Commodities Front Desk Apprentice Course Syllabus
Course Title
Commodities Front Desk Apprentice Course
Course Code
CFD101
Description
This course, under the Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS), provides comprehensive training for commodities front desk apprentices, focusing on customer service, trade documentation, data entry, and basic operations in the commodities trading sector. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience in managing client interactions, processing trade documents, and supporting commodities logistics, preparing them for front desk roles in trading firms, warehouses, or logistics hubs. The course aligns with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and complies with the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Objectives
- Deliver professional customer service and manage client inquiries at a commodities front desk.
- Process and maintain accurate trade documentation, including bills of lading and invoices.
- Understand basic commodities market operations, including key categories and trading processes.
- Use office and commodities software for data entry and client relationship management.
Schedule
The course spans 8 weeks, combining basic training and on-the-job practical training as per ATS guidelines. Each week focuses on specific skills essential for commodities front desk apprentices. Below is the detailed breakdown:
Week 1: Introduction to Commodities and Front Desk Operations
Overview of the commodities trading industry, front desk roles, workplace ethics, and safety protocols under ATS.
Week 2: Customer Service Skills
Techniques for handling client inquiries, resolving complaints, and maintaining professional communication.
Week 3: Trade Documentation
Preparing and processing documents like bills of lading, invoices, and delivery orders for commodities transactions.
Week 4: Introduction to Commodities Markets
Understanding major commodity categories (e.g., agricultural, energy, metals) and basic trading processes.
Week 5: Office Software and Data Entry
Using MS Office (Excel, Word) and commodities software for data entry, record keeping, and reporting.
Week 6: Client Relationship Management
Managing client records, follow-ups, and supporting trade logistics using CRM tools.
Week 7: Compliance and Quality Assurance
Ensuring compliance with trade regulations, verifying document accuracy, and maintaining service standards.
Week 8: Final Project and Assessment
Completion of a comprehensive front desk operations project and preparation for the All India Trade Test (AITT) under NCVT.
Assessment Methods
Apprentice performance is evaluated through a combination of practical, theoretical, and participatory components, preparing them for the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC):
- Weekly Assignments: 40%
- Midterm Project: 20%
- Final Project: 30%
- Participation and Attendance: 10%
Instructor
Prof. Meena Kapoor
Language
Available in: English
Status
Published
Additional Notes
Apprentices must be at least 14 years old and meet the minimum educational qualification (typically 12th grade passed or equivalent, preferably with a commerce or business background, as per trade requirements). The course includes basic training (20-25% of the program) and on-the-job training, with a stipend provided as per NAPS guidelines (e.g., Rs. 7700 per month for one-year ITI trade passed apprentices, as per Gazette notification dated 25th September 2019). Successful completion leads to the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) upon passing the All India Trade Test (AITT), recognized for employment in government and private sectors. The training emphasizes customer service and documentation skills, critical for supporting commodities trading operations, drawing on the importance of understanding commodities markets as highlighted in industry training resources.