Modern Apprentice Programme

Why an apprentice based programme?

It is our belief that International Freight Forwarding cannot be taught purely in a classroom situation.  Trainees need the practical experience to compliment any theory they learn from us.  The freight forwarding industry has traditionally employed young people to train from entry level.  We are pleased to offer a specialised Modern Apprenticeship Programme to add value to current employment attitudes.

The National Certificate(s) in International Freight Forwarding (Level 3 & 4) covers the following key areas;

     Essential Health and Safety

• understanding health and safety legislation and requirements relative to various logistic operations
• employee obligations under the Health and Safety in employment Act 1992
• provides techniques in identifying causes and symptoms of occupational overuse Syndrome (ooS)
• preventing and managing ooS risks

     Outstanding Customer Service

• demonstrating effective customer service techniques
• effectively recording and addressing customers’ complaints
• overcoming customer communication difficulties
• Identifying behavioural styles of service/product providers

     Team Work and Collaboration

• working in collaboration towards set objectives
• leading a team or group to complete routine tasks within set timeframes

     Refining Core Business Skills

• using word processing features and functions
• using spreadsheets effectively
• problem solving (define, analyse, evaluate, implement and review)
• correctly processing insurance claims in line with company policy

     Effective Communication

• Giving and responding to feedback on performance
• Providing clear and concise workplace reports
• Conveying complex ideas and information

     Broadening Industry Awareness

• Having a general knowledge of the distribution function
• Freight forwarding key sector groups, terms and abbreviations
• Identifying different transport service types
• Knowing limitations for carrying specific freight

     Documentation procedures

• processing import and export documentation
• dealing with sea freight and air freight documentation
• identifying different methods of payment
• correctly managing claims for loss or damaged consignments
• international trade payments

     Effective Transport Planning

• determining and classifying characteristics and storage requirements of consignments
• analysing alternative routes and/or combination of transport services to meet consignment and customer requirements
• giving consistent recommendations•    
• establishing the criteria necessary to achieve careful carriage of cargo
• applying the carriage criteria to cargo; and explain outturn reporting

     Dangerous Goods

• verifying documentation and information received with dangerous goods
• ensuring dangerous goods meet shipping requirements
• processing relevant documentation for forwarding of goods

     Incoterms

• demonstrating sound knowledge of international commercial terms (INCOTERMS)
• knowing the benefits and limitations of INCOTERMS
• describing the rights and obligations of each party
• recommending an INCOTERMS for a buyer and/or seller

     The International Air Transport Association (IATA)

• locating the IATA Traffic Conference areas, sub-areas, countries, cities, oceans and seas, and time zones on a world map
• performing encoding and decoding of country and gateway city codes

     New Zealand’s Border Legislation and Authorities

• demonstrating knowledge of the New Zealand Customs Service and the customs border control structure
• understands Customs’ examination procedures
• complies with customs regulations in relation to duties, taxes and refunds
• understanding of the scope of international and national authorities and New Zealand legislation relating to the international freight forwarding industry

Unit Standards Achieved;

112 | 376 | 414 | 415 | 2785 | 2964 | 3491 | 9696 | 9705 | 11095 | 11101 | 11939 | 11963 | 11977 | 11984 | 13240 | 13251 | 13252 | 13266 | 13270 | 17497 | 17591 | 18235 | 19582 | 21803 | 21804 | 21805 | 21806 | 21807 | 21808 | 21809 | 21810 | 22711

Optional; 108 | 2963 | 11815 | 11816 | 13237 | 13250 | 16902 | 16905 | 16907 | 16915 | 16919 | 16923 | 17602 

Duration

The programme is designed to be completed within 24 months, if the student completes all assessments at an average rate of one assessment per month.  However students with two or more years of operational experience, may complete some of the course by RCC (Recognised Current Competency) which could reduce the course duration by several months.

Costs

A training subsidy may be available, please contact us for more information.

Apprentice Obligations

• to study in accordance with the Training Plan
• to attend training workshop if agreed as part of the Training Plan
• to allow the training provider reasonable access to discuss elements of unit standards as required and assess Unit Standards in accordance with the Training Plan
• to discuss elements of performance in good faith with scheduled meetings between Employer, Modern Apprentice and Training Provider, which may result in specific or additional training required to ensure learning outcomes are met.
• to attend written assessments after hours if required as part of your Training Plan

Employer Obligations

• to assist Trainees with on the job training in accordance with the Training Programme
• to allow reasonable access to Training Provider for the assessment of Unit Standards for the Trainee.  Such assessments may be performance related, where the Assessor will be required to observe the Trainee conducting or completing the task as set out in accordance with the Training Plan

General Conditions

• the programme remains current, in conjunction with the Employment Agreement, terms and conditions between the Employee and the Employer
• should the Employment Agreement be terminated by either party the Modern Apprentice (MA) Training Programme is suspended
• MA's (Employees) terminated for reasons of serious misconduct and/or misconduct, or any other reason that determines termination of employment on any grounds other than resignation or redundancy, the MA programme may be cancelled permanently, at the discretion of the Training Provider
• all written assessments are conducted after hours

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