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Think what an apprentice could do for your business, says BIFA

[ February 9, 2023   //   ]

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has repeated its call for freight forwarding and logistics companies to consider recruiting apprentices.
With National Apprenticeship Week 2023 underway, BIFA executive director responsible for training and development, Carl Hobbis said: “It is vital to continue to recruit freight forwarding apprentices and build capacity to start equipping a new generation with the knowledge and skills to face the challenges ahead in the post Brexit and post Covid-19 world.
“We are at an important crossroads and we must protect the future of the sector as we meet the changing supply chain management demands that have resulted from the pandemic and the UK’s exit from the EU.”
He says that the International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship, which BIFA helped create in 2018, is an ideal entry point for the industry with around over 800 apprentices already having taken the pathway, with great success.
Earlier this week apprenticeship training provider, Seetec Outsource, with which BIFA works closely, released a magazine-style video, featuring the International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship, BIFA Apprentice of the Year Award winner Thomas Low, BIFA member company Good Logistics Group, as well as Carl Hobbis. In it, the National Careers Service addressed and corrected a number of myths around apprentices and apprenticeships.
BIFA recently recruited Brooke Neilson as its first apprentice. Brooke, who is studying to complete the PR and Communications apprenticeship standard is making excellent progress and already adding value and supporting the future direction of BIFA’s member communications.
Hobbis concludes: “For SMEs, the training costs of the International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship can be as little as £450 per apprentice.  It includes a BTEC customs qualification for the apprentice as well, which makes it great value.
“Now, more than ever, we need to promote the industry and give young people employment opportunities. We have had an apprenticeship standard for international freight forwarding for five years and the sector has been in the news more than ever, so what a great time to encourage someone to consider a career in forwarding.”
Seetec cited a number of people who have made a successful career in the freight industry. They include Cameron Smith, 21, who completed his International Freight Forwarding apprenticeship at Ligentia, and has now landed a permanent role as a multi modal operator.

Joseph Freestone, also 21, has taken on two apprenticeships to help his career prospects. 

He initially completed an International Freight Forwarding apprenticeship at supply chain specialist Woodland Group. 

His success led him to taking the role of Customs Entry Clerk, but he wanted to continue to develop his skills with a view to securing a management role in the future. 

Now, alongside his current role, he is also completing a Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeship, supported by Seetec Outsource. 

Wei Jia, 41, was previously a client of Woodland Group when she would import goods from China to sell in the UK.

She has proved age is no barrier by completing her apprenticeship in her 40s, while looking after her two children.

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