Forwarding, Freight News


BIFA to push the apprenticeship message

[ February 6, 2025   //   ]

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is hosting two online events during National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February).
The first, on 12 February is aimed at anyone that is new to the logistics industry or is currently completing an apprenticeship. The session, titled ‘Ask an ex-apprentice’, will feature five employees from the freight and logistics industry who have all completed an apprenticeship at some point in the last ten years.
They will share their advice and experiences, showcasing some of the opportunities that the industry has given them so far. There will also be a chance for participants to ask them any questions they may have. The following day, BIFA will host a second online event: ‘Navigating the apprenticeship landscape’. This is aimed at employers and will explore some of the standards available in transport and logistics, as well as how a candidate can find non-logistics apprenticeships, and the processes involved in applying.
The session will also look at how employers can use apprenticeship levy funds to enhance the skills of existing staff through management apprenticeships.
BIFA member services director Carl Hobbis, said: “Most of BIFA’s members are small and medium sized enterprises and may be nervous about apprentice recruitment. So, during National Apprenticeship Week, BIFA wants to share its own experience of employing its first two apprentices to help guide and reassure members about the process involved.
“Around 1300 apprentices have already taken the International Freight Forwarding specialist apprenticeship pathway, with great success.
“However, only 146 apprentices have started the specialist apprenticeship during the last 12 months, the lowest number of starts since 2018.
“For the majority of our members, navigating the apprenticeship landscape may seem a minefield. We hope to demonstrate it isn’t, and that using this pathway to attract fresh talent works, as well as showcase the impact they are making.
“It is vital to continue to recruit apprentices and build capacity to start equipping a new generation with the knowledge and skills to face the challenges ahead. We are at an important crossroads, and we must protect the future of the sector, which has an ageing employee dynamic and needs an influx of new blood.”

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