BIFA Awards
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Herbie Cobby after receiving his trophy at the BIFA Awards from Karen Palfreyman
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR
colleague who left the company. He recalled: “Previously, I had been helping a colleague with some of the air export work; taking over the whole lot was a bit daunting – but I have learnt a lot more since he left because I have been thrown in at the deep end!” For his air freight duties, Herbie took a dangerous goods course. He is also now a qualified first aider. “I am focusing on air exports, but eventually I would like to get into out-of-gauge goods. I think it would be a good challenge, moving things that are of abnormal size or out of the ordinary in some way,” he added. New apprentices Herbie has helped induct new apprentices for Seetec and is hoping to have the chance to train up an apprentice himself in the not-too-distant future. He is well aware of the difficulties of attracting young people into freight forwarding, though. “This is an ageing industry and a lot of people who were due to retire in a few years’ time decided not to come back after furlough. There is not much young blood coming through; most people do not ever think about logistics or really know what freight forwarding is.” Herbie highlighted the importance of the Young Forwarder Network (YFN) as a tool to promote careers in logistics. “It is also good for young forwarders to meet people outside our own companies,” he added. “Over the past year I have had the pleasure of helping facilitate YFN events remotely, giving me the chance to interact with some of the great minds in freight. I look forward to future events and hope one day to be involved in the formation of a Yorkshire/Humber region to meet like- minded, local people who are passionate about the industry like myself.” Seetec Outsource Training & Skills is a leading provider of innovative training, education and recruitment. Established in 2009 Seetec Outsource has delivered thousands of successful programmes to a range of small and large organisations nationwide and helped many people into employment. Seetec Outsource provides Apprenticeships and Traineeships on a range of subjects at various levels. In May 2016, Seetec Outsource Training & Skills became part of the Seetec Group. Seetec is one of the leading public and business service providers in the UK and Ireland. Established for over 30 years, Seetec has helped businesses to grow, communities to flourish and people from all walks of life to reach their full potential.
of Seetec Outsource and Matt Dawson
Above and beyond
Herbie Cobby finished his apprenticeship in spring 2020 and has since been a full-time employee at GEODIS. Winning the BIFA Apprentice of the Year Award has cemented his determination to progress in the industry
Like many young people who complete A Levels, Herbie Cobby was uncertain what his next step should be. He felt university might not be for him and tried various jobs after leaving college, but while researching other options he came across the International Freight Forwarding apprenticeship and instantly thought this could be the right choice. “I had been interested in logistics and freight forwarding since studying economics and business at A Level – including modules on logistics, imports, exports and so on,” he said. “I wanted to be in an industry where I could grow and progress so I applied for the International Freight Forwarding apprenticeship with Seetec. “It was my two-year anniversary at GEODIS last week and if someone had told me before I started where I would be now, I would not have believed it,” Herbie went on. “Hull is a hard area for opportunities and when I was applying for jobs I knew I could do easily, but being rejected, I lost confidence in myself. When I was accepted onto the apprenticeship I was buzzing, and I have put a lot of effort into the job.”
Herbie hopes to focus on out-of-gauge goods in the future
That effort has certainly paid off, not only in terms of Herbie’s obvious confidence and enthusiasm, but also of course in the recognition he has won from BIFA – as well as from colleagues and clients who value his willingness to go above and beyond what is asked of him. Herbie started in sea imports and moved over to air exports when he took over the role of a
April 2022
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