Build the skills needed to support global trade operations from strategy to execution. This diploma combines international trade, freight forwarding, accounting, ERP systems, and business communications training with over a month of practicum to prepare students for careers in international business, logistics, and supply chain operations.
CredentialDiploma
Duration42 Weeks
Practicum6-Week Practicum (180 hours)
Schedule20 hours/week, Monday – Friday, daytime and evening classes
DeliveryIn-Class, Online (Synchronous)*, or Combined
It was a good experience studying at Brighton College. I am sure I have the knowledge and skills, and as a whole I had a very good experience.
– Jose Sonny MirahdaLearn about the International Trade and Freight Forwarding Certificate program, FITT and CIFFA training, and its career pathways.
The Diploma in International Trade and Freight Forwarding with Practicum prepares students to support and manage the complex operations that drive international business. Through a combination of international trade, freight forwarding, business operations, and financial management courses, students develop a broad understanding of how goods, services, information, and resources move through today's global marketplace.
Students explore key areas of international trade including global value chains, market entry strategies, trade finance, international sales and marketing, and the evaluation of new business opportunities. They learn how organizations identify international growth opportunities, assess risks, and develop strategies to compete in global markets.
The program also provides specialized training in freight forwarding and transportation systems, giving students practical knowledge of international shipping, logistics coordination, transportation modes, trade documentation, cargo movement, and supply chain operations. Through CIFFA-aligned training, students gain insight into the processes that support the movement of goods across international borders.
What sets this diploma apart is its broader business focus. In addition to trade and logistics, students develop skills in financial accounting, business communications, business reporting, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems used by organizations to manage operations, inventory, customer relationships, and financial information. This combination of trade, logistics, and business operations training helps graduates understand both the strategic and operational sides of international commerce.
The program concludes with a 180-hour practicum placement, providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a professional environment while gaining valuable industry experience and building workplace confidence before graduation.
Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have the ability to:
Students will practice business writing skills, applying the mechanics of style, developing proofreading and editing skills and using words effectively. They will apply verbal and non-verbal styles to a variety of business communications. The students will also practice career and interpersonal skills necessary for success in the workplace, such as conflict resolution and business etiquette. They will work in teams to examine administrative, ergonomic and efficiency functions of a business office. Students will also learn about using PowerPoint to deliver demonstrations, training, and presentations in a professional manner.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
This course explores the fundamental use of Microsoft Office’s word processing software: Microsoft Word. Students will learn how to use Word to create, save, edit, format, and manipulate documents in a professional manner.
Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: none.
This course explores the fundamental use of Microsoft Office’s spreadsheet creation software: Microsoft Excel. Students will learn how to use Excel to create spreadsheets, perform calculations, generate charts from data tables, and print results.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
The Global Value Chain course examines aspects of the primary activities of Distribution and Inventory Management, and the supporting activities of Document Management and Procurement, which are integral to international trade logistics. Doing business in/with foreign markets requires consideration of different regulatory, financial, geographical and cultural and consumer requirements.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
Currency exchange fluctuations, political instability, and force de majeure events, are integral considerations to international financial management. This course examines how organizations can manage their finances and mitigate financial risk by selecting appropriate transaction methods and tools for their international trade activities. Learners will consider negotiation terms, non-payment dispute resolution and cash flow management.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
The International Market Entry Strategies course examines individuals in organizations need to know and do to ensure the success of new international ventures. International trade practitioners must research entry options, and then select the most effective entry strategies and strategic partnerships for their needs. The organization of the selected market entry strategies will require management of both direct and indirect exports. It may also require development and management of business arrangements such as foreign mergers or acquisitions, or foreign franchising or licensing.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
The course Feasibility of International Trade examines the critical steps and decisions needed to determine the feasibility of potential international trade initiatives. Market research, analysis of organizational readiness, cost analysis, and risk analysis are all required in order to decide if a concept fits with a company’s strategic direction and improves the bottom line of an organization. Risk analysis then leads to the development of strategies to mitigate identified risks.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
The course Development of Product and Services for a Global Market addresses the necessity that products and services sold or traded internationally may require modification. This course addresses differences in regulatory, legal, cultural and consumer/client requirements that might in the need to conform to these requirements by adapting products and services.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
Marketing is key in ensuring an organization’s product or service is seen to fit the needs and interests of an international target market. While marketing can create the demand, an effective sales strategy is essential to profit from this demand. This course details considerations an organization must make when promoting and selling products and or services beyond its domestic borders.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
This program introduces the student to truck, rail, air and ocean transportation and the geography over which goods move. Incoterms® 2010 rules outline the transfer of cost and risk to these goods as they are transported from seller to buyer.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
Understanding how buyers and sellers manage risk with a variety of international payments, cargo insurance, properly completed commercial documents, export packaging, knowledge of cargo security, dangerous goods and proper costing and quoting leads students to where they can offer alternative solutions to their clients.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: CIFF100.
This course introduces students to the construction and interpretation of financial systems, records, reports, and statements, including how vital accurate and complete financial data is for a business to ensure its ongoing success. This course builds a solid base in accounting from both a practical and theoretical perspective.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
This course continues the work started in Introduction to Accounting. Students develop knowledge about the construction and interpretation of financial systems, records, reports, and statements, and how accurate financial information supports business success.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: BAF140.
This course provides an overview of several ERP software systems that are used by companies in all sectors of international trade to integrate their operations internally and externally to suppliers and distribution companies. Aspects of company operations like, financial accounting, customer relationship management (CRM), manufacturing, inventory management, and raw materials sourcing, warehousing and shipping become seamlessly integrated into one large enterprise software package. Exploring these products will enable prospective employees to be familiar with the varied products in use by SME’s and large enterprises throughout the international trade sector.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
This course helps students prepare the required job search skills and knowledge they need to become employed. Students will learn the best known job search techniques to find viable opportunities, strategies to differentiate themselves from the competition and how they will add value to prospective employers in today’s competitive global economy.
Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: none.
The student will have the opportunity to integrate competencies developed during the lectures into industry-specific experiences. This opportunity ensures students are able to practice and refine their skills and to obtain practical field experience to further strengthen their ability to obtain employment after completing the program. To ensure a high-quality practical experience, the institution will monitor both the student’s and the employer’s performance throughout the practicum. At the conclusion of the practicum, students and employers jointly complete a written evaluation of the student’s performance to direct the future career development of the student.
Duration: 180 hours, 6 weeks.
Refer to Language Proficiency Policy for details.
*Mature Student is defined as an individual who is 19 years of age or older at the start of the program.
*Under no circumstances can these Admission Requirements be waived.
Data sourced from WorkBC. Occupation information aligned with the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Career-path occupations generally require additional industry experience, employer training, certification, professional registration or further education. Completion of this program does not by itself confer a professional licence or protected occupational designation.
