Freight Forwarder Apprentice

Summary

The apprentice will learn all operational functions involved in exporting and importing of different types of cargo to and from global markets - specifically in the Ocean freight market. You also complete the Freight Forwarder Specialist L3 qualification, giving you knowledge & skills required to develop a successful career in the Freight sector.

Wage

£15,080 a year

Salary reviews every 12 months

Training course

International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.15pm.

36 hours 15 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 23 March 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Creating shipment bookings with hauliers, shippers and other customers
• Keeping customers informed of shipment progress at all stages
• Ensuring booking details are accurate including weights, dimensions and pack numbers
• Booking space on vessels for Ocean Freight shipments
• Creating and modifying required documentation
• Liaising with customers, suppliers, and international agents
• Providing a strong level of customer service throughout
• Checking invoices are accurate
• Learning how to complete customs entries and eventually submitting them

Where you'll work

Suite 1
Baker House
4 Horsley Road
Bromley
BR1 3LB

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED

Training course

International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.
• Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
• Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.
• Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.
• Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.
• Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.
• Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.
• Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.
• Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.
• Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.
• Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.
• Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.
• Air. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the air freight industry.
• Air. Select and use documentation appropriate to the air freight industry.
• Ocean. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the ocean freight industry.
• Ocean. Select and use documentation appropriate to the ocean freight industry.
• Road. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the road freight industry.
• Road. Select and use documentation appropriate to the road freight industry.
• Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.
• Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
• Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.
• Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.
• Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.
• Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.
• Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.
• Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.
• Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.
• Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.
• Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.
• Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.

Training schedule

• International Freight Forwarding Specialist Level 3
• On the job training delivered by the employer
• Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment
• For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3
• Allocation of an apprenticeship delivery coach who will carry out regular training
• Assessment and support visits to ensure you acquire new learning, knowledge skills and behaviours to progress and develop
• Identify, track and support 6 hours off the job training activities.
• Quarterly formal progress review meetings, identifying learning achievements and next steps

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)
• Maths (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Logical
• Team working