Dr Liam Fox MP, Secretary of State for the Department for International Trade (DIT), last week launched a new international trade training scheme designed to grow the UK’s talent pool of future negotiators, policy makers and Trade Commissioners. With the UK looking to forge an independent trade policy for the first time in decades after Brexit, the country will need more people who understand how global trade works and appreciate the complex art of trade deal negotiations.
The scheme is intended specifically to train up a new generation of trade policy and promotion experts rather than professional exporters. The Institute of Export & International Trade continues to provide its own suite of qualifications and training courses to help individuals involved in the on-the-ground trading of goods and services, enabling the UK’s businesses to export with skill and knowledge.
We support the government’s plan to encourage more people to look at global trade at the policy and promotion level, as well as the practical, especially given the complicated nature of international trade deal negotiations.
Making Global Trade a ‘Viable Career Option’
Upon launching the scheme, Dr Fox MP said:
“For decades, people didn’t look at trade as a viable career option. Now, the International Trade Development Programme will make a career in trade policy and promotion not only viable but highly desirable.
“A whole generation will be equipped with these vital skills, charged with driving our export and investment performance, securing market access deals for our businesses and promoting the UK’s prosperity.
My vision is that anyone joining the scheme will be able to enjoy their whole career at DIT, building skills and experience across the department to eventually take on one of our highest-ranking and most prestigious roles as HM Trade Commissioners.”
Applications close on 4 August
The two-year programme is aimed at people of all ages and experience levels and includes international placements at one of the DIT’s 127 locations. It will pay an annual salary of up to £30,109 and will also include placements with negotiating teams already working on future agreements including the USA and Australia.
Candidates are not required to have a degree or previous experience in government.
Applications close on 4 August. Visit readytotrade.co.uk to find out more and apply.
