Apprentice customs administrator

AVOCET CLEARANCE LIMITED

Manchester (M1 2JW)

Closes in 15 days (Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 16 October 2026

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Summary

We’re looking for a Trainee Customs Administrator to join our Manchester team. You don’t need experience in freight, logistics or customs: we’ll train you to prepare the information needed for customs declarations, mainly for road freight moving between the UK and Europe.

Wage

£21,250 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

pay reviews and potential promotions

Training course
International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5:30pm. Working week may move to a 4 on 4 off system.

38 hours a week

Start date

Saturday 7 November 2026

Duration

1 year 6 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

  • Check shipping documents and identify the information needed to set up each job, including importer and exporter details and goods codes.
  • Create job files and enter information accurately into our systems.
  • Prepare safety and security declarations and, as you develop, basic customs import entries.
  • Monitor the team inbox, answer calls and respond to client queries promptly.
  • Raise invoices and close completed files.
  • Follow customs procedures and check your work carefully before submission.

Where you'll work

Unit 109 Ducie House
Ducie Street
Manchester
M1 2JW

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

Training will be delivered during working hours via monthly remote workshops with your tutor, off job hours will be given to ensure work is completed.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths & English (grade A*-C/ 4-9)

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

  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and confidence working with data.
  • The ability to organise your workload and follow processes.
  • A willingness to learn, ask questions and take responsibility for your work.

About this employer

Avocet Clearance Ltd specialises in handling customs declarations and related logistics for businesses moving goods into or out of the UK. Their services cover Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and EU ports, supported by a multilingual team and Level 5 BTEC-qualified customs brokers

Company benefits

Company pension, casual dress and company events.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Promotion to customs broker role & increased salary also.

 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED

Kerry Traill

Kerry.traill@seetec.co.uk

07903053388

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000059604.

Apply now

Closes in 15 days (Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:59pm)