The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is urging its members to embrace apprentice recruitment. With National Apprentice Week around the corner, BIFA is championing its International Freight Forwarding specialist apprenticeship, established in 2018, as an opportune entry point into the industry.
BIFA is seizing the occasion of National Apprenticeship Week to host an online event on February 8th, aimed at assisting members in navigating the perceived complexities surrounding apprentice recruitment. Recognizing that a significant portion of its members are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that might be apprehensive about apprentice recruitment, BIFA aims to share its firsthand experience of employing its initial two apprentices, providing guidance and reassurance regarding the involved processes.
Carl Hobbis, BIFA member services director overseeing the trade association’s training and development program, emphasized, “More than 1,000 apprentices have already started the pathway, with great success. However, the 184 apprentices that have started the International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship during the last 12 months represent a reduction of 27%, year-on-year.”
Hobbis further stressed that while forwarding businesses grapple with challenging commercial decisions, neglecting apprenticeships should not be one of them. The sector stands at a critical juncture, needing an injection of new talent to counterbalance its aging workforce.
For SMEs, BIFA underscores that the training costs associated with the International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship can be as low as £450 per apprentice. Notably, this cost includes a BTEC Customs qualification for the apprentice, enhancing its overall value.
Steve Parker, BIFA Director General, asserts, “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 six years, and the sector continues to be in the spotlight as a result of the current supply chain disruptions. So, what a great time to give someone an opportunity of a career in freight forwarding and logistics.”
