AFIF is pleased to advise that it has received considerable funding for the development of a specific degree in International Freight Forwarding and Logistics.

Upon receiving authorisation of the grant from the Cargo Automation Development Fund (CADF), a trust managed by Tradegate Australia Ltd, AFIF has begun working towards formalising the agreement between itself and the University of Tasmania's Australian Maritime College (AMC), to offer the Degree.

The Degree will, for the first time in Australia, offer a definitive career pathway for school leavers and new entrants to the industry and will also give those already in the industry an opportunity to join the program by recognition of prior learning through TAFE and other institutions offering relevant Certificate and Diploma level courses.

The funding will enable writing of, primarily, the third year level degree subjects by industry experts. These people will work closely with AFIF and the AMC to ensure the content is relevant to the Australian international forwarding industry.

Whilst it has taken over two years of funded research and scoping to get to this point, it will ultimately help this industry sector achieve the long awaited recognition, professionalism and accreditation it deserves. Furthermore, the tertiary education received from the expertise of others will help to underpin the future of this industry and enable graduates to ultimately attain the highest levels of leadership within the industry.

With the partnership agreement in place, AFIF will be working with the AMC and the University of Tasmania and will source the appropriate level of expertise within both the local and international forwarding industry. It is envisaged that the Degree course, available either by distance learning or on campus at the University, will be offered in 2011 and students may enrol prior to the completion of the writing of the final year subjects.

AFIF wishes to thank members of AFIF who have supported this initiative in its development, together with the Board of AFIF, the Education Sub-Committee and the Board of the trustees of the CADF for their vision and insight.

More details will be made available as progress on the development continues.

The full Press Release is attached.

Regards