Import Operations Apprentice

Summary

The Import Operations apprenticeship provides hands‑on experience within an international freight‑forwarding environment. The trainee will gain an understanding of the processes involved in importing goods, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, coordinating shipments, and delivering excellent customer service.

Wage

£18,000 a year

Training course

International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 24 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

Operational Support:

• Assist with the processing of import shipments across sea, air, or road freight
• Update internal systems with shipment data, status updates, and customer notes

Customs & Compliance:

• Learn to submit customs declarations using relevant systems (e.g., CDS/CHIEF or broker software)
• Check commodities using HS codes, duty rates, and import controls
• Ensure all activities comply with UK customs regulations and company policies
• Maintain accurate and audit‑ready shipment files

Interaction:

Build strong working relationships with internal teams

Administrative Duties:

• Assist with cost entry and basic financial checks
• Support with filing, archiving, and general administrative tasks

Where you'll work

10 Manchester International Office Centre
Styal Road
Manchester
M22 5WB

Training

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

Training provider

WEST THAMES COLLEGE

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

International Freight Forwarding Specialist Level 3.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4 or C)
• Maths (grade 4 or C)

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
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Patience