Saaff and Fiata map out a way forward

The SA Association of Freight Forwarders has simplified the list of minimum requirements for agents keen to complete the Fiata training programme. “This follows an immensely productive workshop hosted in Johannesburg by Saaff National , which involved an in depth, far ranging dialogue between Thomas Sim, chairman Fiata Advisory Body Vocational Training, regional Saaff representatives, representatives of Saaff member companies and service providers,” Saaff’s Tony d’Almeida told FTW. “The main objectives were to establish the connectivity of the minimum criteria of the Fiata Diploma, our own NQF level 3 and 4 Learnership Qualifications and the assessment methods required by Fiata to establish competency against these minimum requirements,” he said. The following guidelines will apply for agents planning to register for the Fiata diploma: • A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the different departments of a freight forwarding and customs (international logistics) operation • Successful completion of the NQF 3 and 4 Qualifications which may be achieved via formal Teta Learnership programmes, skills programmes or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) against the relevant qualifications. When a competent learner is identified by a service provider or employer, he/she can be nominated for the Fiata diploma to Saaff. The process after that is simple. Saaff will check out the application, outline the cost of the application and certification, and assess the learner using appropriate tools. “We have mapped out a way forward,” D’Almeida said. “This will enable Saaff and its constituent providers to work together in aligning training to the evolving requirements of both Fiata and the SA vocational skills strategies.” Further information is available from D’Almeida who looks after Saaff’s education portfolio.