Telecoms challenges hamper training providers

Training in Africa is severely hampered by the lack of telecommunications. Megan Harris, marketing consultant for the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, says many enquiries are received from especially West and East Africa and usually from individuals and not companies. “Telecommunications poses a huge challenge as we find that not all potential students have email or internet access, and this restricts our ability to communicate with them.” Combined with the bureaucracy and time delays, training on the continent can be extremely challenging. But, says Harris, the eagerness to learn and secure careers in the industry poses a great opportunity to the ICS. “Africa is a region of great potential growth for us, and we certainly hope to be able to tap into this through dedicated and targeted marketing efforts.” One such effort was recently launched when a new West Africa branch was opened. Headed up by Gary Miller from Lome in Togo, the Institute hopes to attract new students. “Business has been stable over the past few years despite the global recession,” says Harris. “We have forecast a 10% increase in sales during our financial year which ends in May 2010, and are confident this will come to fruition with the dedicated marketing efforts we are undertaking.” As the only internationally recognised professional body representing shipbrokers, ship managers and agents in the world, the ICS has 24 branches in key shipping areas. Harris says while many companies put training budgets on hold due to the financial crisis, they also found that many were using the recession to train and retain staff.