Oct 10, 2025
Fracht Group has partnered with Houston Community College (HCC) to launch a two-year Registered Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship Program, officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. Inspired by our Swiss heritage of hands-on learning, this first-of-its-kind initiative in the United States blends education, training, and innovation to shape the future of logistics careers. Through this program, apprentices rotate through every department at Fracht, gaining real-world freight forwarding experience while earning CargoWise Specialist certifications and completing academic coursework at HCC. The result is a new generation of logistics professionals prepared to excel in the global supply chain.
At Fracht Group, education and innovation go hand in hand. When the opportunity arose to partner with Houston Community College (HCC) on a Registered Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship Program, the idea immediately resonated with our company’s Swiss roots and long-standing commitment to hands-on learning.
“The seed that started this program takes us back to our European roots,” explains Lauren Parkerson, Regional Manager at Fracht Group. “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.”
The International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship Program, officially registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, combines classroom learning through HCC with real-world experience at Fracht’s North American headquarters. Apprentices gain exposure to every facet of logistics — from air and ocean freight to customs compliance, operations, and customer service — ensuring they develop a complete understanding of what it means to work at a global freight forwarder.
This blended approach is what makes the program truly unique within the logistics industry. “The program is a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training here at Fracht,” says Idalia, one of the program’s first apprentices.
Curious to see the program in action? Watch our apprentices’ journey in the full video on Linkedin.
Apprentices also receive specialized training through WiseTech Academy, the global education arm behind the CargoWise platform. Houston Community College (HCC) became the first U.S. institution to train students toward official CargoWise certification, creating a decisive advantage for graduates entering the logistics field.
At Fracht, apprentices use CargoWise daily to manage shipments, process documentation, and support clients across international supply chains. All three apprentices have now earned their CargoWise certifications through WiseTech Academy, a milestone that strengthens their understanding of digital freight management and modern supply chain systems. This credential, paired with hands-on freight forwarding experience at Fracht, positions them for long-term success in today’s competitive logistics industry.
As apprentices discover their unique interests within logistics, Fracht helps nurture those passions and create long-term career paths. “Once they find what they’re passionate about, we’re happy to fuel that passion,” added Parkerson. “It gives us the opportunity to collaborate and grow with our employees for years to come.”
Through this partnership, we are not only equipping students with the technical expertise to succeed, but we are also helping shape the next generation of leaders in freight forwarding and global logistics.
Fracht Group’s Registered Apprenticeship Program reflects our ongoing commitment to workforce development, education, and the advancement of the freight forwarding industry. By combining real-world training with academic learning and digital certifications, the program builds a pipeline of skilled logistics professionals ready to lead the future of supply chain innovation.
As this first class of apprentices continues to grow within the organization, Fracht remains dedicated to expanding opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen our teams, and support the next generation of global logistics talent.
