In the road transport industry, knowledge and experience are the key to success. SKAT Transport knows this well, which is why it created SKATway – an innovative training programme for future freight forwarders. Today, we speak with Szymon Nowicki, the ambassador of this project, who has himself journeyed from participant to mentor. 

Szymon, tell us - what exactly is SKATway? 

Szymon Nowicki: SKATway is a comprehensive training programme that prepares future freight forwarders for work in the road transport industry. This is not a typical course where you sit in a classroom and listen to theory. The programme lasts three months and covers all aspects of a freight forwarder's work – from the basics of logistics to IT systems, and communication with clients and carriers. 

You are yourself a graduate of SKATway. How do you remember that time? 

SN: It was a pivotal moment in my career. I remember how, at first, everything seemed complicated – systems, procedures, international regulations. It was precisely because of the structure of the programme, the support of team leaders, and the opportunity for practical application of knowledge that everything gradually started to fall into a logical order.  

Now you serve as the ambassador of the programme. What does that mean in practice? 

SN: My role is very diverse, but above all, it is about ensuring that every participant in SKATway has the best conditions for development. I participate in the recruitment process – I help assess candidates, share my experiences with them, and show them what real freight forwarding work looks like. Often, it is a conversation with someone who has walked the same path that convinces candidates that it is worth a try. I am a mentor and a helping hand on a daily basis - participants know they can come to me with any problem, whether it’s substantive or personal. Sometimes a brief conversation is enough to dispel doubts or show a different approach to a particular issue. 

Do you also work directly with team leaders? 

SN: Exactly. I check if the leaders are implementing the SKATway programme as intended. This is not control in a negative sense, but rather support and assurance that the programme standards are being maintained. Each team is different, but the goals and methods should be consistent. It is equally important to ensure that participants feel comfortable in their teams. The atmosphere at work is fundamental. If someone does not feel comfortable, they will not be able to develop. I regularly talk to participants, observe the dynamics in teams, and intervene when necessary. 

You mentioned individual conversations. 

SN: Each participant has different needs, different learning paces, different concerns. In a group, not everything can always be discussed. That is why I regularly meet with each participant individually. This is a time for honest talks about progress, problems, and future plans. It’s not just support – I also ensure that they become good employees. We talk about work standards at SKAT Transport, how to build positive relationships with clients and carriers. The aim is not only to acquire technical knowledge but also to develop a proper professional attitude. 

What brings you the greatest satisfaction in this role? 

Szymon Nowicki: The greatest joy for me comes the moment I see someone who was initially uncertain and lost become a confident specialist after a few months. But it’s also about something more – I see how the programme impacts the entire company. Graduates of SKATway are not only good freight forwarders; they are people who bring fresh energy, new ideas, and high standards of work. 

What are the future plans for the SKATway programme? 

SN: The programme is constantly evolving. We listen to feedback from participants and graduates, analyse market needs, and introduce new modules. We are also considering expanding the programme to include other specialisations in the transport industry. The most important thing is that SKATway is not just training – it is a philosophy of development that stays with us for a long time. And that is what we want to pass on. 

SKAT Transport is continuing recruitment for the next editions of the SKATway programme. If you want to join a team of professionals and develop in the road transport industry, check DETAILS.