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Jay Williams:


“We need to get more young


people involved in logistics – we are the next generation.”


Potential to excel


When Jay Williams began his career in freight forwarding he was shy and had a lot to learn. However, he has a great deal to offer – as demonstrated by his reaching the final shortlist of BIFA’s Apprentice of the Year Award


Jay Williams started his International Trade and Logistics Apprenticeship with Kuehne + Nagel in 2017 out of a desire to enter the world of work and learn on the job rather than attend university. He remembered: “I went into freight


forwarding because several members of my family are in the business – although when I started, my knowledge of the industry was zero. “There was a lot to take in. Every day you


learn something new; you can never know everything about logistics, and that is what keeps you on your toes and interested in the job,” he considered. Initially, Jay was quiet and reserved, keeping himself to himself. But he has certainly gained in confidence since then. “As a customer care specialist, you have to take yourself out of your comfort zone, especially when you are the bearer of bad news for your customer,” he pointed out. “If there are delays, for instance, as the middle man we have


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to take the brunt of that and stay positive. “This was a challenge at first but it has become easier for me as time has gone on. As you build up experience and contacts, you become more able to prevent difficult situations before they happen, and you start to take on more responsibility.”


Training new employees One example of that increase in responsibility is Jay’s involvement in training new employees, who may have knowledge of the industry from previous roles but who need to learn the particular systems and processes in place at Kuehne + Nagel. Agreeing that in passing on knowledge to others he has discovered just how much he himself has learnt, Jay said: “I really enjoy training people so this is a possibility for the future – but I will wait and see what comes up. Within this industry, and even within this company, there are so many opportunities.”


He highlighted the BTEC workshops that BIFA runs, which provide an opportunity to learn more about the whole freight forwarding industry. “They give you an understanding of what everyone else in the supply chain does, and really open your eyes to that.” Jay is also part of BIFA’s Young Forwarder Network and is well aware of the industry’s lack of new blood. As such: “We need to get more young people


involved in logistics – we are the next generation. I find it such a shame that most young people never consider freight forwarding as a career simply because they are not aware of it. To do my bit, I actively talk to my friends and networks outside of work about my career and try to spread the word about the opportunities. An apprenticeship is a great way to get involved in learning and get paid if university is not for you,” he said. Jay is rightly proud of having been shortlisted for the BIFA Apprentice of the Year Award and was also nominated for one of Kuehne + Nagel’s National Employee Recognition Awards this year. He certainly has the potential to excel in


freight forwarding. Described as likeable and confident, he is often the first port of call when a query arises among colleagues. Indeed: “I have had offers from other departments asking me to join their team once I have finished this apprenticeship. For now, I want to be the best I can be in my current role as an import operator,” he said.


August 2019


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