London, UK: The British International Freight Association has launched Freight Development Pathway, a programme to identify, attract and train candidates from outside the industry.
The Freight Development Pathway, created in partnership with Manpower, will give participants a three-week employability programme, plus an introductory freight and customs training course, delivered by BIFA trainers.
Carl Hobbis, executive director, British International Freight Association, who heads the association’s training activities, says that the programme is part of a wider initiative to address the recruitment issues that the sector faces.
“Partnering with Manpower, we intend that the Freight Development Pathway will create a pool of talent that has little knowledge or experience of the freight sector and help make the delegates work and industry-ready for BIFA members.”
The programme will be administered by Manpower and will include group sessions, weekly one-to-one meetings, as well as employability training to get each participant ready for interview and eventual employment.
BIFA’s trainers will deliver the additional part of the programme that focuses on some of the key aspects of a career in freight forwarding, such as the buyer/seller relationship; documentation; modes of transport; paying HMRC; and customs valuation.
Jason Greaves, director, Manpower, added: “We’re excited to be partnering with BIFA to introduce the Freight Development Pathway, to encourage candidates to consider the freight sector and support them in achieving their career goals.
“Manpower has a track record of successfully supporting candidates into work through innovative workforce solutions like our MyPath programme, which has trained and upskilled thousands of candidates since its launch in 2021.”
BIFA has already launched a campaign to encourage its members to work with schools to promote careers in logistics, forwarding and the supply chain, and to encourage students to consider them.
The Freight Development Pathway will help promote careers within the freight and logistics sector to individuals who would not consider this career option otherwise, whatever stage of their career they are at.
It will highlight the available roles within the sector, as well as identify the core values and behaviours required when applying for jobs, and provide advice that may encourage participants to broaden their horizons.
