Industrial Placements 2027 – Register Your Interest

Start your career in supply chain and logistics with a 12-month industrial placement at DHL.

About DHL Supply Chain

DHL Supply Chain forms part of DHL Group, one of the world’s leading logistics organisations. Its operations support customers across a wide range of sectors, helping them manage complex supply chains and move products efficiently.

Industrial placement opportunities are offered across several DHL Supply Chain business units, including Manufacturing Logistics, Network Transport Solutions, E-commerce and Retail, Consumer and Convenience, and Healthcare and Specialist Logistics.

Roles are based across the UK, with the location and business area confirmed within each individual vacancy when applications open in September. 

The Role

The 12-month Industrial Placement Programme is designed to introduce you to the supply chain and logistics industry through practical, on-the-job experience.

Depending on the placement you join, you could contribute to projects, support the day-to-day work of your team and gain exposure to different areas of the organisation. There may also be opportunities to shadow colleagues in a variety of roles, helping you understand their responsibilities and how different teams contribute to the wider business.

Throughout the placement, you will build your knowledge, develop new skills and gradually take responsibility for your own work and projects. You will also gain insight into different industries, customer requirements and the ways DHL responds to changing supply chain needs.

The recruitment process is expected to include:

• An online application form requiring your personal details, qualifications and CV
• The DHL Strengths Journey online assessment
• A role-relevant job simulation
• A virtual programme overview session
• An experience day

Individual industrial placement vacancies are expected to open in September 2026, with successful candidates joining the business in September 2027.

Company Culture

DHL aims to provide an environment where placement students can learn gradually, contribute to meaningful work and build relationships across the business.

Current placement students describe being welcomed into supportive teams and given opportunities to learn through work shadowing, practical experience and independent projects. The programme also provides exposure to colleagues working across different roles, business areas and industries.

Networking is an important part of the experience. Participants can access a broad network of people across the organisation and may receive guidance from mentors, colleagues and other early-career employees.

Benefits and Perks

• Practical experience within a global logistics organisation
• Opportunities to contribute to projects and take ownership of your work
• Exposure to different roles, teams, customers and industries
• Opportunities for work shadowing and on-the-job learning
• Access to a broad professional network

Requirements

• You are a university student completing a placement year as part of your studies.
• You are interested in developing practical experience within supply chain, logistics or business operations and are prepared to learn within a busy working environment.
•  Individual roles may have additional academic, skills or location requirements, which will be confirmed when each vacancy is advertised.

DHL is currently unable to sponsor visa applications for these programmes. You must therefore already hold the appropriate right to work in the UK before an offer can be made.

Applications are not yet open, but you can select the Apply Now button to visit DHL’s Industrial Placement Programme page and register your interest.