Import Operations Apprentice

R I F WORLDWIDE

Sunbury-On-Thames (TW16 7DX)

Closes on Wednesday 1 April 2026

Posted on 17 February 2026

Print

Contents

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

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Sunday 12 April 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

RIF Worldwide
Worldwide House
Brookland Close
Sunbury-On-Thames
TW16 7DX

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)

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

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

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

About this employer

RIF Worldwide Plc is committed to helping customers achieve their operational and financial objectives through continually offering better, faster and more cost-efficient services.

The company recognises that the choice of forwarder is a vital decision for any customer and will remain focused on providing innovative solutions tailored to giving a market edge to any company using our services.

After this apprenticeship

  • A natural next step, taking full responsibility for managing import shipments, customer accounts, and customs processes

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WEST THAMES COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000015913.

Apply now

Closes on Wednesday 1 April 2026