BIFAlink


Young Forwarder Network


www.bifa.org


Young Forwarder Network – Why wouldn’t you support it?


The Young Forwarder Network (YFN) is up and running, but there is a still a lot of work to do. Here we ask its founder, Carl Hobbis, the BIFA training development manager, five questions


How have the launch events gone? As previously reported in BIFAlink, the four initial launches have been very successful with over 200 people in attendance. All in all, the information we have provided at these has been received very positively – a fresh approach from BIFA.


There must have been lots of questions from Members? Yes, and I would expect that. But like I say, those that have attended like the idea and can see the benefit that YFN events will bring to their staff development and their businesses. For example, YFN participants are getting


advance notice of BIFA organised events. So far, we have organised four behind-the-scenes tours that have quickly been filled, so non-participants are missing out. We have plenty of others planned and have just advertised our first soft- skills event. In addition, all apprentices are getting 20%


off BIFA training; this has been in effect from the start of the year. All the regions are planning careers events for


spring 2020. Getting involved will help businesses promote themselves and provide them with access to an instant pool of talent. Some members have said that this is fantastic, even worth paying for, a no-brainer commercially. All YFN events are free to BIFA Members.


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…and questions from the young people? At the launch events we have asked the young people to tell us what they want and what would motivate them to attend. We have this feedback, and the local organising committees are now planning event calendars around this. Less formal events, easily accessible venues,


engaging speakers, involvement, no PowerPoint, starting mid-late afternoon, are the common themes. Hopefully, the later start times will not impact on the day-to-day business and will encourage more attendance.


So, what do you need from BIFA Members? Two things. One, to actively encourage and support attendance at YFN events and to think of the benefits to the individual, their business and the industry. The second, is that we need Members to actively support it in the form of patronage, connecting us with engaging speakers, sponsorship, providing facilities for meetings, etc. We have had some great support so far, especially from the governors. If every Member did one thing in a year, every year, can you imagine what that would do for not only the YFN, but the industry as a whole.


Could you, elaborate on that final comment more? I have been in the industry over 30 years and yes, I fell into it. But I hear all the time the same thing and also that no one knows about the industry. I am getting bored of hearing it. But how many go and talk about it at local schools, colleges, community groups? Not many, I know that. We are not the only industry that young


people do not know about either, but we need to help ourselves as well. We need more leaders willing to talk and give a little of their time. So, make a pledge to yourself and build it into your business plan and annual calendar. The young people joining in the YFN activity will help, but they need broad industry support as well. Yes, companies want a return on investment


of time, but I am convinced you will get it by supporting this initiative and its activities.


For more information about the Young Forwarder Network you can visit our website: www.bifa.org/membership. You can contact Carl about supporting it via email at: c.hobbis@bifa.org


July 2019


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