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Young Forwarder Network


Young Forwarder Network – What’s it all about?


In March 2019, BIFA set-up a new network for early talent and those new to the industry. Here, Carl Hobbis, the association’s training development manager, tells us more about it.


Why did you set up the Young Forwarder Network (YFN)? We saw the first apprentices start the International Freight Forwarding Standard in September 2018 and I had been discussing the idea of a dedicated network for the younger generation within the sector with employers, apprentice training providers and course delegates. All thought it was a good idea. Whilst a networking group is hardly new, it


was a simple way to start as I felt that young people did not have access to a group to which they might want to belong. They are the future of the industry, after all. Also, a fresh perspective was needed; some events are a bit stale and too many speakers just roll-out an adapted corporate PowerPoint. Which, to be frank, is not very engaging most of the time.


What are the YFN’s main objectives? The main aims are to… 1.Organise exclusive visits to places of industry interest.


2.Once per quarter in each region, hold professional development ‘socials’ where we have guest industry speakers in a relaxed, informal environment.


3. Support the personal network development of YFN participants.


4. Boost their industry knowledge. 5. Engage with the local community to promote the logistics industry and forwarding sector to the next generation.


How is it going, six months on? “Initially, we have held launch events in five regions (Heathrow, the South East, Anglia, the North West and in the Midlands) and have had over 250 people in attendance. All-in-all, the


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initiative has been received very positively and we plan to add more regional groups. “At the launch events, we asked the young


people what they were expecting from their group, as we are really keen for them to want to come to the events. No one wants to be told to go somewhere, or be forced to. Since the


launch, we have held 17 events, with the majority being fully booked, we get the odd no- show, but the percentage is very low. “Less formal events”, “easily accessible


venues”, “engaging speakers”, “no PowerPoint”, “starting mid-late afternoon” are the common responses.


February 2020


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