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Training


Organising training and development in lockdown


BIFA has started online training tailored for Members, after the lockdown brought the highly successful regular training programme to a halt. Online courses for apprentices have also been organised


BIFA has been working on changes to the presentation of training and development in order to meet the restrictions and social distancing measures imposed by the Covid-19 lockdown. These developments will allow staff training to continue to ensure that Members are well placed to respond to client needs as soon as the country begins to return to normal.


New ‘remote’ training courses now available Replication of face-to-face sessions is now delivered by our trainers using Zoom. We are pleased to announce that we have added a new style of training to our offering for Members utilising the web-based video conferencing tool Zoom. Initially, we have 18 freight and customs topics


spread over nine modules; we will add more subjects to enable us to replicate our whole course range – all be it remotely – in due course. All the sessions will be hosted by one of our experienced trainers. Carl Hobbis, training development manager,


added: “Once lockdown measures started, BIFA’s face-to-face training, which has received really positive feedback for its interactive nature, came to an almighty halt. The question for us, was: How could BIFA replicate that online? “We were lucky in that as much as we would


have liked to, we did not need to have it ready the next day – there were more pressing issues for our Members – so it was more about getting it right and adapting our materials for web-based delivery. “All the topics are short sessions, not


designed to be delivered in one day, so they are very adaptable which we think is more suitable for business. We could also tailor a package


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specifically for Members, combining the different modules. Hobbis concluded: “We see these courses


being a permanent part of our training calendar from now on. One of the positives from COVID- 19 is how people have embraced web-based solutions due to remote working, so I do feel that people will think twice about travelling for meetings and training in the future. “You cannot beat a live face-to-face session


with a trainer, but this hybrid solution is much better than eLearning or a webinar.” For more information about the courses and


the modules visit: www.bifa.org/training, or contact Carl Hobbis if you would like to discuss a bespoke course.


First apprentices go through End Point Assessment (EPA) In the weeks leading up to lockdown, we saw the first International Freight Forwarding apprentices go through the End Point Assessment (EPA) – thus completing their apprenticeship. There were also many apprentices scheduled


to attend our Customs BTEC courses, which take place towards the end of their apprenticeship programme. Carl Hobbis, training development manager,


commented: “BIFA was especially concerned that those nearing the end of their 18 months may feel anxious that they may not be able to complete due to the training being postponed. “So, one thing we were able to offer


immediately was our Customs eLearning course and let them do it free-of-charge, enabling the


apprentices who fell into this category to keep their momentum up. They will complete the BTEC when things are back to normal, whatever normal is. “The government has introduced new


flexibilities to make it easier for EPAs to take place during the Covid-19 outbreak, which include remote assessment in areas previously assessed through face-to-face contact, which is great news,” he concluded.


‘Virtual’ Young Forwarder Network Just after celebrating its first birthday at the beginning of March, the Young Forwarder Network (YFN) was another programme that came to a grinding halt. Carl Hobbis added: “Initially, we were


obviously mindful that businesses – including ourselves – have had many new challenges due to Covid-19 and more pressing priorities. “However, we know the young people see the


value in the YFN, so we liaised with a number of local committee members recently and discussed how we can keep up the momentum. It was unanimous that we should keep it going – but virtually. We hope to arrange web-based quizzes, guest interviews, training masterclasses and Q&A sessions, etc. “Even though we cannot actually physically


meet up socially, good communication is paramount in times of difficulty and via the virtual version we will see regional Members integrate with one another, which is something YFN participants always said they would like to do more of.”


June 2020


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