International trade is critical to the UK’s economy, and much of it flows through Felixstowe, the country’s largest container port. However, many freight forwarders in the East of England face challenges finding employees equipped with the expertise to handle complex trade documentation.
To address this gap, Suffolk County Council has been offering International Freight Forwarding Skills Bootcamps, a tailored training programme for employers in Suffolk and Norfolk. The bootcamps are ideal for SMEs and larger businesses involved in international trade and provide a Level 3 qualification. These courses are partially funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and are delivered by TRS in collaboration with the British International Freight Association (BIFA).
Seafast Logistics Ltd: A Success Story
Seafast Logistics Ltd, part of the Seafast Group, has benefited significantly from these skills bootcamps. Based at the Felixstowe Mega Distribution Centre, Seafast specialises in logistics for “The 3 Rs”—Refrigerated Cargo, Remote Locations, and Humanitarian Relief.
Ellena Wright, the General Manager of Operations at Seafast, manages a team of 30 across export deep sea, import deep sea, and EU operations. Her team handles approximately 4,100 shipments monthly, requiring precision to ensure documentation is accurate.
“Many of our team are new to the industry, and around 30% joined us in the recent year,” explains Ellena. “We previously considered in-house training, but the BIFA email about the Skills Bootcamps immediately grabbed our attention. Unlike generic logistics courses, these are focused specifically on international freight forwarding, including vital customs procedures and regulatory requirements.”
A Training Programme Tailored for Freight Forwarding
The skills bootcamps, delivered by TRS Training Ltd with two essential modules taught by BIFA, are uniquely designed for the needs of the freight forwarding industry. According to Kevin Birch, TRS Managing Director, the BIFA partnership ensures the training meets the industry’s highest standards.
“The two modules led by BIFA—Freight Forwarding Essentials and Customs Essentials—often cost more than the entire course if booked independently,” adds Ellena. “They also cover critical areas like Incoterms in-depth, which is perfect for upskilling new team members and ensuring compliance with the latest procedures.”
Other modules include Transporting Dangerous Materials, Customer Service and Business Relationships, and Employability Skills—all vital for building a skilled, confident workforce. Ellena notes, “These courses are great not just for newcomers but also for experienced staff needing a refresher on core business principles.”
Flexible, Intensive Training
The training programme spans five weeks, with 60 hours delivered online one day per week, designed to fit into busy schedules. “It can be challenging to prioritise training when working at full capacity,” says Ellena. “The condensed schedule makes it manageable and allows employees to immediately apply their new skills.”
Seafast has enrolled 13 employees onto the skills bootcamp so far. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Ellena shares. “The explanations were clear, the complex topics were simplified, and our team gained not only knowledge but also confidence. Plus, the subsidised cost is unbeatable for boosting workforce expertise!”
How to Upskill Your Team
Seafast’s experience demonstrates the value of the International Freight Forwarding Skills Bootcamps in building expertise, increasing employee confidence, and improving operational precision.
If you’re a freight forwarder in Suffolk or Norfolk looking for a cost-effective way to upskill your team, contact Suffolk County Council Skills Broker, Bev Wallman, at Bev.Wallman@suffolk.gov.uk for more information.
Firms in other regions can contact TRS by leaving your details on our webform.
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