Summary
We will develop you into an International Freight Forwarder, whose overall aim is to manage or support our customers’ logistics by arranging the movement of Freight via Air or Ocean, and /or Road. This can include Exporting and Importing Goods from and to the UK and across the World. The main focus will be working in the Ocean Freight Department.
Wage
£14,722.50 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Salary reviewed after 12 months.
Training course
International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday between 9am – 5.30pm.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
Start date
Monday 1 December 2025
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
* Develop relationships with internal and external customers.
* Ensure all customer enquiries are responded to promptly and professionally.
* Learn and adhere to Customs Compliance procedures and documentation requirements.
* Ensure each ‘Job File’ is fully and accurately completed.
* Work with Carriers and Handling Agents to resolve exceptions and discrepancies as they arise.
* Work with DGF departments on Ocean planning and coordination of shipments.
* Liaise with DGF Transport & Warehouse teams on Ocean or planning and coordination of shipments.
* Liaise with overseas offices on Ocean or Air freight planning and coordination of shipments.
* Maintain mandatory milestones through the Company's Freight Forwarding system.
* Use company systems to create, manage and maintain the movement of freight.
* Ensure that all interactions are compliant with DPDHL Code of Conduct and other compliance requirements, e.g. anti-corruption.
* Contribute to the ‘First Choice’ continuous improvement program.
* Participate in Monthly Team briefing sessions and weekly performance dialog meetings.
* Complete all statutory and mandatory training as and when required.
Where you'll work
Port of Liverpool Building
Pier Head
Liverpool
L3 1BY
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
Course contents
* 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
* 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 apprenticeship 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 in order 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:
* Any x 3 (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)
* 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
* Team working