NAW 2026 What Employers Value from Apprenticeships
During NAW 2026, we spoke with Lisa Startin, Branch Manager at World Cargo Logistics, about her experience of supporting an apprentice and working in partnership with Momentous Learning. Her feedback highlights what employers value most from apprenticeships in practice, from learner growth to organisational culture and provider support.
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 is an opportunity to reflect on how apprenticeships support Skills for Life and long-term workforce development. While funding and frameworks are important, the most meaningful insight often comes from employers who see the impact of an apprenticeship in practice, day to day.
Employer Insight into the International Freight Forwarding Level 3 Apprenticeship
World Cargo Logistics operates within a fast-moving and highly regulated sector, where accuracy, communication and problem-solving are essential. The Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship plays a key role in developing these capabilities while supporting learners to build confidence in a real logistics environment.
Lisa highlighted the significant growth she has observed in her apprentice throughout the programme, particularly in confidence and independence.
“I have noticed significant growth in their confidence and independence.”
Through the freight apprenticeship, the learner developed customer service skills and strengthened their technical understanding by gaining the confidence to ask colleagues for support when needed.
“They have deepened their knowledge of the course material by having the confidence to ask their colleagues for help if they don’t understand something.”
This combination of structured learning and workplace application is central to how an apprenticeship supports Skills for Life.
Developing Communication and Problem-Solving Skills Through a Freight Apprenticeship
Effective communication is critical within logistics and freight forwarding. Lisa noted clear improvements in how her apprentice communicates with both customers and colleagues.
“They have developed customer service skills and their communication has improved with both customers and colleagues.”
As the apprenticeship progressed, the learner also developed the ability to manage challenging situations and apply problem-solving skills to resolve issues.
“They have learnt how to deal with difficult issues and have used their newfound problem-solving skills to rectify any obstacles.”
These outcomes reflect the value of a Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship in supporting practical, job-ready capability.
How Apprenticeships Support Organisational Learning
Beyond individual development, the apprenticeship journey supported growth across the wider organisation.
Lisa explained that the freight apprenticeship helped promote a positive learning culture, where questions were discussed openly and learning became a shared experience.
“If a question isn’t understood, then the whole office gets involved in the answer.”
This approach encouraged continuous learning across the team, benefiting both newer and more experienced staff.
“It teaches some of the more seasoned staff new content about our industry. I have even learnt a few things myself.”
For employers, this highlights how apprenticeships can strengthen organisational capability, not just individual performance.
The Importance of Partnership in Apprenticeship Delivery
A strong partnership between employer and training provider is essential for apprenticeship success. Lisa described her experience working with Momentous Learning as consistently positive.
“The partnership with Momentous Learning has been very positive, with clear communication and strong support throughout the programme.”
She particularly highlighted the role of the tutor in supporting the apprentice through their Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship.
“The support from their tutor has been invaluable, and I have confidence that they have had the best possible chance of success because of their tutor.”
Tutor support plays a crucial role in ensuring learners remain engaged, supported and prepared for assessment.
Recruitment, Onboarding and Employer Confidence
Lisa also reflected on the recruitment and onboarding experience, noting the importance of finding the right individual for a freight apprenticeship role.
“Personality was one of the major requirements, as I can teach everything else.”
Momentous Learning supported this by screening candidates carefully and presenting only those who matched the employer’s requirements.
“They only put potential employees in front of me that they knew fit all of my requirements.”
This approach helped ensure a strong match between apprentice and employer from the outset, supporting a smoother apprenticeship journey.
Why Employers Recommend Well-Delivered Apprenticeships
Lisa confirmed that she has already recommended Momentous Learning to other employers, based on her positive experience of the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship.
“I have already recommended Momentous Learning to other employers. The entire experience, from the initial enquiry through to having an apprentice ready for assessment, has been excellent. ”
She also highlighted the importance of engaging delivery, particularly for younger learners.
“The tutor has been outstanding throughout the programme, and my apprentice has commented that she makes the content engaging and enjoyable, which is a significant benefit when working with young people.”
Employer Experience Matters During National Apprenticeship Week
Employer insight is a vital part of National Apprenticeship Week. Feedback from organisations such as World Cargo Logistics demonstrates how apprenticeships, particularly logistics and freight apprenticeships at Level 3, support Skills for Life, confidence and progression in practice.
At Momentous Learning, we are proud to support employers through apprenticeships that focus on real roles, real skills and long-term impact. Employer experiences like this help illustrate what good apprenticeship delivery looks like in practice.
