ICTQual International Level 2 Award in International Trade – Shipping

The ICTQual International Level 2 Award in International Trade – Shipping is a focused 2 days training programme designed to strengthen learners’ understanding of global trade and maritime operations. Building on introductory knowledge, this award equips learners with practical skills in shipping documentation, port operations, and customer service essentials that are directly relevant to today’s fast‑growing logistics and supply chain sector.

This qualification is ideal for freshers who want to enter the shipping and logistics industry with confidence, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects by gaining a recognised credential. Learners will explore the fundamentals of freight forwarding, trade compliance, and the role of shipping in international commerce, ensuring they are well prepared for both operational and support roles within the sector.

By completing this award, learners gain valuable insights into the professional standards and industry practices that drive international trade. The programme develops transferable skills such as communication, accuracy in documentation, and awareness of safety and compliance, all of which are highly valued by employers worldwide.

The key benefits of this course include improved employability, readiness for entry‑level positions in shipping and logistics, and a clear pathway to higher‑level qualifications in international trade and supply chain management. With its concise structure and global relevance, the ICTQual International Level 2 Award provides learners with the knowledge and confidence to take the next step in their professional journey within the maritime and logistics industries.

Course overview

International Level 2 Award in International Trade – Shipping

To enrol in ICTQual International Level 2 Award in International Trade – Shipping, learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners should normally be at least 16 years old at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Background: A basic general education is expected. Learners who have completed a Level 1 qualification in International Trade, Shipping, or a related subject will be well prepared, though this is not mandatory.
  • Professional Experience: No prior industry experience is required. The award is designed for freshers entering the sector as well as professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge of shipping and logistics fundamentals.
  • English Proficiency: As the programme is delivered in English, learners should demonstrate competence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Centres may assess this through internal evaluations or evidence of prior learning.
  • Additional Requirements: Learners should show motivation to develop skills in international trade and shipping. Access to a digital device and internet connection may be required if the programme is delivered in blended or online formats.

This qualification, the ICTQual International Level 2 Award in International Trade – Shipping, consists of 3 mandatory units.

  1. Fundamentals of Global Trade and Shipping Documentation
  2. Introduction to Port Operations and Freight Forwarding
  3. Customer Service Essentials in Shipping and Logistics

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual International Level 2 Award in International Trade – Shipping:

Fundamentals of Global Trade and Shipping Documentation

  • Understand the basic principles of global trade and its role in international markets.
  • Recognise the importance of shipping in supporting global commerce and supply chains.
  • Identify key trade documents such as bills of lading, invoices, and certificates of origin.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the purpose and use of shipping documentation in trade compliance.
  • Understand the role of customs and regulatory authorities in international trade.
  • Recognise the importance of accuracy and timeliness in preparing trade documents.
  • Develop awareness of common errors in documentation and their impact on trade operations.
  • Appreciate the link between trade documentation and smooth cargo movement across borders.

Introduction to Port Operations and Freight Forwarding

  • Understand the role of ports and terminals in global shipping and logistics.
  • Recognise the functions of freight forwarders in coordinating international cargo movement.
  • Identify the key processes involved in port operations, including loading and unloading.
  • Demonstrate awareness of multimodal transport and its importance in freight forwarding.
  • Understand the role of warehousing and distribution in supporting port operations.
  • Recognise the importance of efficiency and safety in port and freight forwarding activities.
  • Develop awareness of the challenges faced in port logistics and cargo handling.
  • Appreciate the contribution of freight forwarding to international trade efficiency.

Customer Service Essentials in Shipping and Logistics

  • Understand the importance of customer service in shipping and logistics operations.
  • Recognise the role of effective communication in meeting customer needs.
  • Identify common customer service challenges in shipping and logistics.
  • Demonstrate awareness of strategies to resolve customer complaints and issues.
  • Understand the importance of accuracy and reliability in service delivery.
  • Recognise the role of cultural awareness in international customer interactions.
  • Develop awareness of how customer service impacts business reputation and growth.
  • Appreciate the importance of teamwork in delivering high‑quality customer service.

The ICTQual International Level 2 Award in International Trade – Shipping is designed to strengthen learners’ understanding of global trade, shipping documentation, and port operations. By completing this short but impactful programme, learners gain practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace while also creating opportunities for further vocational development. This award acts as a stepping stone for learners aiming to build a career in shipping, logistics, and international trade.

  • Progress to higher‑level vocational qualifications in international trade, shipping, logistics, and supply chain management.
  • Gain entry‑level roles such as shipping assistant, freight forwarding clerk, or logistics support officer.
  • Develop practical skills in trade documentation, preparing learners for roles in customs clearance and compliance support.
  • Explore opportunities in port and terminal operations, including cargo handling and logistics coordination.
  • Strengthen employability in freight forwarding companies, shipping agencies, and logistics service providers.
  • Build a foundation for specialised training in areas such as maritime safety, cargo operations, and trade regulations.
  • Enhance transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and customer service for use across global trade sectors.
  • Prepare for supervisory training pathways in shipping, logistics, and supply chain operations.
  • Demonstrate professional commitment and readiness for career growth in international trade and maritime services.
  • Establish a long‑term pathway towards leadership roles in shipping and logistics through progressive vocational learning.

FAQs

This course is designed for learners who want to build practical knowledge of international trade and shipping. It is ideal for freshers starting their careers in logistics, as well as professionals seeking to strengthen their skills in trade documentation, port operations, and freight forwarding.

Learners can pursue entry‑level roles such as shipping assistant, freight forwarding clerk, logistics support officer, or port operations trainee. The award also provides a pathway to higher vocational qualifications in shipping, logistics, and supply chain management, supporting long‑term career growth in global trade.

The ICTQual International Level 2 Award in International Trade – Shipping is a 2 days training programme designed to be completed in full-time study over this period, with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical application.

ICTQual International Level 2 Award in International Trade – Shipping is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual International Level 2 Award in International Trade – Shipping, includes assessments consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assessments evaluate participants’ understanding of the course material and their ability to apply concepts in practical situations. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass the assessments.cal situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%