Industry Promotion
BIFAlink
www.bifa.org
THOMAS LOW, OIA GLOBAL
SARAH COATES Learning and Development Advisor, Good Logistics Group
Apprenticeships in the spotlight
as Apprentice of the Year, Thomas Low of OIA Global discussed his personal experience of the Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship. Having been made redundant from his position in catering procurement as a result of the COVID- 19 pandemic, Thomas was looking for a new challenge and took up a position with OIA Global during 2020. There he found a passion for logistics and progressed quickly through his apprenticeship to become a valued member of the OIA Global team. Thomas was already a member of the BIFA Young Forwarder Network and it was his networking connections that got him his fresh start at OIA Global. Never under-estimate the power of networking. An employer’s perspective Sarah Coates, learning and development advisor for the Good Logistics Group, gave an employer’s perspective explaining that the company uses apprenticeships to bring in talented young people and to upskill existing employees. Good Logistics offers apprenticeship opportunities for personnel in operational freight forwarding positions and across the business in areas such as accounts, sales, customer service and warehouse operations.
Apprenticeship training provider Seetec Pluss (www.seetecpluss.co.uk) has released a video to counter misinformation about apprenticeships. It also highlights the experience of some of those involved in the scheme
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) took place from 6-12 February when apprenticeship training provider Seetec Pluss released an informative magazine-style video, produced by CHAOS TV. It featured the Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship, BIFA Apprentice of the Year Award winner Thomas Low, BIFA Member company Good Logistics Group and BIFA executive director Carl Hobbis. Myth-busting Following an introduction on apprenticeships, there was a discussion with the National Careers Service (nationalcareeersservice.gov.uk) seeking to bust a number of myths around apprentices and apprenticeships.
someone has gone through a structured programme and completed a rigorous end- point assessment. Apprenticeships have a lot of credibility. • Myth – Apprenticeships do not offer great qualifications – Apprenticeships offer valuable qualifications at many levels, suitable for school leavers and those seeking degree- level recognition. In fact, in transport and logistics there are a range of apprenticeships from levels two and three to degree level. • Myth – Employers pay peanuts to apprentices – The apprenticeship market is highly competitive and apprentices can expect a decent remuneration package while gaining a valuable qualification. In the last few years, the bar has been raised in logistics, which can only be good when trying to attract quality individuals. • Myth – Companies do not recruit apprentices – Companies of all sizes and in all sectors are offering apprenticeships and competition for vacancies is fierce. In addition, companies recognise the value of an individual who has completed an apprenticeship. As an SME employing an apprentice, BIFA can attest that it is a lot easier and more cost effective to recruit an apprentice than many believe. Do not be put off by the red tape. BIFA Apprentice of the Year Fresh from his success at the BIFA Freight Service Awards 2022 where he was announced
‘Go for it’ When asked about the importance of
• Myth – Apprenticeships are only for young people – Not true, there is no upper age-limit for individuals embarking on an apprenticeship. However, 75% of people that have completed the International Freight Forwarding standard are under the age of 24. • Myth – Apprenticeships have no value for your career prospects – The truth is that apprenticeship qualifications are recognised by potential employers as a mark of commitment and excellence. It shows
apprenticeships to the industry, Carl Hobbis, BIFA executive director responded: “Absolutely vital. Young people bring a fresh dynamic to any business, they bring youthful thought and can bring a lot to the more experienced people in the
industry as well. I would say to any business and SME, just go for it.”
To view the full video scan the QR code or visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IN_m500Voc
March 2023
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