FITT celebrates its 30th anniversary with a $30,000 contribution to the Canadian business community
On the occasion of its 30e anniversary, the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) gives $30,000 the equivalent of a global business education for the Canadian business community.
OTTAWA (ON), June 23, 2022 /CNW/ – The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) is delighted to celebrate its 30e birthday this year. However, this step comes at a time when businesses are still reeling from a global pandemic and finding a “new normal”. With the “Great Resignation” and an equally changing job market, there is a critical need for upskilling as employees change jobs and employers struggle to fill them. To help during these times, FITT pays a total of $30,000 in international business training for employees of companies looking to expand their global footprint in 2022.
Watch FITT’s 30th Anniversary Origins Story. In this video are captured some of the moments that created FITT, the people who brought it to life, and the reasons why FITT does it and why it is so important for companies trying to succeed internationally.
Since 1992, FITT has offered the only international trade training and designation in the world recognized by the Government of Canada. Nearly 37,000 people worldwide have benefited from their international trade knowledge products and services.
“Celebrating FITT’s 30th anniversary is an exceptional milestone in many ways,” said FITT’s President and CEO. Caroline Tompkins, PACI (certified international trade professional). “It highlights FITT’s long and successful history within the international business ecosystem, setting not only the standard for international business education, but also international business as a profession with the CITP designation.”
With the end of government COVID-19 relief funding for businesses, FITT has recognized the need to make training more accessible to entrepreneurs and employees as they navigate the current economy. As a member of $30,000 contribution for 2022, FITT is offering 30 free FITTskills online courses throughout June to help businesses gain the knowledge to grow faster and better prepare for future risks. The FITTskills online training program includes six internationally recognized course topics that range from international business feasibility to international market entry strategies to international trade finance.
Of this momentous anniversary and contribution, many FITT partners commented on its unparalleled importance to the business community and international trade ecosystem, including Startup Canada CEO, Kayla-Isabellewho notes:
“FITT has been a valuable, reliable and essential partner in our Startup Global program which helps entrepreneurs grow their international businesses. With the help of FITT, thousands of entrepreneurs have expanded their businesses, scaled for impact, and felt empowered at every step of their export journey. We are excited to continue to grow our partnership to support from Canada emerging business leaders and put Canada on the world stage.”
Likewise, Sara Wilshaw, Hon. CITP, Chief Trade Commissioner and Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada had a lot to say about FITT’s contribution to Canadian business and trade:
“The Trade Commissioner Service and the Forum for International Trade Training share an important goal of supporting Canadian businesses as they enter new markets. That’s why we’ve worked together over the years to train and certify our trade commissioners through FITT’s programs, enabling them to better help businesses succeed overseas.”
Mairead Lavery, Hon. PACI, CEO of Export Development Canada (EDC), also underscored the importance of FITT’s PACI designation, saying, “By earning the PACI designation, you have demonstrated your commitment to providing the best advice, support and business services that complement in the remarkable arena that is global commerce.” She added, “It is a great honor to be part of this growing, yet still exclusive, community of dedicated and highly skilled professionals, including EDC’s 47 CITPs and more.
Over the past 30 years, FITT has established itself as a global leader in training, certification, and accreditation for businesses, governments, post-secondary institutions, and other organizations that support the profession. Through FITT, Canada was the first country in the world to create a professional designation for trade practitioners. To date, the CITP designation is the global standard for international businesspeople and trade professionals seeking to validate their expertise in the comprehensive field of trade and business. This global designation is achieved by meeting a rigorous set of competency standards, based on extensive industry consultation, and established by FITT.
With that $30,000 investment in 2022, FITT is committed to helping businesses recover from the pandemic and helping global economies grow.
Professionals can apply to receive the free training here.
Find out how FITT has been at the forefront of international business education for 30 years.
Watch the video here.
About FITT
The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professional international trade training, resources, and certification to individuals and businesses worldwide.
FITT offers the only international business training and related professional designation (PACI®|FIBP®) programs approved by the Canadian government, and its international business training solutions have become the gold standard for global business professionals in through Canada and around the world.
In addition, FITT seeks ISO 17024 accreditation. Through this accreditation, FITT’s certified program – the PACI designation – is validated by an independent and impartial accreditation body – the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). through the Standards Council of Canada. Learn more about ISO 17024 and the changes effective as of January 1, 2023.
To learn more about FITT, visit FITTforTrade.com.
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SOURCE Forum for International Trade Education
For further information: Leigh-Ann Redmond, Director of Marketing and Communications, Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), [email protected]
