From 1 June, employers of all sizes in England can apply for extra funding to help take on new apprentices, and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) is encouraging its members to take advantage of the increased incentive payments that have become available.
The Handy Shipping Guide reports that BIFA director general Robert Keen welcomed the incentive scheme when it was announced in March during the Budget, and now BIFA is reminding its members that there is £3,000 being made available for each new apprentice hired as a new employee between 1 April and 30 September.
BIFA’s Executive Director, Carl Hobbis, who has management responsibility for BIFA’s training and development services, said: “The increased funding support is a good reason for our members to consider the apprenticeship pathway as a means of adding fresh talent to the industry.”
“Given the much-publicised shortage within the sector of staff with Customs processing knowledge, we are reminding members that whilst there are ten apprenticeship standards in the transport and logistics sector, the International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship is the only one with Customs as a mandatory module.”
Director Keen added that as one of the largest providers of freight forwarding and customs-related training courses, the associations ready to help any of its members that are seeking to take advantage of the additional funding.
“There is also a dedicated area of the BIFA website that can help both employers and potential recruits to better understand apprenticeship opportunities in the freight forwarding industry.”
Hobbis concluded, saying that for SMEs, the apprenticeship programme can cost as little as £450 per apprentice, and includes a BTEC qualification too.
“BIFA is committed to encouraging its members to capitalise on apprenticeship opportunities,” he said.
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