Export Customer Services Apprentice in Basildon, United Kingdom

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)

What you'll learn

• 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:

Maths and English (grade 4)

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.