BIFA launches innovative eLearning platform BIFA Bitesize for freight professionals
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has recently launched an innovative addition to its training offerings: BIFA Bitesize, a comprehensive suite of eLearning courses aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge in the field of freight forwarding, customs compliance, and international trade. This initiative comes at no additional cost to full trading members, as it is included within their membership fees.
The new eLearning platform reflects BIFA's ongoing dedication to supporting its members through varied training options. The initial content of BIFA Bitesize draws from existing essential courses, specifically targeting key areas relevant for professionals in the logistics and freight sectors. Topics covered in the first offering include Preparing to Trade, Incoterms 2020, Inward and Outward Processing, Customs Warehousing, Classification, Returned Goods Relief, Paying HMRC, and Procedure Codes.
In a significant development for compliance training, BIFA has announced that a new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) Compliance course will be incorporated into the platform soon. This initial mandatory module will focus on import home-use declarations and highlight the implications of compliance errors. Future modules are anticipated to address a wider array of customs regimes, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential compliance matters.
BIFA's Member Services Director, Carl Hobbis, highlighted the transformative nature of this training initiative, stating, “We believe the inclusion of this eLearning platform as part of the standard membership subscription of full members is a game-changing move for a trade association in the sector." He further noted that accessibility to this platform is facilitated through the BIFA member portal, where detailed navigation instructions are available for members interested in utilising the courses.
With no restrictions on the number of learners from each member organisation, BIFA Bitesize promises to offer high-quality, flexible training that is open to all staff members, regardless of their experience level. The objective is clear: to support both newcomers and seasoned professionals as they adapt to the continually evolving landscape of international trade and customs regulations.
Steve Parker, Director General of BIFA, reiterated the association's commitment to delivering exceptional value to its members through diverse training solutions. "With BIFA Bitesize, we believe we are setting a new benchmark in freight and logistics training," he remarked. Parker expressed enthusiasm for the new service, noting that it plays a vital role in supporting the professional development of members, which is a core aspect of BIFA’s service offerings.
In addition to the eLearning options available, BIFA continues to provide traditional forms of education, including BTEC qualifications and various trainer-led courses, catering to those who prefer more formal, accredited learning experiences. This blend of training modalities reflects BIFA's recognition of the diverse needs of its members and commitment to enhancing their professional capabilities.
BIFA Bitesize is expected to serve as a pivotal resource, allowing trade association members to stay at the forefront of industry knowledge, ultimately enhancing their operational efficiencies and compliance standards in an increasingly complex market.