Trade and Export Academy
If you’re interested in a career in Trade and Export, 15 training opportunities are currently available. If you successfully finish the academy, you will have an industry recognised qualification and be considered for a potential job role with one of the supporting companies.
Training
The Trade and Export Academy at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is an intensive eight-week training course providing practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the sector.
Delivery of the course will mainly be in person on a face-to-face basis with site visits to supporting companies.
All participants will complete training relevant for the job role of a Customs Specialist that includes:
- CMI Level 3 Award in Project Management
- Customs Declarations Service (CDS) training
The academy training will develop sector relevant skills in business, strategy and leadership, digital trade systems and customs procedures and documentation.
Company information
The supporting companies participating in the academy are:
- Derry Bros
- Allied Group
Those who successfully finish Assured Skills Academies are guaranteed a job interview with participating companies.
Job offers will be made solely by the companies following the interview.
Applicants should note that the job roles available are not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship.
Training allowance
People who take part in the academy will receive a training allowance of £185 each week for the duration of the academy. They may also get help with travel and childcare costs if they qualify.
Key dates
Information session and interview dates
SERC will invite eligible applicants to attend an online information session and interview that will take place in the week beginning Monday 17 August 2026.
Training dates
Training will take place from Tuesday 1 September to Friday 23 October 2026 at SERC’s Bangor campus.
Training takes place from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday.
Successful applicants must be available for the whole of the training period.
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- be at least 18 years old
- have a right to work and to undertake Assured Skills Training in the UK at the point of application
- not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status
Essential criteria
- minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Maths
- a willingness to learn and develop specialist knowledge
- team player with a proactive approach to problem solving
- strong attention to detail
- good written and verbal communication skills
Desirable Criteria
- level 3 qualification
How to apply
Apply online at:
Closing date
Completed applications must be received by noon (UK time) on Friday 7 August 2026.
Living outside Northern Ireland
If you live outside Northern Ireland, by accepting an offer of a place on this pre-employment training academy, you are committing to attending training and pursuing a job opportunity in Northern Ireland.
Help to apply
If you have a disability and need help to complete this form:
or
- telephone 028 9041 6972
All correspondence with applicants will be through email. It is the applicant’s responsibility to act on this within the given time frame.
Further information
For more information on this academy or to receive updates on new academy opportunities as they arise email your enquiry to:
Privacy notice
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