Why Choose Freight Forwarding Why Choose

Why Choose Freight Forwarding?

If you’re ambitious and looking for a diverse and exciting career that can take you from Heathrow to Hong Kong, or from Liverpool to LA then Freight Forwarding could be just the ticket.

Here are just 10 reasons why we think freight is for you.

Progression

Progression

If you’re ambitious, you’ll go far with a career in Logistics. There are numerous examples of managers, at all levels, who started as an apprentice and have gone on to reach senior positions within the sector, or even run their own business.

Brexit

EU Exit

Since we have left the EU, there is an increased need for more customs clearance activity for goods coming in to and from Europe. This means new opportunities and the potential for new staff that need training to lead the way in customs procedures.

International

International

Logistics has no barriers and all our members trade internationally. You can be liaising with overseas offices, learning about different working cultures or even getting the chance to travel abroad on business. Some larger companies also offer their own exchange programmes.

Products

Products

No two days are the same. Freight Forwarders and Logistics providers handle millions of shipments every day. Our members ensure the supply chain to some of the world’s most exciting goods are delivered on time and without incident; from diamonds to dinosaur bones, film sets to Formula 1 cars, stadium lighting to live animals. You name it, our industry has transported it.

Pathways

Once you have completed your International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship, there will be many pathways your career could take. You could begin your career exporting some of the UK’s most valuable products or importing some of the vital goods key to our way of life, you could end up working in customer service, sales, supply chain or even some specialist roles such as aerospace, automotive, retail or events.

Interest

Many of our members’ apprentices speak with great enthusiasm about how interesting and exciting the industry is. The variety of the tasks, procedures, products and the international element, combined with its importance to our economy means that once people join, most end up making a long and successful career out of it.

Demand

Demand

The Logistics industry will always be needed and it offers a stimulating and stable future. Most companies could not survive if they only traded domestically and in an increasingly globalised world there will always be a requirement for international freight and customs procedures, to ensure products from all over the world can get from A to B. Whilst markets move and consumer habits change, our industry changes with it - the boom in online ordering has meant that logistics is now more important than ever.

Knowledge

Knowledge

BIFA members have expressed their concern over a skills shortage, caused by the amount of knowledge leaving the industry. Over 70% of our members said they already take on apprentices, and the amount is set to rise with Brexit on the horizon.

Getting Hired

Getting Hired

Whilst many of the classically high profile organisations may seem more attractive, they also receive tens-of-thousands of applicants. If you apply for a job with one of our members you’re not only much more likely to be successful, you’ll also enjoy an interesting and engaging career, with great long-term prospects.

1400 Members

1500 Members

We have over 1500 members around the United Kingdom, so there is bound to be an employer close to you. You can find a full list of members via the BIFA website: bifa.org/members. Contact one local to you, direct, to kick-start your career in Freight Forwarding

If the International Freight Forwarding Specialist Level 3 apprenticeship standard is not for you/your employee, check out the other apprenticeships available in Transport & Logistics ranging from Level 2 to Level 6 (degree equivalent).

Are you looking for an apprenticeship?

One of the big attractions of choosing a career in Freight Forwarding is the different pathways that your career could take you. Here you can read a range of case studies from established BIFA Members supporting this. You can also see top tips from existing apprentices as to why you should consider it.

Industry Insights from apprentices

Working in this industry is very challenging and exciting, the thrill of winning your first account and doing your first shipment is a great feeling. I would encourage anyone to work in this industry, it’s completely different to your standard admin job.

Jamie

My apprenticeship has given me a solid understanding of the world of shipping and I really feel like I will work in this industry for life. I have gained a wide range of experience which will continue to grow throughout my career.

Ruby

Industry Insights from employers

DB Schenker is a strong advocate for the International Freight Forwarding apprenticeship and we see this as an ideal entry point into the logistics industry. We have enjoyed tremendous success with previous apprenticeship programmes, with students graduating to multiple diverse roles throughout our company.

Ray Hennessy, CEO, DB Schenker

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