Freight Development Pathway sees first success

The British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) training initiative to bring more talent into the logistics industry has achieved its first success milestone.

Freight forwarder KTL (Europe) Ltd has become the first company to employ a candidate that has completed the Freight Development Pathway (FDP), a programme launched at the end of last year by BIFA in partnership with recruitment agency Manpower UK.

Louie Turner, who has been employed as trainee customs operator within KTL (Europe) Ltd’s customs department, said: “The FDP was a perfect fit for me. The group sessions were informative, and the individual learning, which could be done in my own time, suited me.

“In my new role, I am already witnessing some of the freight industry terminology I learned during the introductory freight and customs training course, delivered by BIFA’s team of qualified trainers.”

Mat Beecham, operations manager, Manpower Freight Development Pathway, added: “It’s fantastic that Louie has become the first candidate of the FDP to secure employment in the freight industry.

“We got involved in this programme to help alleviate the talent shortage and support more people into work; in many ways, Louie is a perfect example of why BIFA and Manpower set up this new initiative.  It is also really pleasing to hear how KTL (Europe) Ltd has also embraced the FDP as a route to secure new entry-level talent.”

Carl Hobbis, one of BIFA’s executive directors, who also heads the trade association’s training activities, said: “It’s very satisfying when a plan comes together and starts to deliver positive outcomes.

“Louie’s appointment is a significant milestone in the FDP concept, and we are confident that it is the first of many appointments made by BIFA members that decide to take advantage of the programme.”

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