International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprentice

International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprentice

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Basildon office as an International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprentice.

This is an excellent opportunity to begin a career within the international freight forwarding and logistics industry whilst gaining a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification.

Job type

Fixed-term apprenticeship, full time

Working Hours

Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5.30pm (including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break). 40 hours per week.

Salary

Competitive apprenticeship salary, dependent on age

About the Role

This apprenticeship provides practical, hands-on experience across multiple areas of the business, allowing you to develop the skills and knowledge required to support international supply chains, customs activities, customer service operations and freight forwarding processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and support international freight forwarding activities across road, ocean and air freight operations.
• Assist in the coordination and movement of shipments throughout the supply chain.
• Support customer service activities and maintain effective communication with customers, suppliers and overseas partners.
• Assist with the preparation and processing of freight documentation.
• Learn how to complete import and export activities accurately and within required timescales.
• Gain an understanding of customs procedures, compliance requirements and international trade regulations.
• Support invoicing and administrative activities in line with Company procedures.
• Maintain and utilise operational systems effectively and accurately.
• Assist with the preparation of quotations and customer enquiries.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments including Customs, Finance, Operations and Customer Services.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and efficiencies within operational workflows.
• Develop strong customer and inter-departmental relationships.
• Participate in departmental rotations to gain experience across different areas of the business.
• Work in accordance with Company policies, procedures and standard operating procedures at all times.
• Comply with all Company Health & Safety policies and safe systems of work.

Skills, Experience and Competencies

• Strong communication skills.
• Good organisation and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work accurately and follow processes.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to work.

Essential Qualifications

• Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths.

Benefits that support you

Working at ALPI UK comes with a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, financial future and life outside of work, including:

• 20 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Loyalty holiday scheme, awarding 1 additional day's annual leave for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days
• Milestone Day, an additional paid day off to celebrate a meaningful personal occasion of your choice
• Enhanced pension contributions, increasing to a 9% employer contribution after 1 year's service
• Free annual pension and investment review with our independent financial adviser
• Death in Service benefit equivalent to 3 times your annual salary after 6 months' service
• Private Medical Insurance after 1 year's service (subject to application and scheme eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and eligible family members
• Access to our employee discounts and benefits platform

Training and Qualification

The successful candidate will complete the International Freight Forwarding Specialist Level 3 Apprenticeship delivered by South Essex College.

The duration of the apprenticeship will be 18 months (with 3 months to complete the End Point Assessment).

For more information, please visit: International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship Level 3 | South Essex Colleges Group

Career Progression

Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to a permanent position within ALPI UK, subject to performance and business requirements.

About Us

ALPI UK is part of the Albini & Pitigliani Group, an international freight forwarding and logistics organisation with a history spanning more than 80 years. Established in Italy, the Group has grown into a global network providing logistics and supply chain solutions across international markets.

With 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. We are proud to support customers across a wide range of industries through our expertise in freight forwarding, customs, warehousing and supply chain management.