BIFA News
Apprenticeship Trailblazer group seeks participants
It is eight years since a BIFA- led Trailblazer group got together and crafted the content of the now well- established International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship standard. Now, we want to create a new Trailblazer group and decide what is next on the skills landscape. We are looking for Members to get involved. Initially, we are interested to hear from HR, talent, learning and development, end-point assessors and training providers
to kick-off the first meeting. Carl Hobbis, Member Services Director, explained: “Since the Trailblazer group was formed back in 2016, many participants have moved in different directions, so it is essential that we refresh the group. “A new group will show initiative and give us fantastic opportunities to discuss ways of encouraging fresh talent into the industry, as well as stimulating a discussion on the skills agenda within logistics. “We need a mix of
organisations of all sizes, and rules stipulate that a certain percentage of participants should be from companies employing fewer than 50 staff. “I don’t see this being much work, possibly the odd Zoom/Teams meeting every quarter and being part of the group is a good way of giving back to the industry.” To register your interest in joining the group, get in touch with Carl Hobbis at c.hobbis@bifa.org
Apprentice success for Shelby
Just over 18 months ago, in May 2023, Shelby Merchant joined the Secretariat at BIFA as Events Assistant apprentice working alongside Sharon Hammond and Denise Hill in bringing the ever- expanding portfolio of events to BIFA Members in all regions of the UK. Soon after joining the team, Shelby was enrolled on the event assistant apprenticeship programme and in early December 2024 she successfully completed her end-point-assessment (EPA), presenting a case study on the behind-the- scenes work that is carried out to bring events such as the BIFA Business Leaders Forum to Members. Sharon Hammond, BIFA Events Executive, said: “Shelby has become an integral member of the team here at the Secretariat, working on the full range of BIFA events, but in particular the multiple regional member meetings that take place every quarter in venues around the country. She has worked hard over the course of her apprenticeship and fully deserves the success that she has achieved.”
UKACC 2000 raises record charity total
BIFA Air Policy Advisor, David Stroud continued his tenure as chair of the UK Air Cargo Club (UKACC 2000 Ltd) with a hugely successful Christmas luncheon that took place last month at the Castle Hotel, Windsor. Over 260 attendees from airlines, handling agents and freight forwarders came together to celebrate the season and to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer’s UK.
A UKACC Christmas lunch record total of £4,205 was raised by the event that will contribute to the ongoing research, education and support services provided by Alzheimer’s UK to sufferers of the range of dementia illnesses, and their families. Opening the event by asking for a show of hands from those who have a family member or friend affected by dementia, David demonstrated that few
people are untouched by this debilitating and progressive disease. Thank you to everyone that came along to the Christmas lunch and donated with such generosity. If you were unable to make it and would still like to make a donation,
please scan the QR code.
6 | January 2025
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