The British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) Young Forwarders Network (YFN) is celebrating a very successful first year of operations.
The YFN was launched in March 2019 to create several regional networking groups, run by young forwarders and designed to help early talent and young BIFA members develop their knowledge and professional skills, but in a more social environment.
One year on, six regional networks have already been established with more in the pipeline, and more than 20 networking events have been held, with many more scheduled for the remainder of the year.
Carl Hobbis, BIFA’s training development manager reports that over 400 young individuals have attended the networking events that have been run to date, which gives a clear demonstration of their perceived value by the younger generation in the freight forwarding and logistics sector
“Each event they attend – whether that is a tour or a talk from an industry professional – they return to the workplace with more knowledge,” Hobbis says.
“When the YFN was launched, we said we thought it would prove to be a major step forward for the industry in developing its future freight forwarding ambassadors and leaders.
“The young people who are joining the various regional groups are improving their knowledge of the sector, trends within it, as well as building their skill sets and learning from others.”
The next Heathrow networking event with take place in Staines on March 24, 2020, will focus on technology in the supply chain, with attendees receiving a presentation from Waldo Remijn, director process & technology excellence, OIA Global.
Remijn, who is actively involved in customer digital supply chain engineering, will give his thoughts on how technological developments are likely to affect logistics and supply chains in the future.
Hobbis concludes: “Each networking group has a chairperson and a local organising committee, governed by at least two regional employers, as well as a BIFA representative.
“Less than one year since it was created, the YFN is really helping improve the promotion of the sector, making it more attractive to younger people and providing forums for them to learn. “We now need more employers to take heed of this opportunity by encouraging attendance at YFN events; sponsoring them, and making greater efforts to promote the freight forwarding and logistics sector in their locality.”
