INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDING: UNIQUE SKILLS BOOTCAMP LAUNCHED IN LIVERPOOL CITY REGION 

Businesses across the Liverpool City Region that currently import and/or export goods or plan to as part of their operations are invited to take up a unique staff-funded training opportunity. Following the success of similar programmes in other regions, TRS, in partnership with the British International Freight Association (BIFA), has launched the Skills Bootcamp in International Freight Forwarding in the region, thanks to funding from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

This time-limited offer will allow businesses to develop staff with the essential knowledge and skills required to implement and oversee the importing and exporting of goods. Businesses considering expanding into a global market will find this funded Skills Bootcamp invaluable. For companies already involved in the international movement of goods, the course is a fantastic way to develop new staff into freight forwarding roles. 

The importance of specialist freight forwarding skills 

Freight forwarding plays a critical role in keeping world trade moving. To compete successfully in international markets, businesses must develop internal expertise in areas such as customs regulations, tackling supply chain complexities, and implementing sustainable practices across logistics operations. Having skilled freight professionals on your team is key to staying competitive. 

With its thriving business landscape and connectivity, the Liverpool City Region is a hub for trade and logistics. TRS’s Skills Bootcamp now provides regional companies with a unique training opportunity in this vital business area. 

What makes this Skills Bootcamp unique? 

This Skills Bootcamp is exclusively available through award-winning logistics skills agency TRS. Here’s what makes this course unique: 

1. It’s the nation’s only funded Skills Bootcamp in international freight

Subsidised by funding through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, this is a unique opportunity to access massively discounted commercial freight forwarding training. SMEs (businesses with up to 250 employees) only pay 10% of the course costs, making it just £250 plus VAT per person, while larger employers pay 30%. This makes it an excellent option for companies looking to upskill their workforce without breaking their training budget. 

2. Delivered in partnership with the UK’s leading international freight association

This programme is a rare opportunity to access two of BIFA’s prestigious training courses—Customs Essentials and Freight Forwarding Essentials. Typically, these courses alone cost £450 plus VAT each for non-members. These are just two of the eight modules on this course which costs just £250 plus VAT in total. So businesses can provide their staff with invaluable skills and industry knowledge for a fraction of the usual commercial cost. 

3. Sustainability training

With sustainability at the forefront of modern business, this Skills Bootcamp also equips participants with the skills to measure and reduce carbon emissions. The sustainability modules on the course teach how to develop and implement carbon reduction and sustainability plans, helping your organisation and the logistics sector as a whole demonstrate a true commitment to green practices. 

4. Flexible and accessible format 

This online course is spread over one day a week for eight weeks to ensure minimal disruption to businesses’ working schedules. This flexible format allows participants to balance work commitments while gaining critical skills. 

5. First for the Liverpool City Region 

Whilst TRS has successfully delivered this programme in several regions across the country, this is the first time the Skills Bootcamp in International Freight Forwarding has been offered in the Liverpool City Region. We are very excited to provide this opportunity for businesses in our home region. 

Industry-backed expertise 

This Skills Bootcamp in International Freight Forwarding is delivered with BIFA, the leading body representing the UK international freight services industry. Known for its wealth of expertise and dedication to raising industry standards, BIFA’s involvement ensures participants receive world-class training while meeting the skills needs of today’s freight and logistics sector. 

Bev Ellis, operations director at TRS, highlights the programme’s significance: “We are thrilled to bring our International Freight Forwarding Skills Bootcamp to the Liverpool City Region. By partnering with BIFA and with the support of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, this course offers a very cost-effective way for businesses to upskill their teams to operate efficiently and compliantly when importing or exporting goods.” 

Real impact on businesses 

The value of this TRS Skills Bootcamp is evident from the feedback from companies that have already participated in them in other regions. 

Robert Lazzerine, commercial director at Supply Innovations Ltd, shared his experience, saying, 

“The course has given me the confidence to speak to new and potential clients who may have specialised logistics movement requirements. I plan to use this course in the future for new hires. The course content and delivery were impeccable, thanks to a helpful and knowledgeable team.”

What will staff learn? 

Participants will gain critical skills across key areas, including:

• Freight Forwarding Essentials—understanding the fundamental practices and principles of freight forwarding. 
• Customs Essentials—practical guidance on navigating customs regulations and processes.
• Dangerous & Hazardous Goods—ensuring the safe handling and shipment of specialised goods. 
• Customer Relationship Management—improving customer service standards and complaint handling processes and fostering stronger business relationships. 
• Sustainability Training—measuring carbon footprints and developing actionable strategies for sustainability in the logistics sector. 

The course is ideal for staff already in freight forwarding roles or those who need the skills to step into such roles. To meet eligibility requirements for a funded place on this course, participants must be aged 19 or olderand live or work in the Liverpool City Region. They must not have been on another Skills Bootcamp since 1 April 2024. 

Limited spaces

With the first session of this one-off course starting on 31st January 2025, places are filling fast. Companies can enrol one or more team members, but spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Don’t miss this opportunity to upskill your team and boost your business’s competitive edge in international trade. 

For more details, email [email protected] or call the TRS Skills Bootcamp Team on 01744 809 010.