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An eagerness to learn Sharing experience


An adventurous approach to life, and a commitment to learning, despite the challenges of COVID-19, helped Ryan Wilkes win BIFA’s Apprentice of the Year Award – and he is not


stopping there


Ryan Wilkes’ exploration of the logistics industry goes back to his childhood, when his father’s career required the family to move home numerous times. Recalling a move to Australia, in particular, he


said: “Seeing my house being moved in and out of containers, I wanted to understand how things get from A to B.” Later, a business BTEC that included modules


on logistics and supply chain management confirmed Ryan’s interest in the sector, and opened his eyes to the possibilities in terms of a career in freight. He saw potential there to satisfy his desire to


work in a fast-paced environment, with opportunities to see the world.


Learning opportunities The hands-on nature of an apprenticeship, meanwhile, suited him well. “I learn best from experienced professionals... and I feel that I have learned a lot from being directly involved in the team’s tender work,” he said. “The bid coordinator apprenticeship at


Kuehne+Nagel (KN) has been an exciting move and it has been successful in spite of COVID-19 and having to work from home,” Ryan added. “I was fortunate to have a year or so in the office to learn and build skills. In the last 12 months, I have adapted to new ways of working, and learnt to use new tools such as webinars and virtual workplace software.” With support from his colleagues and mentors


throughout the pandemic, including a three- month furlough period, the situation has not affected Ryan’s ability to learn. “It is all about attitude and being able to


adapt to change,” he said. Adaptability is perhaps more important


nowadays than ever in light of the changes affecting the way the supply chain works. “With the reduction of the high street, the logistics industry is becoming more demanding


12


Ryan speaking as vice chair of the BIFA Young Forwarder Network’s local organising committee in the North West


APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR


Seetec Outsource Training & Skills is a leading provider of innovative training, education and recruitment. Established in 2009, Seetec Outsource has delivered thousands of successful programmes to a range of small and large organisations nationwide and helped many people into employment. Seetec Outsource provides apprenticeships and traineeships on a range of subjects at various levels.


in terms of warehouse requirements, deliveries and in the last year or so, in terms of the way companies respond to the pandemic,” Ryan commented. Ryan’s end-point assessment was set to take


place during the first quarter of 2021. In February, he was already starting a new


six-month course with KN. The Freight Forwarding Certification Programme is an all- round course that will cement his knowledge of logistics, Ryan explained. Once he completes that programme, another


apprenticeship is on the horizon – this time the Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship with the Association for Project Management (APM). “The APM apprenticeship is an opportunity to


gain a further qualification as a permanent member of staff,” Ryan said. “It is nice to know that KN still wants to develop me. There are lots of opportunities to develop, right up to Masters level/Level 8, with KN.” Ryan is keen to stay with the company. He


clearly sees a future for himself with KN and is open to other roles beyond the bid team or sales department. Given his experience of travelling and living in various countries, as well as his love of adventurous pursuits such as hiking, it comes as no surprise that he would also be interested in working overseas.


April 2021


Ryan spoke about his career at West


Lancashire College,


where he had studied


previously


Ryan is on the BIFA Young Forwarder Network local organising committee in the North West and the virtual organising committee. He has hosted both face-to- face and virtual events. However, he said: “Public speaking does


not come naturally to me – I had to develop the confidence to do it. But I am passionate about promoting the industry, speaking to people who are in the position that I was a few years ago and showing them what opportunities are available.” Besides his YFN work, Ryan has spoken


about his career path to students at his former college and is scheduled to speak on a panel about the importance of building a personal network at Multimodal 2021, which is currently slated to take place at Birmingham’s NEC in October.


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