International freight forwarding specialist
Level 3 · AdvancedTransport and logistics 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship at Level 3 trains you to coordinate the movement of goods across international borders, managing the shipping, customs, documentation, and compliance requirements that allow businesses to trade globally. You will work with shipping lines, airlines, freight agents, and customs authorities to ensure goods arrive on time and legally compliant. It leads to roles as a freight operations executive, customs specialist, and global logistics coordinator.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Incoterms and international trade contracts
Customs procedures, commodity codes, and import-export declarations
Sea freight, air freight, and road transport modes and documentation
Letters of credit and trade finance documentation
Dangerous goods regulations (IMDG, IATA DGR) awareness
UK and international customs compliance post-Brexit
Supply chain risk management and cargo insurance
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Book and coordinate sea, air, or road freight shipments
Prepare and check shipping documents - bills of lading, air waybills, and certificates
Manage customs import and export declarations and duty payments
Liaise with shipping lines, airlines, and overseas agents
Track shipments and update customers on cargo status
Handle customs queries, delays, and exception management
Check invoices, freight costs, and duty calculations for accuracy
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.