Apprentice Freight Operations Coordinator

Introduction

Join 500 Logistics as an Apprentice Freight Operations Coordinator. Complete a Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist qualification while learning to quote, book and manage international road, air and sea shipments. An exciting opportunity for an organised, ambitious person to build a long-term career in logistics.

About the Employer

500 Logistics provides international road, air and sea freight and customs services across a wide range of industries. We have twice been recognised by the Financial Times as one of Europe’s fastest-growing businesses.

We offer the stability of an established, successful company alongside genuine career progression and prefer to develop and promote talented people from within. We are a hard-working, supportive team with a friendly and relaxed environment.

What You'll Do

Join 500 Logistics, a rapidly growing freight forwarding business, as part of our Thatcham-based operations team.

This is an exciting opportunity to begin a varied, fast-paced career with excellent long-term development opportunities.

No previous freight experience is required. However, this is a busy role involving customers, suppliers, deadlines and changing priorities. We are looking for someone who learns quickly, communicates confidently and takes pride in producing accurate work.

As your knowledge and confidence develop, you will:

• Prepare quotations for road, air and sea freight movements
• Book transport and coordinate shipments from collection to delivery
• Prepare documentation and arrange customs clearances
• Arrange collection and delivery slots with suppliers and receivers
• Monitor shipments and respond proactively to delays or changes
• Keep customers fully informed throughout their shipment
• Create and maintain accurate bookings in our freight management system
• Communicate professionally with customers, hauliers, airlines, shipping lines and overseas agents
• Check shipment information and documentation for accuracy
• Support the wider team in delivering an exceptional service

Essential:

• At least five GCSEs at grades 9–4/A*–C, including English and Mathematics, or equivalent
• Strong written communication and numerical skills
• Ability to absorb and apply new information, processes and systems quickly
• A logical and practical approach to problem-solving
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accurate work
• Confidence communicating professionally by telephone and email
• Ability to organise competing priorities in a busy environment
• Willingness to take responsibility, use initiative and ask questions
• A dependable, punctual and team-focused approach
• Genuine motivation to complete the apprenticeship and build a long-term career

Please note: Dogs are regularly present in our office, so applicants should be comfortable working in a dog-friendly environment.

Desirable

• A-levels, BTEC, T-level, college qualification, degree or other further or higher education
• Experience from employment, work experience, volunteering, extracurricular activities or positions of responsibility
• An interest in business, logistics, international trade, transport or customer service
• Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word
• Achievement outside formal education, such as part-time work, sport, volunteering or personal projects

We are interested in potential, not just previous experience. You may be leaving school or college, have attended university, be changing career or already have workplace experience. What matters most is that you are capable, dependable, curious and motivated to learn.

Training Outcome

Opportunity for further training and progression into more senior positions within the team.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Confident phone manner
• Positive
• Dependable
• Punctual

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - 5 GCSEs - C/4/Pass
• Essential - GCSE - English - C/4/Pass
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - C/4/Pass
• Desired - A Level - Any subject - Pass
• Desired - BTEC - Any subject - Pass

Course Information

Course: International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Transport and logistics

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday- Friday 9am- 5pm 30 minute unpaid lunch break

Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months

Training Provider: SR APPRENTICESHIPS LIMITED