Young Forwarder Network
The BIFA Young Forwarder Network (YFN) has been running now for four years and has held over 100 events. But with young people constantly joining the industry, we thought we would ask a few people who have been involved in this initiative to explain the bene fi ts it provides to participants and Members Boost your people’s knowledge with the Young Forwarder Network
– Carl Hobbis, BIFA
What is the Young Forwarder Network? The YFN offers participants a platform for individuals, employed by BIFA Members, to enhance their knowledge by providing events that support their professional development at which they can hear and benefit from the experience of industry professionals in different areas of logistics. The YFN also organises exclusive behind-the-scenes visits to places of industry interest, such as port tours. The network is also committed to promoting the logistics and forwarding sector as an exciting career choice and BIFA Members are encouraged and supported to inspire the next generation within their local communities.
How much do the events cost to attend? Nothing. BIFA kindly funds these events, provided you are an
“ The YFN has helped us as employers to attract and retain young people to our industry. It’s then gone on to support their career development and under- standing... – Chris Packwood (pictured),
employee of a BIFA Member. It is super generous and enables us to put on events at decent venues – and as a chair of a region, I really appreciate the support. – Georgia Gibson, Cargo Partner, Northwest YFN chair How often do events take place?
Regular events are hosted in each of our five main regions (Heathrow, Northwest, London East, Anglia, and the Midlands) which are then complemented by port tours and visits to other places of significant industry interest. We also run monthly virtual sessions hosted by an industry guest speaker, so no matter where you are based, you can always come along and benefit from these valuable learning opportunities. – Sharon Hammond, BIFA Events What’s in it from an employer’s perspective? I feel it builds confidence by encouraging ‘in-person’ networking. It is only a couple of hours per quarter and is usually set in interesting places. It is important that this job does not just tie people to their desks in the office or
employer governor
12 | September 2023
www.bifa.org
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