Culina Group, as is the ability to communicate effectively with your colleagues.
• For safety purposes, we do require our apprentices have a satisfactory medical assessment.

Will I need to complete functional skills training?

Unless the candidate already has a grade C or equivalent at GCSE Maths and English, they are required to complete functional skills assessments. Functional skills is taught and assessed by the training provider as part of the apprenticeship curriculum.

How long does the apprenticeship last?

The apprenticeship is 12 months and one day long, with an end point assessment (EPA) at 13 months. The EPA will be conducted by a third party assessor.

What does the apprenticeship involve?

This role is brand-new within the business, not only will you earn whilst you learn on our structured 13 month scheme, but on completion you will be guaranteed a permanent position. This amazing opportunity is not just a job, it will allow you to develop your skills and begin your journey towards a life-changing career.

Over the 13 months, you will be working towards becoming a fully-fledged member of our growing Driver team through work shadowing, ‘hands–on’ training and computer based learning.

Throughout the scheme, you will have the full support and guidance of fellow colleagues, trainers and our dedicated Apprenticeship Manager to help you grow and develop into an outstanding Logistics professional.

What are the key responsibilities of the role?

• You will be responsible for collecting and delivering our customers’ products in line with our agreed service levels, whilst ensuring a professional service throughout.
• You will be learning about the regulations surrounding Drivers’ Hours, Tachographs and Working Time legislation to ensure both compliance and safety standards are adhered to.

What are the Apprenticeship Scheme pay rates?

£350 per week, payable in arrears by credit transfer to your bank account at monthly intervals on or about the 25th day of each month.

On the satisfactory completion of your basic training programme and the achievement of your licence acquisition, your pay will increase in % increments during the first year of employment. These % increases will be based on the standard LGV Driver rate for the depot to which you are contracted to work at. The % increases are also specific to the group company you work for and the depot you are contracted to work at.

An example of the % increases are as follows:

• Week 16- 24 = 80% of your depot current driver rate per annum
• Week 25 – 33 = 90% of your depot current driver rate per annum
• Week 34 – 52 = 95% of your depot current driver rate per annum
• Week 53 = 100% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Where can I apply?

Please check out our current live vacancies via our Culina Careers website page by clicking the provided links below. From this page you can search for and apply directly for available vacancies that are local to your area.

https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CulinaGroup1

What happens after I apply?

At least two weeks before the assessment day is due to take place, candidates will be filtered for their suitability to the apprenticeship scheme.

If the candidate passes the filtering stage, they will then have a phone interview with the training provider, and subsequently invited to the assessment day.

During the assessment day, candidates will complete a variety of activities, including a driving assessment and group exercise. These exercises are designed to be a fun and informative experience to help the candidate decide whether a career as a driver is the right choice for them.

There will also be a more formal interview with the depot management. Following the assessment day, successful candidates will be contacted and sent contracts. Any unsuccessful candidates will also be contacted with an update.

What do I do while I wait for my provisional entitlement?

While you wait for your provisional entitlement, you will be completing lessons in preparation for your Theory and Hazard perception tests. During this period, you will also be exposed to as many aspects of the industry as is possible. We hope to give you a well-rounded insight into all areas while on the apprenticeship scheme, not just driving. This could include shadowing in the transport office, shadowing planners, or working in the warehouse.

As part of the apprenticeship, you will also need to complete ‘Off-the-job logs’. These logs must make up at least 20% of an apprentice’s normal working hours (paid hours excluding overtime) over the planned duration of the apprenticeship.

What will I be taught on the apprenticeship?

While enrolled in the apprenticeship, you will complete a series of masterclasses aimed to give you a better understanding of the logistics industry, as well as improving the knowledge you will need as a Class 1 driver.

You will also be scheduled time to shadow drivers on their runs. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions regarding how to drive the vehicle, as well as any other questions about the industry.

What benefits are there within Culina Group?

We offer:

• Opportunities for personal progression, training and development
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment
• Employee feedback via employee Surveys
• Cross depot project involvement
• Effective H&S / Occupational Health Management
• Customer interaction

Pension Scheme: If you qualify for the Company’s Group Personal Pension Scheme then this will be set out in your Letter of Appointment / Contract of Employment and the Company’s appointed Pensions Scheme Administrator will be in touch with you shortly.

Life assurance is provided by the Company and covers you whilst you are in employment of the Company, not just at work. You should nominate your beneficiaries using the form available from HR.

Culina Group Benefits Website: As part of our drive to make this a great place to work, we are now very pleased to offer you a wider choice of benefits which are now available in addition to the existing core benefits you enjoy. On your behalf we have negotiated special rates and discounts which should not only save you money, but will also be a source of general assistance and support via our HAPI Benefits.

What opportunities for personal progression are there within Culina Group?

For all information about the various learning opportunities the Group provides, take a read our latest blog post: https://www.culina.co.uk/its-not-just-a-job-its-an-exciting-career-opportunity/

For more information or to register to our Apprenticeship scheme, contact us today by emailing: Apprenticeships@culina.co.uk.

We care massively about Culina Group colleagues’ growth and wellbeing. We seek to continually deliver the best training support and solutions possible right across the UK.

For dynamic Culina Group colleagues and ambitious prospective members of our growing UK team we offer a huge and continually expanding range of ad hoc, short and long term training and development support solutions across all aspects of our business.

The Culina Group Learning and Development Team of expert professionals develop and implement a comprehensive mix of e-learning, online courses, In house courses, Mentoring schemes, Apprenticeships, and Management Training Programmes for colleagues at every level within the Group.

Wherever you are, whether you are working in Transport and Logistics, Warehouse Operations or Fulfilment, Management or Administration we have many options and opportunities for you to progress your career.

Our wide range of e-learning programmes offers learning opportunities on diverse subjects such as IT, Confidence Building, Employment Law, Accounting, Coaching, GDPR, Financial Strategy and various Microsoft courses which are all readily available to use. Whether it’s to learn something new or to touch up on any existing skills, e-learning will provide you with all the information you require.

Our Mentoring Schemes offer formal on-going support for Mentees to build towards their career aspirations. Mentors and mentees are paired up based on desired experience for a 12-month period.

Culina Group is committed to recruiting and developing the stars of tomorrow through our Apprentice Programmes which allows the opportunity to gain relevant qualifications while learning on the job.

Our 12 month LEAD (Leadership, Exploration, Ability, and Development) programmes for all management levels are bespoke to Culina Group.  LEAD 1 – Leading a Team – for First Tier Management, LEAD 2 – Leading Leaders – for Middle Management, and LEAD 3 – Leading a Business – for Senior Management.

At Culina Group every colleague receives a Personal Development Plan each year. Your Personal Development Plan allows you to discuss your individual development needs and how best Culina Group can help you to achieve your goals within the company.

In the last five years Culina Group has grown tenfold in size. We now offer huge opportunities for ambitious people to grow and progress.

We will provide encouragement and support to ensure that you fulfil your potential no matter where you are or what area of our business you work in.

If you give 100% whilst displaying a diligent and customer focused attitude, then the sky is the limit for you at Culina Group.

To discuss specific training solutions please contact your Learning and Development Advisor or to book on an internal Learning and Development Course please contact Julia.clarke@culina.co.uk

Like what you have read? Culina Group can get you where you want to be in your career. Join our winning team by visiting www.culinacareers.co.uk and begin your journey to the best possible you today.