At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn and support international freight forwarding across road, ocean, and air operations.
- Company: Join ALPI UK, a global leader in logistics with a personal touch.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days' leave, enhanced pension, and private medical insurance after a year.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with potential for permanent position upon completion.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in logistics while gaining a Level 3 qualification.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
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:
- 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).
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.
International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprentice in Chelmsford employer: ALPI UK
ALPI UK is an exceptional employer that offers a supportive and dynamic work environment in Basildon, where you can kickstart your career in international freight forwarding. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, the company provides generous benefits such as additional annual leave, enhanced pension contributions, and opportunities for professional growth through a nationally recognised apprenticeship programme. Join a team that values collaboration and innovation, while gaining hands-on experience in a global logistics network.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprentice in Chelmsford
✨Get Involved in Local Logistics Events
Check out local job fairs, logistics expos, and supply chain workshops in your area. It’s a fantastic way to meet professionals and learn about potential apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, you never know when you might catch the eye of someone from a company like ALPI UK!
✨Join Supply Chain and Logistics Groups
Connect with dedicated groups on social media platforms or join forums focused on logistics. These communities are gold mines for finding out about apprenticeship openings and insider tips on the industry. Getting active in these spaces can also help you build connections that might lead to opportunities at ALPI UK.
✨Explore Local Universities and Colleges
Many educational institutions have partnerships with local businesses for apprenticeship programmes. Visit career services or attend university open days to network with recruiters who might have links to companies like ALPI UK. They often have exclusive apprenticeship listings that aren't advertised widely!
✨Show Your Passion for Logistics!
When you're talking to potential employers, don’t just mention your skills—share why you're excited about a career in logistics and supply chain! Whether it’s reading up on the latest technologies or understanding sustainable practices, make sure your passion shines through. This is especially important for landing an apprenticeship with a forward-thinking company like ALPI UK.
We think you need these skills to ace International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprentice in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm for Logistics:When crafting your cover letter, let your excitement for the logistics and supply chain field shine through. Share why you're eager to start your apprenticeship at ALPI UK and how you see yourself growing in this area. We want to feel your passion for managing the movement of goods and materials!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Even if you're just starting out, include any relevant skills or experiences in your CV. Think about teamwork, problem-solving, and maybe even your organisational skills from school projects or part-time jobs. We love seeing practical examples of how you can add value in a logistics environment!
Mention Any Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management, be sure to mention them in your application. Whether it's first aid, health and safety training, or anything relevant, it shows us you're proactive and serious about your journey in this field.
Tailor Your Application for the Role:Make sure your application is specifically tailored for this apprenticeship. Bring in keywords from the job description and align your experiences directly with the role at ALPI UK. We’re interested in how your background fits the challenges you will face in our logistics team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ALPI UK
✨Get Familiar with Inventory Management Tools
Since you’re diving into logistics and supply chain, make sure you brush up on tools like SAP or Oracle. They might throw some technical questions your way about how these platforms work or what features you’d use to manage inventory levels.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Logistics is all about solving puzzles! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you tackled a logistical challenge, even if it’s from school projects or part-time jobs. This will show that you’re ready to think on your feet.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprentice, they’re looking for motivation and a willingness to absorb knowledge. Make it clear why you've chosen logistics and what you hope to gain from working at ALPI UK. Share any specific areas within the supply chain that intrigue you.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some situational questions during your interview — they might ask how you’d handle a delay in transport or a sudden demand spike. Think through a few scenarios in advance, and outline how you would approach those challenges logically.
