The British International Freight Association (BIFA), the trade association for UK freight forwarding and logistics companies, is launching a new networking group, the BIFA Young Forwarders Network (YFN), aimed at supporting individuals that have recently joined the sector.
The launch will take place on March 6th during the forthcoming 12th National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2019) which will run from March 4 to 8, 2019 in which BIFA has been encouraging its members to participate.
“The timing of the National Apprenticeship Week could not be better and we intend to be actively involved through the networking group. Throughout the week we will be taking to Twitter social media to share useful tips and advice with both employers and employees who are interested in learning more about apprenticeships in the industry,” commented Carl Hobbis, BIFA’s training development manager.
The theme for NAW2019 is ‘Blaze a Trail’. Showcasing the benefits of apprenticeships to local communities, employers, individuals and the economy.
Hobbis added: “The idea of the YFN is to create several regional networking groups, run by young forwarders and designed to help early talent and young BIFA members develop their knowledge and professional skills, but in a more social environment.
“Initially, we will start with regional groups at London Heathrow; as well as in the North West; the Midlands; Anglia and the South East – with more regions to follow. The events will give YFN members the opportunity to network with their peers and learn from industry professionals, at the same time, boosting their continuous professional development.
“Each networking group will have a chairperson and vice-chairperson, and we will create a local organising committee, governed by at least two regional employers, as well as a BIFA representative.
“So far, every employer I’ve asked to get involved has been very supportive and extremely positive about its concept, the more that get involved the better.”
BIFA says that all apprentices participating in the International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship scheme will automatically be invited to join – everyone is welcome. Membership of the YFN will count towards the 20 percent off-the-job learning that apprentices must complete and membership is free.
The YFN has been created to help improve the promotion of the sector, make it more attractive to younger people and provide forums for them to learn, according to BIFA.
