Qualification level: 3
Typical duration: 18 Months

Apprenticeship category: Transport and logistics

International Trade and the role of Freight Forwarders: 
The processing of international trade documentation is vital to the UK economy and the demand for international trade skills is forecast to rise.  Freight Forwarders implement these key processes. The sector deals with complex customs legislation and has a need demonstrate competence in compliance with customs controls and procedures.  Clients require their international supply chain to be fully secure, efficient and compliant.

Role of International Freight Forwarding Specialists: 
International Freight Forwarding Specialists are employed to ensure that the company they work for, and their clients remain compliant with all applicable customs, import and export laws and regulations. They understand customs rules, regulations and terms of trade, know where to find information and when to escalate issues. They have specific skills around customs procedures, classification of goods, allocating modes of transport and all relevant paper and electronic documentation. International Freight Forwarding Specialists are responsible for a variety of tasks on a daily basis such as shipment bookings, creating the appropriate documents, liaison with carriers, ports and handling agents, transport requirements, sales quotations, invoicing, financial procedures as well as the many customs processes and regimes they will come across. Clients must be kept informed proactively of progress and this requires skills and behaviours in customer service linked to an appreciation of international cultures, time zones and their effect on transit times. International Freight Forwarding Specialists have the ability to communicate effectively with people from different countries, taking account of differences in working practices.

Pathways in Freight Forwarding:
Apprentices will gain the CORE knowledge and skills and then choose one of three PATHWAYS (Air Freight, Ocean Freight or Road Freight) to reflect the focus of their employer’s operations. In each pathway, additional knowledge and skills will be acquired.

Contact: If you need to discuss apprenticeship options please call 01536 533 696 and ask to speak with Stuart, or email: info@merlinsupplychain.com