Certificate in International Freight Logistics Level 3

Intakes:

16 November 2020, 18 January 2021, 22 February 2021, 29 March 2021, 3 May 2021

Are you highly organised with an eye for detail? Does the idea of getting the right product to the right place at the right time excite you? A career in international freight logistics could be just up your alley. Whether you want to work in an office or a warehouse, this qualification will get you started. Learn about hands-on operations, visit the airport, port and logistics companies, and get what you need to succeed in this high demand industry.

Who can enrol?

If you are 16 years or older and want to work in an entry-level operational or administrative job in the international freight logistics industry, this is a great place to start.

What will I learn?

Build your knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of warehousing and distributing goods internationally. FREE Forklift training

You will cover:

• Health and safety
• Border security
• Legislative requirements
• Transport geography
• Warehousing and distribution
• Inward and outward goods
• Trade agreements
• Cargo care
• Freight costing and routing
• Industry terminology
• Numeracy and literacy

What qualifications will I gain?

• New Zealand Certificate in International Freight Logistics Level 3

Where will this take me?

This qualification prepares you for an entry-level role in the international freight logistics sector. You’ll stand out from the crowd by having trained at Ignite Colleges!

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about this course

What do I need to enrol?

It’s easy! All you need to bring along is proof of citizenship or PR. We will help you do the rest. If you are an international student, please contact us first.

How much does this course cost?

You might be eligible to do this course for free! Talk with our Student Support Team to find out. If not, you may be eligible for loans and allowances, and we can help you with that.

What time does my course start and finish?

Your course runs from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.

Am I eligible for a travel allowance?

If you are aged between 16 and 19, yes! If not, we can sit down and discuss what assistance you might be entitled to.

What resources will I need?

We provide everything you will need.

What does a typical day look like?

Ready for a full emersion into the world of freight? Build your knowledge of the industry from the ground up, with interactive classes that include videos, activities, discussions, research, guest speakers and site visits. Topics include health and safety, principals of freight, warehouse operations, international transport, team work, communication, and documentation. Throughout the course you’ll build a sound operational knowledge of each area, plus you’ll hone your critical thinking skills. You’ll graduate industry ready and work ready.

Will you help me get a job?

Yes! As part of your course we spend time working on interview and CV skills to make sure you leave us work ready. We also bring in speakers from industry to talk to you about what today’s employers expect. As well as this, our tutors have great industry connections and can introduce you to potential employers.

What jobs can I apply for after completing this course?

This is an industry with a lot of options. Choose a hands-on physically-focussed career path or pursue customer-focussed analytical roles. You’ll be well qualified for both, with the right skills for entry level roles in the international freight logistics industry as a freight forwarding junior, freight customer service junior, and freight cadet or similar. These jobs may be in warehousing and distribution, freight forwarding import and export operations, customs broking, airline and shipping line cargo operations, port operations, container yard services and ships agency and handling.

As world trade has boomed, New Zealand’s freight and logistics sector has seen strong growth, offering up plenty of exciting career opportunities for those interested in the business of moving goods from one place to another. Auckland is at the heart of the industry, accounting for nearly 60% of all logistics support services activity (primarily freight forwarding and storage businesses).

According to a report put out by Westpac New Zealand in 2015, logistics support services employed more than 14,200 full-time equivalent workers (FTEs) in New Zealand in 2014 and contributed $2.9 billion to GDP. Within logistics support services, growth has been broad-based across freight forwarding and warehouse and storage services. In terms of value generated, freight forwarding dominates, with $1.4 billion added in 2014, up over 40% since 2000.

Within the sector, employment, the number of businesses and value added have all risen steadily since 2000 - and this growth looks set to continue (although possibly at a slower rate) for many years to come. A Ministry of Transport study into the freight task in New Zealand found that freight movements through New Zealand will grow 58% in 30 years to 2042 in tonnage terms, and 48% in tonne-kilometre terms.

What do you need to succeed in freight logistics?

There are a wide range of roles and opportunities within the freight logistics sector - you can opt for a hands-on physically-focused career path or pursue more customer-focused analytical roles. Either way, a good working knowledge of the industry is crucial including:

• transport systems
• methods of packing and stowing goods
• customs regulations and procedures
• carriage of goods laws, including dangerous goods and bio-security regulations
• international laws and standards for transporting goods
• shipping terms and United Nations port codes

It will also help if you are:

• accurate and well organised
• inquiring and willing to learn
• able to work well under pressure and make decisions quickly
• a good communicator
• able to gain people's trust and keep information private

Employment opportunities

The employment opportunities within freight logistics are vast, and include:

• warehousing and distribution
• import and export operations
• customs broking
• airline and shipping line cargo operations
• port operations
• container yard services
• ships agency and handling

Demand for customs brokers and freight forwarders is high thanks to ongoing growth in the volume of New Zealand’s imports and exports. However, experience is preferred, so landing that first job can be a challenge. That’s why many enter the industry through other entry-level roles such as import/export clerk or customs compiler. Currently in New Zealand around 350 companies employ customs brokers and freight forwarders – about a third of those are big international companies, while the rest are smaller New Zealand-owned ones. Customs brokers usually earn $35 – $90k a year, while freight forwarders earn $35 - $70K per year, depending on experience, level of responsibility, and the size of the business.

Here are a few other related roles:

• store person (receive, check, store and send out goods from a warehouse, business or organisation): $17-$30 per hour
• importer/exporter (plan, organise, direct and coordinate the operations of an importing or exporting business): $35K - $75K per year
• mail and parcel sorter : $17 - $20 per hour
• aircraft loader (transferring freight and baggage between airport buildings and aircraft): $20 - $;29 per hour

Once they’ve gained some experience, customs brokers and freight forwarders often progress into management positions, which bring more opportunities and responsibilities, and command greater salaries.

Sources: www.careers.govt.nz, https://westpac.co.nz/assets/B...