Founded in 2014, the FIATA Logistics Academy (FLA) arose from the hearts and minds of some truly dedicated people at FIATA, including Chairman Issa Baluch.
     FLA is unique in the world, offering the global logistics marketplace an array of online courses aimed at developing and enhancing the transportation arts, which in 2016 continue to expand and develop at a frenetic pace. FLA offers education online to the masses at little or no cost.
     Here, Mr. Baluch, who continues his stewardship in this groundbreaking initiative explains:
     “The FIATA Logistics Academy (FLA) is where FIATA’s vision to provide its membership and the logistics sector at large with ‘One Knowledge Source for Global Logistics’ lives.
     “FLA continues going strong and growing in 2016 with the goal of taking center stage in FIATA’s ambition for a stronger, education-based logistics industry worldwide,” Issa said.

A Better Idea

      “FLA has come a long way, having begun just a few years ago in 2014,” Mr. Baluch said.
     “In addition to the many online courses offered, FLA’s reach continues to expand with our Talent Connect offering a real-time marketplace for internship programs worldwide as we prepare the next generation of logistics executives.
     “The FIATA commitment goes even furthers as a dozen or more of our membership are also serving as FLA mentors. The best and brightest, they have come forward from several countries to bridge developments of FLA.
     “And just as new programs continue to be unveiled, new mentors from across the globe continue to be admitted into the FIATA FLA program.

Only Just Begun

     “The truth is,” Mr. Baluch declared, “we have just begun on our journey—so whether you have potential for an air cargo or logistics career, or are just wondering how far you might advance in the logistics industry, come and be a part of FLA as a student, mentor, or extension,” Issa Baluch said.
     “FLA strives to be an internationally grounded, sustainable, and professionally world recognized resource for the development of individuals who will add value to the management of supply chains.”

On The Road Again

      “In the last year, FLA has been on the road and we have visited several countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe,” Issa said.
     “It is part of the essence of the FLA’s philosophy to come close to real people, hear about their concerns regarding career progress and education, and provide ideas, opportunities, and solutions.”
     The road shows were conducted at locations across Africa and also the Middle East.
     “We travelled to the UAE, Ethiopia, and Kenya. I conducted FLA road shows in all these countries.
     “In Dubai we hosted 220 participants from practitioners and young leaders to government officials and were greatly heartened, with thanks to NAFL for making the arrangements.
     “In Addis Ababa at the RAME Conference we hosted approximately 400 participants.
     “We also appeared in Mombasa and Nairobi.
     “In terms of acceptance, this note from a sessions participant says it best: ‘Thank you very much for the great work and efforts to improve our industry, the timing was perfect.’”

The Bottom Line

      “At our sessions on the road, we witnessed older generations who made up most of the attendance, and what we heard were concerns on how they could fit into the digital generation.
     “The younger attendees showed aptitude and craving toward more and more of FLA’s online offerings.”

Accelerating FLA Growth

     “Talking to the younger or next generation, their appetite for vast quantities of more technical content and training varies sharply with the older legions of logisticians.
     The Supply Chain and Global Logistics Management courses were more favorable to the younger generations.
     “The older attendees showed preference to the soft skills courses.
     “The youngsters we observed said ‘bring it on’ and were ready to swallow whatever we could offer.
     “No doubt we will now pursue a strategy to satisfy both the experienced and the young leaders on equal footing.”

Digital Grocery Store

      “FLA is going beyond traditional vocational learning.
     “FLA is a grocery store of digital learning in that we are providing a massive choice for our sector across the globe.
     “Youth unemployment is a terrible waste of resources, but we also know that crisis situations are instigators of creativity and innovation.”

The Vision Thing

      “The vision of the FIATA Presidency to add FLA to the vast resources of FIATA recognizes that we now live in a world of ‘clicks.’
     “So on the FLA website, we are not short of entrepreneurship, startups, innovation courses, or indeed internship placement opportunities—you add these up with business networking prospects that have been the cornerstone of FIATA.
     “I do not know any other organizations that offers such grandiose opportunities. And better still, most of the courses we offer are completely free of charge.”

Doing The Most Good

     “Our industry has failed in one area—promoting its importance.
     “Particularly, the young generation needs to know how crucial logistics is to the overall economy.
     “Governments around the world have now placed logistics as the most important sector in terms of investment, infrastructure, and jobs.
     “The reliance of other sectors, be it tourism, manufacturing, etc., all depend on logistics,” Issa Baluch said.
Geoffrey Arend