Import & Export Freight Apprentice

Liaise with suppliers, transport providers, and internal departments (Sales, Procurement, Customer Service) to ensure orders are processed and delivered on time Generate and issue invoices to international customers once orders have been picked and packed Monitor and chase freight forwarders for accurate inbound shipping dates Troubleshoot import and export shipments i.e. paperwork issues/missing goods Coordinate with transport providers to obtain shipping labels and confirm collection arrangements Ensure that any specific documents required by a destination country are available at time of shipment. (e.g. Certificate of Origin, Carnet) Support export order preparation to ensure products are packed and documented to the required standard, both in terms of the contract and in accordance with international aviation/shipping security rules and regulations Submit customs declarations and/or provide clearance instructions to third-party customs broker when needed Negotiate preferential freight rates with suppliers Review supplier shipping documentation to track incoming deliveries and support booking-in process and monitor expected deliveries Support day-to-day operations across key departments, including picking, goods in, dispatch, production areas Assist in processing customer orders accurately and efficiently to meet On-Time Dispatch (OTD) targets Assist in managing stock levels and help maintain accurate inventory records Learn and operate warehouse systems (WMS/RF scanners) to manage stock and order flow Build effective working relationships with colleagues and suppliers Work closely with team managers to understand workload planning, prioritisation, and daily operational targets Support continuous improvement activities within the warehouse environment Adhere to all health and safety guidelines, including wearing appropriate protective equipment and following safe working practices Be aware of hazards within the warehouse and proactively identify and report any risks Support the promotion of a safe, clean, and organised working environment

Training:

International Freight Forwarding Specialist Level 3.

Training as part of the apprenticeship will take place with Momentous Learning via monthly virtual workshops. The apprentice will also be learning on the job at Shoal Groups Luton office, with roughly one day a month spent with World Cargo Logistics to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the industry.

Training Outcome:
Structured apprenticeship programme (Level 3 in International Freight Forwarding) Exposure to warehouse systems (including autonomous robotics), KPIs, and operational performance management Understanding and experience of import/export regulations and processes Mentoring from experienced operational leaders Development of leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Opportunity to progress into a permanent operational or supervisory role based on performance

Employer Description:

Shoal Group was founded in late 2019 through the coming together of Cablecraft and FS Cables, with a shared vision of creating a platform for long-term, sustainable growth. We expanded further in 2021 with the acquisition of SWA, and today, we’re proud to be part of Diploma PLC — a FTSE 100-listed company with a global presence in Life Sciences, Seals, and Controls industries. Our headquarters are in Luton, Bedfordshire, with a sales office in Gloucestershire and a manufacturing facility in Plymouth, Devon.  Across the organisation we have a vision of becoming a leading distributor of cables and cable accessories in the electrical industry; delivering value across multiple channels, including wholesale, contractors, and OEMs. We aim to serve a diverse industry across Europe and grow the business through both organic and inorganic growth strategies. We combine the agility, energy, and flexibility of an SME with the financial strength and resources of being part of Diploma PLC. This allows us to make significant investments and pursue strategic acquisitions to further enhance our offerings and expand our reach.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative