NAW 2026 Creating Opportunity Through a Freight Apprenticeship
For many learners, an apprenticeship is not just training - it is the first step towards a clear professional future.
For Courtney Bolton, a Shipping Agent at EMR Group, the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship has created exactly that opportunity.
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 celebrates the power of opportunity, the opportunity to gain Skills for Life, build confidence and develop a long-term career.
Starting with a Clear Career Goal
Before beginning her apprenticeship, Courtney knew what she wanted to achieve.
“Before starting my apprenticeship, I was hoping to gain a long-term career. I wanted to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to grow within the industry and build a stable future for myself.”
Rather than viewing the apprenticeship as short-term training, she saw it as a pathway into shipping and logistics. The International Freight Forwarding Level 3 Apprenticeship provided structured learning alongside practical, on-the-job experience, allowing her to develop both technical knowledge and workplace confidence.
A Defining Moment of Progress
Over the past five months, Courtney has seen her confidence grow significantly.
“Over the course of the last five months I have gradually become more confident in carrying out export customs for our bulk shipments… one key moment is when my manager asked me to carry out customs declarations without supervision and manage the export declarations for the team going forwards covering all eight ports.”
Taking responsibility for such a critical operational task demonstrated not only technical development, but trust, accountability and professional growth. These are the Skills for Life that apprenticeships are designed to build.
The Value of Specialist Tutor Support
Courtney credits the ongoing support of her tutor at Momentous Learning as an important part of her development.
“My tutor is very supportive and always there for me if required. My apprenticeship is very niche and it has been amazing having such an interested tutor - it is such a confidence builder.”
For learners in specialist areas such as international freight forwarding, having a knowledgeable and responsive tutor can make a significant difference. Consistent guidance helps learners connect theory with real workplace practice and build confidence in their abilities.
Creating Opportunity Through Apprenticeships
When asked what the apprenticeship has made possible, Courtney’s answer reflects the purpose of Opportunity Thursday.
“After starting my apprenticeship with EMR Group, I now feel excited building my knowledge and experiences in shipping and logistics to stand me in good stead for a successful career in this industry moving forwards.”
The International Freight Forwarding Level 3 Apprenticeship has supported her transition from aspiration to action, from wanting a long-term career to actively building one.
During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, stories like Courtney’s demonstrate how apprenticeships create real opportunity in practice. They support progression, strengthen Skills for Life and help individuals build confident futures in sectors that keep the UK moving.
Supporting Opportunity Across Leadership, Operations and Freight
At Momentous Learning, we support employers and learners through apprenticeships designed to align learning with real roles and real progression pathways
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Alongside the International Freight Forwarding Level 3 Apprenticeship, our programmes include:
Each programme focuses on developing practical, workplace-ready capability while supporting long-term career development.
