Apprentice Ocean Freight Forwarding Administrator

Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for an Ocean Freight Forwarding Administration Apprentice to join us at Burhill Logistics. This will be a varied role to support different areas of a logistics company, giving you a chance to develop your skills and make a positive impact.

Wage

£17,000 a year

Bonus scheme

Training course

International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Friday between 9.00am - 5.30pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Friday 7 August 2026

Duration

1 year 9 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

Reporting directly to the Commercial Manger and working alongside the Commercial Administrator.

• Assisting with the inputting of shipments onto The Shipping Centre
• Documenting original documents when received via post or courier and scanning them into the relevant dossiers
• Lodging Original Bills of Lading with shipping lines, requesting receipts where possible
• Updating ETA of upcoming shipments
• Managing the docs email inbox, to include replying and acknowledging emails from customers, agents
• Replying to internal queries
• Answering the telephone

Where you'll work

P D HOUSE PARKER AVENUE
FELIXSTOWE
SUFFOLK
IP11 4HF

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

Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship standard - Ocean Freight Pathway:

• 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 apprenticeships 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 20% off the job training activities
• Quarterly formal progress review meetings, identifying learning achievements and next steps

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Initiative

Other requirements

This role is a full-time office-based role involving lots of computer use.