DPD leads the way with Freight Forwarding Apprentices

Leading parcel delivery firm DPD recently became one of the first organisations nationally to enrol its team on the new International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship Standard.

DPD’s International Division working with leading freight forwarding training provider Logistics Skills Alliance (LSA) have developed a bespoke blended learning programme for the DPD team to ensure the programme meets both their knowledge and skills development needs.

International Solutions Architect Adam Morgan of DPD commented “Our team continually strives to improve our customer experience through our knowledge and skills. An investment in our own professional development is a key part of our approach. Working together with the LSA to design this programme means that we have integrated the DPD approach alongside recognised freight forwarding training programmes such as BIFA’s Customs Export and Import Procedures course.”

Logistics Skills Alliance’s James Billingham added “We have worked with employers and BIFA in developing a flexible International Freight Forwarding programme that we can offer nationally. Working with DPD we have an apprenticeship programme that provides customised training alongside training to support Freight Forwarders employer readiness for the new Customs Declaration System (CDS).”

The International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship Standard was developed by a Freight Forwarders employers’ group, facilitated by BIFA. It covers core modules such as Customs Procedures, Freight Movement, Customer Service and Freight Costing. The programme is a level 3 apprenticeship with a recommended duration of 18 months.

Wayne Hemmings, who is responsible for DPD’s apprenticeship levy, said “We are committed to gaining a return on investment from our apprenticeship levy by linking programmes to tangible business benefits. We have invested in developing apprenticeship programmes throughout our business. 

“As well the recruitment of apprentices we are using the levy to upskill DPD teams across multiple divisions, roles and levels ranging from Level 2 to Level 7 Master’s Degree Apprenticeships. DPD have partnered with high quality providers, such as the LSA to ensure our current programmes meet our future requirements.”