A freight forwarding apprentice will organise shipments to move goods from the manufacturer or producer to a market, customer or final point of distribution. If you’re ambitious and looking for a diverse and exciting career that can take you from Heathrow to Hong Kong, or from Liverpool to LA, then Freight Forwarding could be just the ticket. The apprenticeship includes crucial customs knowledge which means salary levels are competitive and increasing.
Typical tasks could include:
- shipment booking
- preparing and submitting customs declarations to HMRC
- liaison with carriers, ports and handling agents around the world
- transport requirements
- sales quotations, invoicing and financial procedures
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, there will be many pathways your career could take. This includes customer service, sales, supply chain or even some specialist roles such as aerospace, automotive, retail or events. The logistics industry will always be needed and it offers a stimulating and stable future.
Apprenticeship duration: approx. 18 months
Salary expectations: starting salary can be between £13k and £22k
Find out more about a freight forwarding apprenticeship
Where could you work?
One of the big attractions of freight forwarding is the different pathways that your career could take you. There is potential to move into well-paid procurement roles, or supply chain jobs, and plenty of scope for sideways moves into different industries from fashion to automotive. You can specialise in the Air, Road or Ocean pathways to ensure your company complies with customs, import and export laws and regulations.
“At DHL we use Apprenticeship Programmes to recruit, train and support our Leaders of the Future. We need to make sure we stay ahead of the game, and our Apprentices play a crucial role in this.”
- Sharon Ross, Apprenticeship Programme Manager UK & I, DHL
Meet some of our apprentices
Meet Laura who is now working as a project manager in sales with F.S.Mackenzie Ltd.
Meet Kyle who has progressed to working as an ocean supervisor with OIA Global.
Meet Ryan who is a key member of the team at Kuehne+Nagel working as a Excellence Manager.
Further information
View the latest apprenticeship vacancies based on your interest and location with details of how to apply.