The Challenge
DPD is the UK's leading parcel delivery service, handling millions of parcels every day across a nationwide network of depots, drivers, and logistics hubs. With operations at that scale, even small inefficiencies in processes, technology, or workflows compound into significant costs.
DPD wanted to develop their internal talent — giving team members the skills and frameworks to identify operational inefficiencies and drive improvement projects that deliver measurable financial impact. They needed a training partner who could provide structured development aligned to real business challenges, not generic classroom theory.
The Solution
DPD partnered with TESS Group to enrol multiple cohorts of learners across apprenticeship programmes focused on operational improvement and management. Each learner was supported through a combination of:
- Group training sessions — led by TESS Group's specialist trainers, covering improvement methodologies, data analysis, and management techniques
- 1:1 tutor sessions — regular coaching meetings to keep learners on track, review progress against their workplace projects, and connect learning to real DPD operations
- Workplace improvement projects — every learner applied their training to a genuine operational challenge within DPD, delivering measurable results
The programmes were 100% funded through DPD's Apprenticeship Levy, meaning the entire investment came at zero additional cost to the business.
The Results
Two projects in particular demonstrate the kind of return DPD achieved through their apprenticeship investment:
What DPD Say
The course itself has been a really good fit with my job role. I have been able to apply all of the course material to my day-to-day job and I have always got a real-world example to use which makes it even more meaningful. Even down to various projects I've taken on, I have used the techniques learned in the training sessions.
Caroline was very good at explaining everything and making all the content understandable, she also always gave real-world examples to put it into perspective. The tutor sessions with Jason were also very good — we knew exactly where we stood and what to do next, and he was always happy to help whenever we needed it.
As a business, DPD have had good results with the TESS group and have applied their courses to multiple apprenticeships. I'd 100% recommend them to anyone who wants to do an apprenticeship.
Why It Works
DPD's experience shows what happens when apprenticeship training is properly aligned to business operations. The key factors were:
- Real projects, not hypothetical exercises — every learner worked on actual DPD challenges, so the training had immediate practical application
- Expert trainers — TESS Group's trainers (including Caroline and Jason, named by Harrison) brought real-world experience and made complex concepts accessible
- Structured 1:1 support — regular tutor sessions kept learners accountable and on track, ensuring projects were completed to a high standard
- Multiple cohorts — DPD didn't stop at one group. They've enrolled multiple cohorts because the model delivers measurable results every time
- Zero cost — fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, meaning DPD got £140,000+ in savings without spending a penny on training
Get Results Like DPD
TESS Group delivers apprenticeships that produce measurable business impact — not just qualifications. From operational improvement to AI and leadership, our programmes are designed to generate ROI from day one. Fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.
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