International Freight Forwarding Apprentice

Summary

We are offering an exciting rotational apprenticeship that will give you the opportunity to gain valuable insights and skills across a range of key supply chain and logistics functions. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will rotate through various departments, gaining exposure to different aspects of supply chain management & logistics operations.

Wage

£16,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Discretionary Company Bonus and Partnership bonus after qualifying period.

Training course

International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)

Hours

Mon -Fri. 9am – 5:30pm 1 hour lunch (Unpaid)

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 9 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

2

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

We are offering an exciting rotational apprenticeship that will give you the opportunity to gain valuable insights and skills across a range of key supply chain and logistics functions. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will rotate through various departments, gaining exposure to different aspects of supply chain management and logistics operations.

The apprenticeship offers the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals, receiving mentorship and guidance to support your development every step of the way. You will also have the chance to attend training sessions and workshops to further your knowledge, and you will work towards achieving a Level 3: International Freight Forwarding Specialist Qualification.

Working throughout the business on a rotational apprenticeship. Learning all aspects of Freight Forwarding and business support functions. To include:

Processing customer requests.

Booking Jobs.

Processing customs documents.

Invoicing and costing jobs.

Arranging collection / delivery of freight.

What you will gain:

A well-rounded understanding of the end-to-end supply chain and logistics process.

Hands-on, practical experience with leading supply chain technologies and tools.

The opportunity to work on projects that contribute to the company's objectives.

A recognised qualification upon completion of the apprenticeship.

Who we are looking for:

Individuals with a desire to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

A proactive attitude and a willingness to take initiative and contribute.

Why join us:

A great opportunity to join the world’s largest employee-owned logistics firm.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

A supporting learning environment.

A diverse and inclusive work culture where your ideas are valued.

Where you’ll work

Leestone Road
Sharston Industrial Estate
Sharston
Manchester
M22 4RB

Training

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

College or training organisation

SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED

Your training course

International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)

Equal to A level

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.

Your training plan

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's 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:

Maths and English (grade A*-C/ 4-9)

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

Any subject (grade A level or equivalent)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Administrative skills
Team working
Initiative

About this company

At The Cardinal Partnership, we're not just a company; we're a partnership in both name and nature. As the world's largest employee-owned logistics organisation, we proudly house two beloved brands, Cardinal Global Logistics and Far Logistics. When you join our team, you become a partner in our collective success. People have always been at the heart of what we do, and we have an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit that has transformed a modest £15,000 investment into an industry-leading enterprise. We tailor these services to meet the precise needs of our 6000+ customers. Join us in providing exceptional service and shaping the next chapter of our partnership journey. In return, you'll enjoy a competitive salary and enhanced benefits. At the Cardinal Partnership, we are committed to providing an exceptional learning experience that helps develop the next generation of supply chain and logistics professionals. As an industry leader, we believe in investing in talent and providing opportunities for growth, development and real-world experience. Join us for a dynamic and hands-on journey in one of the most crucial sectors of modern business.

https://cardinalgl.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Pension scheme, Annual leave 25 days, Annual leave purchase scheme, Long service awards, Long service time off, Birthday day off, Free monthly lunch, Volunteering day off, Valued Partner Awards, Cycle to work scheme, Company loan scheme.

After this apprenticeship

Progress to a trainee role with further industry on the job training provided. With an opportunity to progress your career towards an operator or support function within the organisation.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED

Apprenticeship Recruitment Team

apprenticeships@seetec.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000314953.

Apply now

Closes on Saturday 31 May 2025

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