Find Your Path

When you start thinking about leaving school or college, stepping into the world of work can feel like a massive jump. But finding the right environment where you feel supported can change everything.

I am Martin, currently a learner at Creating Tomorrow College’s Lutterworth Campus, which is embedded directly inside an active Iron Mountain facility. As part of my course, I’ve had the opportunity to take part in a variety of real-world work experience placements right on site.

Finding a Role I Love

Logistics isn’t just one type of job, there are so many different roles you can try based on what you enjoy. My absolute favorite placement has been working in our MPN3 warehouse, where I help keep the facility clean, safe, and tidy.

Keeping a busy logistics site running smoothly takes real teamwork. Doing this work every day aligns directly with my career goal of becoming a professional cleaner in the future. As I like to say: “Work is not work if you go to something you enjoy doing.”

Growing in Confidence with the Right Support

Before starting, I didn’t know what to expect from working in a global logistics company. But from day one, the team at Iron Mountain has been incredibly welcoming, friendly, and supportive.

My supervisors and job coaches took the time to guide me through my tasks, which helped me grow in confidence and truly thrive in my role. Knowing that my supervisor is genuinely pleased with my progress makes me feel proud of the work I do every day.

Looking Ahead: From Supported Internship to Full-Time Career

Through my time on site, I’ve developed practical skills, workplace communication, and independence that will support me no matter where my career takes me.

My next goal is to complete a Supported Internship with Iron Mountain when I finish my college course. My dream is for this placement to lead to full-time, permanent employment here.

For any young person with SEND who is nervous about entering the workplace: logistics has a place for you. With the right support, high expectations, and a friendly team around you, it’s an industry where you can build a real future.

Stepping into a massive warehouse or office for the first time can feel overwhelming. At Iron Mountain Warehousing & Logistics Alice Mullan’s job is to make sure that from day one, you feel welcomed, safe, and ready to succeed.

Working alongside our students from Creating Tomorrow College is the highlight of my job. Watching learners grow in confidence, try new things, and realise just how capable they are brings incredible energy to our whole team. But most importantly, our partnership is designed entirely around **you** and what you can achieve, says Alice.

Here is how we support you every step of the way:

• Induction Built Around You: Before you start doing tasks, we take time to introduce you to the team, show you around the site, and make sure you feel completely comfortable in your new environment.
• 1-on-1 Mentorship with Friendly Staff: We match you with an experienced operational mentor based on your personal interests and skill sets. Your mentor is there to teach you job skills, answer your questions, and support your progress.
• Real-World Skills and Certifications: You get to learn practical, transferable workplace skills, from certified trainings and operating specialist equipment to learning how customer service works at our front desk.
• Learning in a Safe, Patient Space: We know that everyone learns at their own speed. Our managers and supervisors lead with clarity, patience, and empathy so you never have to feel rushed or stressed.
• Discovering Modern Technology: Logistics is full of exciting tech! You get to work alongside advanced tools, like our Dexory autonomous inventory robots, giving you experience with cutting-edge operations.
• A Clear Pathway to Employment: Your time with us isn’t just a brief visit, it’s a structured, three-year journey of education, hands-on experience, and supported internships that prepare you for long-term, paid employment.

The logistics industry has a place for every kind of talent. When you join Creating Tomorrow College at Iron Mountain, you aren’t just getting work experience; you are taking the first real steps toward an exciting, independent future. 

I started my Level 3 Transport and Warehouse Operations Supervisor Apprenticeship in April 2025 during a very busy period of my life. However, it was an opportunity I simply could not pass up and I was determined to make the most of it. When I started the programme, I was the Team Leader of the company’s Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU). By the time I completed the course in September 2026, I had progressed into the role of Fleet Manager. The knowledge, skills and confidence I gained throughout the apprenticeship provided me with the tools I needed to achieve a substantial promotion within the industry.

The course was delivered exceptionally well and there was always plenty of support available whenever it was needed. The APTEM platform is excellent, providing apprentices with the flexibility to access their work from anywhere and on any device, whether using company equipment or their own. The classroom sessions delivered through Microsoft Teams were engaging, well-structured and varied enough to keep learners focused throughout the day.

I was naturally nervous about undertaking my End Point Assessment (EPA), but those nerves were immediately eased by the assessor, who was friendly, professional and supportive throughout the process. Having the same assessor for both parts of the EPA was particularly beneficial, as it provided familiarity and helped me feel more comfortable and confident during the final stage of the assessment.

I would like to give a special thank you to Mike Vickers and Annie Graham. I genuinely do not believe I would have successfully completed this course without their guidance, support, and encouragement. They are a huge asset to the apprenticeship programme and played a significant role in helping me achieve my qualification.

If I could offer one piece of advice to future apprentices undertaking this course, it would be to book regular meetings with your tutors and make full use of the support available. Not only will this help you achieve the best possible grade, but it will also significantly increase your knowledge and understanding throughout the programme.

Overall, the apprenticeship has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career to date. It has helped me develop professionally and personally, increased my confidence, and provided me with the knowledge and skills required to progress into a Fleet Manager position.