Apprentice Freight Forwarder
White Distribution LTD T/A Metoni Logistics
SHEFFIELD (S25 3QA)
Closes in 28 days (Friday 8 May 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 10 April 2026
Contents
Summary
Apprentice role in a family-run freight forwarding business, learning customs clearance, shipment management, quoting & documentation. Gain hands-on experience with import/export processes, HMRC compliance & systems, while supporting customers & working within a supportive fast paced environment.
- Wage
-
£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday. Times to be confirmed.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 1 June 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
White Distribution Ltd t/a Metoni Logistics. We are a well-established, family-run freight forwarding business providing international logistics solutions across air, sea, rail and road. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal, reliable service to our customers and maintaining strong, long-term relationships.
This apprenticeship offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the freight forwarding industry. You will work alongside experienced team members to learn the end-to-end process of moving goods internationally, ensuring compliance with UK and international customs regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the preparation and submission of customs declarations (import & export)
Learn to use customs systems such as CDS (Customs Declaration Service) - Support the operations team with booking shipments across air, sea, rail and road freight
- Liaise with customers, hauliers, and shipping lines to coordinate shipments
- Check and process shipping documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, etc.)
- Ensure all entries comply with HMRC regulations and company procedures
- Help resolve customs queries, delays, and documentation issues
Maintain accurate records and update internal systems
Provide general administrative support to the operations team
What You Will Learn
- Fundamentals of freight forwarding and global logistics
- Customs clearance procedures and UK import/export regulations
- Commodity codes, duties, and VAT calculations
- Use of industry systems and freight software
- Customer service and communication within a logistics environment
- Problem-solving in time-critical situations
Skills & Attributes Required
- Strong attention to detail
- Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks
- Confident communication skills (written and verbal)
- Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office; willingness to learn new systems)
- A proactive and positive attitude
- Ability to work as part of a small, close-knit team
- Interest in logistics, international trade, or supply chain
Where you'll work
UNIT 3A
REDWALL CLOSE
DINNINGTON
SHEFFIELD
S25 3QA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SR APPRENTICESHIPS LIMITED
Training course
International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
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
On-the-job training.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade Pass)
- Maths (grade Pass)
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
- Administrative skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- • Good organisational skills
About this employer
About Us
We are a well-established, family-run freight forwarding business providing international logistics solutions across air, sea, rail and road. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal, reliable service to our customers and maintaining strong, long-term relationships.
https://metonilogistics.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- Work place pension
- 28 days holiday
- As part of a growing business, there are potentially many opportunities to shape the future of the business and become an integral part of the company.
After this apprenticeship
- Structured apprenticeship with on-the-job training
- Exposure to all areas of freight forwarding and customs clearance
- Supportive, family-oriented working environment
- Career progression opportunities within the business
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SR APPRENTICESHIPS LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000025730.
Apply now
Closes in 28 days (Friday 8 May 2026 at 11:59pm)