Become an International Trade Management Professional

Logistics Manager sitting with colleague in warehouse
International Trade Management & Logistics is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Canada

International Trade & Freight Forwarding Training On Campus or Online in British Columbia

Organizations need professionals who can monitor their flow of goods or services and get everything from raw materials to finished products to the right location, at the right time. If you are organized, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and are looking to start a professional career with opportunities for advancement, Discovery’s International Trade Management program could be an excellent opportunity for you.

Why Upskilling is Essential in Today’s Job Market

Like many Canadians, you may be concerned about the rising cost of living and the need to find ways to increase your income potential. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, going back to school to obtain new qualifications could be a great solution.

Discovery Community College is dedicated to offering convenient, supportive, and affordable career training. With a range of funding options available, there has never been a better time to invest in your future education.  Contact us today to learn how we can help you get ahead in today’s job market.

International Trade Management

40-Week Diploma | $52,000 median annual salary*

  • Expected Job Openings in BC (2022-2032): 3,120**
  • Occupations include Logistics Coordinator, Buyer/Purchaser, Importer/Exporter
NOC 2021 - 1440

*https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/26171/BC visited on September 21, 2021. Salary source for supply chain coordinators in British Columbia with lowest 10% earning $35,360 to the highest 10% of workers earning $83,200.

**https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/supervisors-supply-chain-tracking-and-scheduling-co-ordination-occupations visited on May 23, 2023.

Becoming a Qualified International Trade Management Professional

If you’re looking for a steady, reliable career, look no further than a career in international trade management. At Discovery Community College, we’re proud of our history of graduate success, including our 96% job placement rate.

During this program, you will learn:

  • Feasibility of International Trade (FIT)
  • International Market Entry Strategies (IMES)
  • Global Value Chain (GVC)
  • Products and Services for Global Markets (PSGM)
  • International Trade Finance (ITF)
  • Commercial Documentation
  • And more!

Your collection of certificates in International Trade Management and Freight Forwarding will open the door to many exciting and rewarding careers in Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and other freight and transport-related business administration positions, both domestically and internationally.

There has never been more funding to go back to school than there is right now. A variety of funding opportunities may be available to you, including WorkBC, Student Aid BC, and employment grants. An experienced Financial Aid Representative is available to answer any questions you may have, can assist with potential funding applications and help you discover the best options for your specific needs.

Is a Professional Business Career Right for You? Find Out! Take the "Discovery College Professional Business Career Readiness Quiz"

This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get your Professional Business Career Readiness Score Now >>

Industry Internship – Get Work Experience Before You Graduate

At Discovery, we believe that you should not only leave school with theoretical knowledge, but with real experience in the industry. That’s why students in the International Trade Management and Freight Forwarding Diploma Program will complete a 4-week internship during their studies.

Your internship enables you to apply what you’ve learned in a real setting and gain not only experience to put on your resume, but also industry connections, references, and confidence. We help you feel supported by making sure that our program gives you access to all the tools you need to secure your first job and build your career.

International Trade Management Program

As a graduate of this program, you will have the essential skills required to operate an effective global supply chain, such as:

  • define the duty, code of ethics, and the standard trading conditions of a CIFFA freight forwarder.
  • Identify land transportation routes, complete various documents, and calculations.
  • Identify ocean transportation routes and ports, complete calculations, complete documentation.
  • Complete various commercial documentation.
  • Complete costing calculations and prepare a detailed invoice.
  • Review alternative freight solutions and calculate costs.

In partnership with the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) and the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA), we offer four Powerful Diplomas and Certificates in one comprehensive program!

Courses in this program are endorsed by:

  • The World Trade Centers Association
  • Export Development Canada
  • The Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association

Locations:

Class Delivery:  On campus, blended on campus and online, and online with practicum placements in your local community.

International Trade Training - Certificate

Total: 340 Hours, 17 Weeks

  • Feasibility of International Trade (60 hours) 
  • International Market Entry Strategies (60 hours)
  • Global Value Chain (60 hours) 
  • Products and Services for Global Markets (60 hours) 
  • International Trade Finance (40 hours)  
  • International Sales and Marketing (40 hours)


International Trade Training & Freight Forwarding Program - Certificate

Total: 500 hours, 25 weeks

Feasibility of International Trade (60 hours)
International Market Entry Strategies (60 hours)
Global Value Chain (60 hours)
Products and Services for Global Markets (60 hours)
International Trade Finance (40 hours)
International Sales and Marketing (40 hours)

CIFFA international transportation and trade (40 hours)

  • Understanding Freight Forwarding
  • Transportation Geography
  • Land Transportation
  • Air Freight
  • Ocean Freight
  • Terms of Trade

CIFFA essentials of freight forwarding (40 hours)

  • International Payments parts 1 & 2
  • Export Packaging and Warehousing
  • Commercial Documentation
  • Transportation Insurance 
  • Cargo Security and Dangerous Goods
  • Costing and Quoting
  • Alternative methods of Transportation

International Trade Training & Freight Forwarding with Practicum program – Certificate w/Practicum

  • All courses listed above plus  Work Experience – Practicum (80 hours)


Advanced International Trade Management & Freight Forwarding program - Diploma

Total: 880 hours, 40 weeks

Business skills (300 hours)

  • Getting Started with Windows
  • MS PowerPoint
  • MS Outlook 
  • MS Office Features and MS Word
  • MS Excel
  • Financial Accounting 
  • Business Communications
  • Employability Skills 

FITT skills (320 hours)

  • Feasibility of International Trade 
  • International Market Entry Strategies 
  • Global Value Chain 
  • Products and Services for Global Markets 
  • International Trade Finance 
  • International Sales and Marketing 

CIFFA international transportation and trade (40 hours)

  • Understanding Freight Forwarding
  • Transportation Geography
  • Land Transportation 
  • Air Freight
  • Ocean Freight
  • Terms of Trade

CIFFA essentials of freight forwarding (40 hours)

  • International Payments parts 1 & 2
  • Export Packaging and Warehousing
  • Commercial Documentation
  • Transportation Insurance 
  • Cargo Security and Dangerous Goods
  • Costing and Quoting
  • Alternative methods of Transportation

Work Experience – Practicum (160 hours)


Advanced International Trade Management & Freight Forwarding with Accounting and Finance program - Diploma

Total: 1180 hours, 55 weeks

Business skills (300 hours)

  • Getting Started with Windows
  • MS PowerPoint
  • MS Outlook 
  • MS Office Features and MS Word
  • MS Excel
  • Financial Accounting 
  • Business Communications
  • Employability Skills 

FITT skills (320 hours)

  • Feasibility of International Trade 
  • International Market Entry Strategies 
  • Global Value Chain 
  • Products and Services for Global Markets 
  • International Trade Finance 
  • International Sales and Marketing 

CIFFA international transportation and trade (40 hours)

  • Understanding Freight Forwarding
  • Transportation Geography
  • Land Transportation 
  • Air Freight
  • Ocean Freight
  • Terms of Trade

CIFFA essentials of freight forwarding (40 hours)

  • International Payments parts 1 & 2
  • Export Packaging and Warehousing
  • Commercial Documentation
  • Transportation Insurance
  • Cargo Security and Dangerous Goods
  • Costing and Quoting
  • Alternative methods of Transportation

Accounting and Finance 

  • Basic Bookkeeping (118 hours)
  • Manual payroll (24 hours) 
  • QuickBooks (40 hours) 
  • Sage 50 Accounting (118 hours)

Work Experience – Practicum (160 hours)

High Graduate Placement

Discovery College has a 96% job placement rate. That is because our school assesses employment gaps within the community and then tailors the programs around that, giving you the exact skills that employers are looking for to fill their vacant positions.

Jumpstart Your Career By Adding CITP To Your Name

This program also fulfills the educational requirement for becoming a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP). This designation from FITT validates your knowledge and experience in International Trade, along with holding you to ethical business practices. Endorsed by Export Development Canada, a federal government agency, CITP is a world-leading designation in global business, and can give you a competitive edge as you move forward in your career.

Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association Logo

Convenient Learning Options

At Discovery Community College, you don’t have to put your life on hold to go back to school. We offer accessible learning including on-campus, online and blended on-campus and online learning options. 

Many of our students are raising families and some continue to work while going to school. We will help you choose a schedule that works for you.

Over 25 Years of Success

Discovery Community College has been training students just like you for successful careers for over 25 years. Our college is a well-respected institution, who has formed alliances with numerous community partners. We are also registered with and designated by the Private Training Institutions Branch of British Columbia, formally PPSEC, since 1996.

Is a Rewarding International Trade Management & Freight Forwarding Career Right For You?

If you’re interested in learning more about International Trade Management & Freight Forwarding and exploring whether this might be the career path for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

Our friendly and knowledgeable Admissions Representatives are also happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from course information to financial aid options.

To speak with Admissions right away, give us a call at 1-877-315-5241.