Fiata diploma available via e-learning

The reintroduction of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (Fiata) Diploma in South Africa is set to enhance the country’s status globally, says Charles Dey, director of e-training specialists Global Trade Training. Available as an e-learning course from January 2009, the Fiata Diploma takes about three and a half years to complete, says Dey. “The course is cost-effective, easy to manage, and learnershipbased, while meeting the industry’s needs,” says Dey. “We have found that because the course is internationally recognised, learners persevere more with their studies and the completion rate is very high. “Having diploma holders on the workforce has proved to be a marketing tool for organisations – it shows their commitment to professional standards” said Dey. “Freight forwarding is an international profession and employing people who are recognised globally is extremely beneficial not only to the individual organisation but the industry as a whole. Having this qualificati on available to South Africans will benefit the country’s position globally.” It also enables the South African freight forwarding industry to fully utilise the Teta (Transport Education and Training Association) funding infrastructure, he added. “South Africa was one of the first countries ever to have applied for the Fiata Diploma in 1996 and until 2000 we saw 62 people qualify. It was then dropped when learnerships were introduced, but with the extensive overhaul of the industry’s standards and qualifications structure last year, the opportunity arose to reintroduce the diploma,” said Dey, who was one of the subject matter consultants during the overhaul process.