Next week is National Apprenticeship Week (10th – 16th February), and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) is hosting two online events to remind its members that apprenticeships can provide an ideal entry point for attracting fresh talent into the industry.
The first, on February 12th, 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 be sharing their advice, their apprenticeship experiences, and showcasing some of the opportunities that the industry has given them so far.
Between them, they have completed a range of different apprenticeship standards, so will be able to deliver varied insight into the world of apprenticeships.
There will also be a chance for participants to ask them any questions they may have about the apprenticeship pathway and what they may have done differently, knowing what they know now.
The following day, BIFA will host a second online event entitled ‘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 upskill existing staff using management apprenticeships.
BIFA member services director Carl Hobbis, who has responsibility for the trade association’s training and development programme said: “Most of BIFA’s members are SMEs 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.”
BIFA director general, Steve Parker concludes: “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 eight 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.”
