Freight Forwarding Customer service Apprentice

BLAIKLOCK LIMITED

SHEPPERTON (TW17 8NS)

Closes in 13 days (Thursday 30 April 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 17 April 2026

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Summary

As a customer service freight forwarding apprentice you will learn how to handle and move shipments globally. You will learn how to complete shipping documents along with customs paperwork.

Applicants Must drive /  have access to a car/ vehicle due to location of the office.

Wage

£17,500 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:30.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Thursday 7 May 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

Key Responsibilities:

  • Act as the primary point of contact for customers, providing regular updates on the status of ongoing jobs
  • Proactively communicate any delays, changes, or issues, ensuring customers are always informed
  • Liaise with hauliers and airlines to obtain real-time information on shipments, schedules, and delivery progress
  • Maintain accurate records of all communications, job updates, and operational activities
  • Monitor job progress from initiation through to completion, ensuring service levels are met
  • Respond promptly to customer queries via phone, email, or internal systems
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with transport providers and internal teams
  • Identify potential service issues early and escalate where necessary to minimise disruption
  • Ensure all customer interactions are handled professionally and in line with company standards

Where you'll work

BUILDING 13/14
SHEPPERTON MARINA
FELIX LANE
SHEPPERTON
TW17 8NS

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)

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 delivered by the employer
  • Apprentices under 19 years of age 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 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:

  • English (grade c or above)
  • Maths (grade c or above)

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
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

  • Must drive have access to a car/ vehicle due to location of the office 
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy under pressure
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills
  • Ability to switch between tasks quickly without losing focus or quality
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • A sociable personality—able to engage in office conversation while staying productive
  • Good team player who builds positive relationships across departments
  • Self-motivated with a proactive approach to learning
  • Ability to work to deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Professional, reliable, and eager to develop a career in freight forwarding

Personal Attributes:

  • Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering excellent service
  • Calm under pressure and able to handle challenging situations professionally
  • Team player with a collaborative approach to work
  • Reliable, punctual, and adaptable to changing priorities

About this employer

Blaiklock International Logistics is a dynamic and reliable logistics provider specializing in the seamless movement of goods across global markets. With a strong focus on efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction, Blaiklock International Logistics delivers tailored freight solutions that meet the unique demands of each client.

From international shipping and customs coordination to end-to-end supply chain management, the company combines industry expertise with a proactive approach to ensure timely and secure delivery. Committed to building long-term partnerships, Blaiklock International Logistics prides itself on professionalism, adaptability, and a dedication to keeping businesses moving worldwide.

 

Company benefits

  • Annual Leave 21 Days + Bank holiday increase of 1 day per year
  • Work Socials
  • Onsite Gym
  • Costco Card

After this apprenticeship

  • Progress from Operations Apprentice to Senior, gaining hands-on experience in operations
  • Develop your skills, take on more responsibility, and grow into a key role driving competitive pricing and business success

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED

Kerry

Kerry.traill@seetec.co.uk

07903053388

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000027017.

Apply now

Closes in 13 days (Thursday 30 April 2026 at 11:59pm)