Export Customer Services Apprentice
ECU WORLDWIDE (UK) LIMITED
Basildon Essex (SS14 3GQ)
Closes in 29 days (Friday 2 October 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 3 September 2026
Contents
Summary
You will develop practical knowledge of international freight forwarding while supporting customers. You will learn about export documentation, customs processes, transport options, shipment tracking and customer communication, while working towards the International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship.
- Wage
-
£19,000 a year
- Training course
- International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:15, with a one-hour unpaid lunch break.
36 hours 15 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 5 October 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 9 months
- Positions available
-
2
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
- Responding to customer enquiries by email and telephone, providing updates on export shipments
- Preparing, checking and processing export documentation, shipment details and relevant records
- Learning about freight forwarding procedures, customs requirements and international transport arrangements
- Coordinating with customers, overseas offices, carriers and other service providers to help ensure shipments progress smoothly
- Updating internal systems with shipment milestones, delivery information and customer instructions
- Assisting the team with booking arrangements, problem-solving and resolving shipment queries
- Taking part in planned training and completing coursework for the International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship Programme
Where you'll work
1st Floor
Christopher Martin Road
Basildon Essex
SS14 3GQ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
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
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Team working
Other requirements
The role is office-based and candidates should ensure they can travel reliably to and from the workplace.
About this employer
ECU Worldwide is a global freight forwarding organisation specialising in international logistics and supply-chain solutions. As part of the team, the apprentice will gain practical experience in export customer service while learning how shipments move around the world.
We offer a supportive working environment where you can develop your communication, administration and problem-solving skills. You will work alongside experienced colleagues, receive on-the-job guidance and complete the International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship Programme.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
- Possible full time employment on successful completion of the apprenticeship
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
Diane Ridgley
diane.ridgley@southessex.ac.uk
01702221858
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000051464.
Apply now
Closes in 29 days (Friday 2 October 2026 at 11:59pm)