Cardinal Global Logistics have taken up the offer of fully funded training, provided by Seetec Outsource as part of the GMCA Skills for Growth programme, to upskill their employees on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) course. CDS is replacing the previous customs handling system, CHIEF, and the course covers the changes between the two and the functions and benefits of CDS as well as enabling learners to practise submitting customs declarations correctly.
Neil Jackson, Group Learning and Development Manager at Cardinal, explained why they had decided to enrol staff on the course: “Here at Cardinal Global Logistics, we are constantly looking to develop our staff and help them progress in an ever-changing industry. The course was flexible and it suited the needs of the business and the learners. Seetec has been able to help a large number of our staff learn about the main difference between the two systems, this, in turn, giving our clients a better service.”
One of the employees who undertook the training was Joe McGrath, Account Manager at Cardinal’s Manchester offices. Joe explained why the course was relevant to his role in particular: “We have our own customs team so I don’t necessarily handle submitting the entries, but it’s good to know about the new system so we can accurately pass on information to the customers. For me, it’s all about maintaining a high level of customer service and making sure I’m informed as possible.”
One of the benefits of the CDS course is that it can be completed entirely through e-learning and Joe was quick to mention why that worked for him: “It was good that you could do it at your own pace- I completed mine across two afternoons where I wasn’t as busy. There were tutors available to ask questions to if you had any issues and given that in our department there are people with a variety of experience levels, no-one felt nervous or embarrassed to ask if they were unsure about anything.”
Joe also discussed what he learnt on the course: “One of the main things for me was getting back up to date with the Incoterms; it’s really important to have the correct one in place as it determines where duty is paid. The course has definitely strengthened my knowledge and that allows me to be the best version of myself for the customer.”
Joe has worked for Cardinal for eighteen months and he was keen to highlight the emphasis the company puts on training and development: “It is encouraged from the top down, from our CEO to our managers and team leaders; they’re always trying to help you to learn and improve. They’re also good at listening to what you might want to do and then accommodating your ambitions.”
He said that he would recommend the training to any similar organisations: “It’s always good to be on top of the latest developments. I’ve learnt so much in my eighteen months already, but there’s still so much more to learn!”
To learn more about the courses offered through the GMCA Skills for Growth programme for the Transport and Logistics sector, click here.
* Skills for Growth is funded through the European Social Fund and aims to plug the skills gaps in priority sectors across Greater Manchester as outlined in the Combined Authority’s Local Industrial Strategy.
