New training standard meets needs of forwarding industry

Alan Peat THE FORWARDING and clearing chamber of the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) has developed the National Certificate in Freight Forwarding on NQF level 3. This, according to TETA chief executive officer Dr Piet Bothma, is the first “learnership” tailored to the specific needs of the industry, and is designed to equip current employees and new recruits with a grounding that includes technical, business and computer skills. “It has been initiated to address the severe skills shortages across the economy and offers tremendous benefits to both learners and employers. “This by enhancing skills levels and productivity, increasing learner confidence and providing a highly regarded qualification that is portable - recognised across the sector - and ensuring mobility among industries and jobs.” The chamber’s pilot project involves 37 learners in Gauteng - 14 employed and 23 unemployed - who have been identified as having the requisite base knowledge and potential, Bothma told FTW. “Eleven companies are implementing the pilot project,” he added, “Kuehne and Nagel, Fritz Aups Co, Bax Global, Safcor Panalpina, ZA Trans, Ršhlig Grindrod, Expeditors, Freitan, Summit Transport, Mitsui OSK Lines and UTI.” The learnership is an 18-month course.