Apprentice Customs Assistant

Wage: £20,000 a year
Training course: International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
Hours: Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm.
Start date: Monday 7 September 2026
Duration: 1 year 6 months
Positions available: 1

Summary

Opportunity to start an exciting role role within a successful and dynamic company, within the Customs Team, where you will gain training within multiple areas of the customs department.

Wage £20,000 a year Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab) Salary reviewed after 12 months. Training course International freight forwarding specialist (level 3) Hours Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm. 37 hours 30 minutes a week Start date Monday 7 September 2026 Duration 1 year 6 months Positions available 1

What you'll do at work

Review and check documentation relating to import and export shipments. Prepare documentation for import and export shipments. Ensure customs declarations are completed accurately and in line with customs requirements. Communicate effectively with internal departments, customers, and external stakeholders regarding customs documentation and shipment status. Use internal IT systems and customs platforms to process entries and monitor customs clearance activity. Maintain accurate records of customs clearances and ensure all systems are updated correctly and efficiently. Work in an organised and detail-oriented manner to ensure operational accuracy and compliance. Prepare accurated documentation for Warehouse, Haulage, Distribution, and Shipping Departments to support the timely loading and offloading of cargo.

Where you'll work

Scandinavia House Refinery RoadParkestonHarwichEssexCO12 4QG

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

What you'll learn

Course contents Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.Air. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the air freight industry.Air. Select and use documentation appropriate to the air freight industry.Ocean. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the ocean freight industry.Ocean. Select and use documentation appropriate to the ocean freight industry.Road. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the road freight industry.Road. Select and use documentation appropriate to the road freight industry.Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.

Training schedule

On-the-job training delivered by the employer. Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. Allocation of an apprenticeship delivery coach who will carry out regular training. Assessment and support visits to ensure you acquire new learning, knowledge skills and behaviours in order to progress and develop. Identify, track and support 6 hours off the job training activities. Quarterly formal progress review meetings, identifying learning achievements and next steps.

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)Maths (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skillsIT skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsCustomer care skillsAdministrative skillsNumber skillsLogicalTeam working

About this employer

DSV Road Ltd have extensive experience in road transport in, to and from the United Kingdom. We have a market leading position in the country and we can offer everything from road transport for parcels, general cargo to part and full loads to and from the United Kingdom.

https://www.dsv.com (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

There are various opportunities within DSV that might be suitable progression routes for this apprenticeship for the right candidate.