How to become an import-export clerk
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You could do a degree before applying to join an organisation's management training scheme. Most subjects are accepted but you may have an advantage if you study:
- transport and distribution management
- logistics and supply chain management
- business and management
- foreign languages with business studies
Choosing a degree with a year's industry placement or a summer internship could help you to get relevant skills and may be useful when you apply for jobs.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You could do an international freight forwarding advanced apprenticeship.
It will take you about 18 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as an office assistant in a freight forwarding or logistics department and work your way up through training and promotion.
You'll find it useful to have office experience and computer skills.
You're likely to need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Some employers may prefer you to have A levels or higher education qualifications.
Other Routes
You could take an introductory course, like the ones offered by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Institute of Export and International Trade.
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Career tips
You'll find it useful to speak a foreign language if the company operates internationally.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming an import-export clerk from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.