International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprentice
ALPI UK LIMITED
Essex (SS14 3HJ)
Closes in 18 days (Friday 2 October 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 8 September 2026
Contents
Summary
Build a career in international logistics through practical workplace experience and structured learning. You will develop specialist freight forwarding knowledge and rotate across departments to understand supply chains, customs, customer service and freight operations.
- Wage
-
Competitive
Competitive wage offered
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Benefits include 20 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays; a loyalty holiday scheme; a Milestone Day; enhanced pension contributions; pension and investment review; Death in Service benefit; Private Medical Insurance after one year, subject to eligibility; Employee Assistance Programme; and access to an employee discounts and benefits platform.
- Training course
- International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm, including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break.
40 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 5 October 2026
- Duration
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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
- Participate in departmental rotations or develop specialist knowledge within the Freight Forwarding Department, depending on the apprenticeship pathway
- Learn and support road, ocean and air freight activities, including coordinating shipments throughout the supply chain
- Support customers, suppliers and overseas partners through clear and professional communication
- Prepare and process freight documentation and assist with import and export activities
- Develop an understanding of customs procedures, compliance requirements and international trade regulations
- Support invoicing, quotations, customer enquiries and other administrative activities
- Maintain operational systems accurately and work collaboratively with Customs, Finance, Operations and Customer Services
- Identify opportunities to improve processes and follow company policies, procedures and health and safety requirements
Where you'll work
Alpi House
Miles Gray Road Basildon
Essex
SS14 3HJ
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
Full International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship at Level 3.
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
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Initiative
- Time Management
- Positive attitude
- Willingness to learn
About this employer
ALPI UK is part of the Albini & Pitigliani Group, an international freight forwarding and logistics organisation with a history spanning more than 80 years. With UK locations across Essex, Manchester, Tamworth, Heathrow and Scotland, ALPI UK combines the strength and stability of a global business with the personal approach of a local team. Its work is guided by the ‘With C.A.R.E.’ values: Commitment, Accountability, Relationships and Expertise.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to a permanent position within ALPI UK, subject to performance and business requirements.
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 VAC2000052047.
Apply now
Closes in 18 days (Friday 2 October 2026 at 11:59pm)