Airfreight Operations Apprentice

Summary

As an apprentice, you’ll develop towards becoming an International Freight Forwarder, whose overall aim is to manage or support our customers’ logistics by arranging the movement of Freight via Air.  This can include Exporting and Importing Goods from and to the UK and across the World.

Wage

£15,600 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, 9.00am - 5.30pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

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 customers (internal/external)
• Ensure all customer enquiries are responded to promptly and professionally
• Adhere to Customs Compliance procedures and documentation
• 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 Air or Air freight planning and coordination
• Liaise with DGF Transport & Warehouse teams on Air or Air freight planning and coordination
• Liaise with overseas offices on Air or Air freight planning and coordination
• Maintain mandatory milestones through the Company's Freight Forwarding system
• Use Company systems to create, manage and maintain the movement of freight
• Update the Company’s customer complaints system with all required inputs
• 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 programme
• 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

DHL Coalville Distribution Centre
Beveridge Lane
Bardon Hill
Coalville
LE67 1UA

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

• 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 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 6-hours off the job training activities.
Quarterly formal progress review meetings, identifying learning achievements and next steps.

More training information

Internal systems training will be carried out by the employer.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• 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

Other requirements

A 5 year employment/education check will be required prior to starting.