Logistics companies are under constant pressure to deliver speed, visibility, and accuracy. The challenge isn’t attracting people to the field – it’s that today’s roles demand more advanced skills than ever. Freight forwarders need employees who not only understand the fundamentals of international trade, but who can also navigate the digital platforms that keep global supply chains moving.
For Fracht Group, an international freight forwarder with European roots, the answer lay in a model that was already part of its DNA.
“The seed that started this program takes us back to our European roots,” explains Lauren Parkerson, Regional Manager at Fracht. “Apprenticeships are common in Europe, and our CEO himself was an apprentice in Germany. When the opportunity came up with HCC to create an apprenticeship for freight forwarding, it immediately resonated with our culture.”
Building a pipeline of talent
To address the skills gap, Fracht partnered with Houston City College (HCC) to launch a two-year freight forwarding apprenticeship – the first of its kind in the U.S. and registered with the Department of Labor.
The program is led by Shari Carter, Department Chair for Logistics and Global Supply Chain Management at HCC. After 30 years in U.S. Army logistics, she moved into education determined to give students practical skills that employers actually need.
“We knew we had to find partners willing to provide the training, simulation, and certification that meet real market demand”, she said.
That’s where CargoWise came in. Because HCC was already teaching the platform through WiseTech Academy, the curriculum was a natural fit for Fracht. By embedding CargoWise certification directly into the program, apprentices don’t just graduate with theory – they arrive at Fracht ready to use the same system the company relies on every day.
Opening doors for a diverse new generation
One of the program’s biggest strengths is its accessibility. It has created a pathway into logistics for people from very different backgrounds – whether they’re straight out of high school, changing careers, or looking for a more dynamic future.
Take Adrian Parker, 18, who first heard about the apprenticeship through HCC’s early college program. He knew nothing about freight forwarding at the start but quickly found his place.
“What drew me into logistics was just the people,” he says. “They were so inviting, and I realized this was something I could see myself doing long-term.”
For Cansu Aydin, the program offered a career pivot. After eight years in the pharmaceutical industry and studying English at HCC, she wanted something new and practical.
“Apprenticeship is totally different from an internship,” she explains. “It’s two years of learning everything from beginning to end, while earning a salary. From the first day at Fracht, they welcomed us with open arms.”
Idalia Aguilar had planned to go into nursing, but discovered logistics offered the variety and challenge she was looking for.
“Every day is different. There are constant challenges, and you never stop learning. International trade will always be needed, and I want to be part of that.”
CargoWise in action: where training meets impact
Through WiseTech Academy, HCC became the first U.S. program to train students toward CargoWise certification. The learning model blends short videos, quizzes, and simulations with hands-on practice. Apprentices start in a test environment before transitioning to live operations, building confidence and accuracy every step of the way.
- Faster ramp-up: Apprentices arrive at Fracht already fluent in CargoWise, cutting onboarding time.
- Fewer errors: Early training in a safe environment reduces mistakes once they move to live shipments.
- Competitive edge: Certification makes apprentices more valuable in the job market – and more effective in their roles.
The program also goes further than technical training. Apprentices rotate through departments – ocean, air, IT, finance, and marketing – gaining a complete view of how freight forwarding works. They also develop the soft skills that make careers sustainable, from communication and teamwork to problem-solving.
Export Team Lead, Emily Ruisinger, who trains apprentices, emphasizes the importance of one-on-one guidance. “I try to teach them exactly how I would teach someone brand new to the industry,” she says.
“Being in a workplace is completely different than reading a book or having a teacher tell you how it works,” says Adrian. “Doing it yourself – it’s a million times more beneficial.”
A life-changing opportunity
For Fracht, this program represents more than a recruitment strategy. It’s a long-term investment in both the company and the industry. Apprentices earn salaries, gain certifications, and are guaranteed full-time roles upon graduation, while the business benefits from motivated, well-trained employees aligned with its culture.
Shari describes the HCC’s mission noting, “We wanted to make sure our education was meeting market demand. Partnering with Fracht and CargoWise ensures our students graduate not just with theory, but with the skills employers are desperate for”.
Lauren concludes, “We hope to create star players for Fracht and our organization as a whole. The apprenticeships aren’t just about filling roles. They’re about building future leaders.”