Venturn Young Professionals complete BDI Fundamentals training
Two groups of enthusiastic Venturn Young Professionals (VYPs) were introduced to the Basic Data Infrastructure on Wednesday 7 October. They took part in an on-site BDI Fundamentals training session, gaining insight into trusted data sharing across the maritime and logistics supply chain. “They are the new generation of professionals who will help shape these developments.”
Venturn helps organisations develop leadership and high-performing teams. Its two-year traineeship for young professionals combines work with development. VYPs gain experience on assignments at a range of organisations in the maritime and logistics sector. They also take part in professional training and work on their personal development.
The future of the sector
The BDI Fundamentals training fits naturally with this broad introduction to the sector. “Our VYPs spend their traineeship moving through the maritime and logistics sector. How valuable is it for them to understand what data sharing is and why it matters to the future of the sector?” says Julie Coers, VYP Field Manager.
She believes data sharing is becoming increasingly important in logistics supply chains, while organisations often still keep information within their own walls. Julie says: “By sharing relevant data in a secure and controlled way, organisations gain a more complete view of the supply chain. This helps them collaborate more efficiently, improve processes and address shared challenges more quickly.”
Getting started with the BDI
Before the session, participants completed the BDI Introduction e-learning module to familiarise themselves with the basic principles. During the four-hour session at Venturn, they explored how the BDI works in greater depth. Trainers Ewout Bouwman, Ruud Arts, Joost Diepenmaat and Gerard Huis in ’t Veld connected the principles of the BDI framework to recognisable situations from day-to-day practice.
Participant Sophie Clarysse highlighted the importance of acceptance when introducing a new way of working: “My main insight is that organisational change does not come about simply by introducing new systems. Acceptance among businesses and other stakeholders is at least as important.” Young professional Joanna Thimme identified a practical starting point for collaboration: “To bring people together in a BDI context, you need to find the shared, non-competitive ground. That is the best place to start collaborating and improving efficiency.”
Nik Edwards also noted that organisations need to prepare for implementing the BDI: “The BDI offers considerable flexibility, but organisations need to provide the necessary input themselves.”
An inspiring day
By the end of the day, every participant had completed the training and received a certificate. It was also a special day for the BDI team, as this was the first time the training had been delivered on site. It is an experience they would be delighted to repeat. Trainer Ewout Bouwman says: “You can see that participants feel at ease in familiar surroundings. In turn, we gain a better understanding of the organisation they work for.”
Reflecting on a successful session, he adds: “It was great fun and genuinely inspiring to work with these young professionals on questions they encounter during their assignments and will continue to face throughout their careers.”
BDI Fundamentals for organisations and individuals
Would you like the BDI Fundamentals training to be delivered for your colleagues? Contact the BDI team to discuss the options. Prefer to attend as an individual? View the available training dates and register through the BDI Academy. Participation is free of charge.