Tánaiste launches IEA Certificate in International Trade

New initiative for 2019 to provide Irish companies with the necessary practical and operational skills for trading internationally

Dublin, 28 March 2019: The Irish Exporters Association (IEA), today announced the launch of the Certificate in International Trade (The Certificate), a new educational programme aimed at supporting and promoting practical, on the job learning, to meet the growing skillset required for anyone working in international trade operations and regulations, whilst understanding the key issues affecting the industry. An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Simon Coveney, TD, launched the exciting new initiative with President of the Irish Exporters Association Marie Armstrong; Martin McVicar, Managing Director of Combilift and Simon McKeever, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association.

The Certificate encompassing all aspects of international trade operations and regulations, will train participants through an educational and support-led journey on the fundamental skills required to import and export from the Republic of Ireland when trading internationally. Course modules are designed to improve existing capabilities and to lead to direct on-the-job application. Three intakes will run in 2019: April, September and October, with each set of students covering 6 one-day modules delivered every two weeks.

Companies in the manufacturing or services sectors demonstrating early stage import/export potential to large internationally trading corporates as well as service providers supporting the growth of international trade across multimodal and intermodal logistics and supply chain management should consider upskilling to IEA Certificate level. It will also be relevant to officials in Government departments and agencies looking to upskill in the face of Brexit uncertainties. Learning outcomes include: increased knowledge and proficiency in the requisite procedures for exporting and importing, enhanced understanding of and ability to complete regulatory and non-regulatory documentation for international trading and related modes of transport, ability to anticipate external factors and mitigate risk for importers/exporters, and enhanced competence in the practical skills required to meet the demands of the evolving world of international trade. The six modules will be delivered by the IEA and are in partnership with Custax & Legal and UK Training Ltd.

IEA Certificate in International Trade Modules

  • Import/Export Documentation & Procedures
  • Customs Regulations
  • Customs: Valuation & Origin
  • Tariff Codes & Classification
  • Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)
  • Incoterms & International Contracts

Simon Coveney, TD, An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade commented: “Diversifying our exports is at the centre of our Brexit preparedness. Increased international trade skills are a vital to achieving this goal and Irish Exporters Association are well placed to work with companies who wish to diversify their exports.”

Simon McKeever, CEO, Irish Exporters Association said:The launch of the IEA Certificate in International Trade is a landmark achievement aimed at building the applied competence required for any company based in Ireland which is training internationally. Our goal is to enable and empower companies to grow, develop and protect their business by providing them with the necessary on the job skills to support their own international trading capabilities. We also recognise that arming companies with the practical knowledge and skills to influence the

supply chain will positively reflect on the Irish economy and support companies to foster their global ambitions at all levels. This is a very exciting opportunity for internationally trading companies and their workforce who strive to compete with their international competitors, seize opportunities and overcome barriers – the IEA now provides a platform to certificate level to support them.”

Martin McVicar, Managing Director of Combilift and representative from the IEA Certificate Steering Group: Simon McKeever and the team at the Irish Exporters Association went to great lengths to survey the needs of their members, both from an employee and employer perspective so that the course delivers practical learning that will genuinely increase an employee’s ability to do their job.

Since that, Combilift exports 98% of its production we have already committed to signing up one of our personnel on the first intake of the Certificate in International Trade as we believe it will support the development and the growth of Combilift.

Building business capacity is vital to our future competitiveness. This programme up-skills the participants with knowledge that allows them to navigate their way through the international trade processes.”

Marie Armstrong, IEA President and Partner KPMG Ireland commented: “The new training course will enable and empower companies to deal in a practical way with the challenges of exporting to new markets and it couldn’t come at a more timely moment.  I strongly encourage companies to avail of the opportunity to upskill their staff on this course.”

The IEA Certificate in International Trade is governed by a steering committee comprised of: Combilift, DB Schenker, Glanbia, Intel and Alba Consulting. More information is available at www.irishexporters.ie/certificate-in-international-trade or email certificate@irishexporters.ie.

For media enquiries contact:
Pascal Koenig, Communications & Public Affairs Manager
E-mail: pascalkoenig@irishexporters.ie
Tel:  01 642 4171 / 086 142 3310

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