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Build your next generation of supply chain talent with IOEx Ltd, the apprenticeship subsidiary of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade.
Train your team through a work-based freight forwarding apprenticeship, supported by expert coaches. Our flagship Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship sits alongside our complementary programme, Level 2 Supply Chain Warehouse Operative.
An international freight forwarding apprentice learns far more than they could from on the job training alone, becoming an asset to any shipping team. IOEx Ltd supports apprentice and employer, making the process as easy as possible.
If you are considering an international freight forwarding apprenticeship, my recommendation would be – do it! As an international logistics company, it's a great way for us to introduce new people into the industry.
IOEx Ltd has been so helpful. Nothing has been too much trouble. They have taken us through the process and the collaboration has been superb. The International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship is a good investment.
My team have developed as trade professionals through the International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship. Every day, you can see how they’ve grown through their learning. IOEx Ltd supported every need we had.
Every apprentice benefits from an expert logistics professional as their dedicated coach, ensuring they gain the depth of knowledge and confidence to excel.
Our approach encompasses personal tutoring tailored learning and comprehensive support throughout the apprenticeship journey.
We stand out from other providers by offering three specialised freight pathways for learners: choose from road, air or ocean to suit your needs.
Equip your team with a complete understanding of how freight moves, customs procedures and costings.
Apprenticeships offer high-quality and cost-effective workforce development, with government funding at your fingertips.
Invest in your team with recognised apprenticeships, a signal of excellence for clients and stakeholders.
Head of academic services
Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade
Learner services manager
Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade
Apprenticeship training and delivery coach
IOEx Ltd
International trade and customs specialist
Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade
Apprenticeship training delivery coach
IOEx Ltd
"Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum in response to a skills gap in export and international trade."
"Apprentices learn from a curriculum which is developed and taught by industry experts."
"Leaders effectively match the aspirations of apprentices with employers and their training needs."
"Coaches are highly experienced logistics professionals."
Many believe that apprenticeships are only for those just joining the workforce, but the reality is that apprenticeships are available to anyone above the age of 16. At IOEx Ltd, we’ve enrolled apprentices aged 16 to 62!
As a business with over £3m annual payroll:
An apprenticeship will most likely cost you nothing extra – all funding comes from your Apprenticeship Levy contributions.
You’ll pay 0.5% of your payroll into the Apprenticeship Levy, which the government then tops up by 10%. This can then be spent on apprenticeships. If these funds aren’t spent within 24 months of payment, they expire.
If you spend all of your levy funds, you can still enroll more apprentices. The government will pay 95% of the additional training costs, and you will only need to pay 5%.
As a business with less than £3m annual payroll:
The government covers 100% of the apprenticeship training and assessment cost for apprentices under 21 years of age, on the day of enrolment, for businesses with a payroll of less than £3m annually. For apprentices over 21 years of age, these businesses will only need to pay 5% towards the cost of their apprenticeships.
For the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship, the maximum cost is £9,000, meaning that a small business would only need to contribute £450 maximum, for apprentices over 21 – and nothing at all for those 16 – 21 years of age. Payment can also be spread over the duration of the apprenticeship, making it more manageable for the employer.
Note: This funding is for the training and assessment costs of an apprenticeship. Employers must still pay their team member’s wages.
You can use your government apprenticeships service account to manage funding and provider payments. Speak to us and our expert team can provide guidance for accessing your levy funding.
Yes! Due to the government’s co-investment model, apprenticeships are 100% funded for businesses with an annual payroll of under £3m on the day of enrollment, when apprentices are under the age of 21. For apprentices over the age of 21, these businesses will only need to pay 5% towards the cost of their apprenticeships.
For the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship, the maximum cost is £9,000, meaning that a small business would only need to contribute £450 maximum, for apprentices over 21 – and nothing at all for those 16 – 21 years of age. Payment can also be spread over the duration of the apprenticeship, making it more manageable for the employer.
At IOEx Ltd, we help organisations train their teams, rather than recruiting individual apprentices. Ask your employer/line manager to get in touch with us, and we can help them take the next steps.
Typical job roles that make a candidate suitable to undertake the International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship include but are not limited to:
Freight forwarding specialist
Air, ocean or road freight forwarder
Logistics coordinator
Export/import administrator
Export/import clerk
Export sales manager
Shipping administrator
Shipping coordinator
Operations coordinator
Warehouse manager
Supply chain manager
Trade compliance assistant
Export/import customer service operator
Export/import coordinator
Export/import freight forwarder
Customs specialists
Any job role with freight forwarding or customs responsibilities may be suitable – we've had learners in a wide variety of job functions take the International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship, from sales to operations, supply chain managers to trade compliance.
Apprentices can be for new or current employees. Some of our learners have been recruited specifically to undertake an International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship – some are longstanding employees ready to consolidate their knowledge and gain a qualification.
Apprentices will typically take 15 months to complete the learning, with a 3-month apprenticeship assessment – however, timings vary per learner.
Yes, our apprenticeships are designed to be taken alongside working life. Learners are required to spend a proportion of their contracted working hours on their apprenticeship (on average six hours a week for full-time employees).
To be eligible, apprentices must be aged 16 or over, be a UK resident with the right to work in the UK and spend at least 50% of their working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship. They must hold an employment contract and not be on any other funded courses.
Our specialist team will guide you through the initial assessment and onboarding criteria for the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship, which expects a basic level of competence and knowledge in customs and compliance. Learners must undertake Maths and English Functional Skills Level 2 if these aims (or equivalent) have not previously been achieved.
Typical job roles that are ideally suited for this apprenticeship include, but are not limited to:
Typical job roles that are ideally suited for this apprenticeship include, but are not limited to:
Whether you're an exporter, importer, logistics or freight company, the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship is an effective and economical way to upskill your people.
Send us an enquiry and we’ll be in touch shortly. If you’re still exploring your options, we’re here to help you find the right training pathway.
Start your journey towards an upskilled team and international trade success.
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