Skills for Logistics - Dr Mick Jackson
Logistics apprenticeships - delivering the goods for jobs and customers
Increasing numbers of employers are offering apprenticeships in various aspects of logistics for young people. Between 2005/6 and 2008/9 apprenticeships certified by Skills for Logistics (SfL), the Sector Skills Council for the freight logistics industry, increased by 130%. Responding to this interest, SfL is developing an expanded range of apprenticeship schemes covering the wide selection of disciplines and career options available within the freight logistics industry. SfL supported National Apprenticeship Week which took place during the first week of February providing a comprehensive window on apprenticeship opportunities.
In recent years there has been a welcome increase in the number of apprentices, as many employers in the freight logistics industry offer such schemes. Apprenticeships have the advantage, popular with both employers and workers, of providing effective education alongside practical on-the-job training. This gives young workers the happy balance of learning and obtaining a qualification, alongside the satisfaction of carrying out important and rewarding work and gaining that crucial experience and transferable skills which serve as the springboard for their career.
Employers should also be aware that, in the short term, the National Apprenticeship Scheme is offering Apprenticeship Grants of £2,500 for employers of 16 and 17 year olds. I urge them to take advantage of this offer straight away.
SfL apprenticeships comprise of four elements – an NVQ; a technical or knowledge based certificate; key/functional skills; and awareness of employment responsibilities and rights.
Apprenticeship frameworks for the logistics sector are available in driving goods vehicles, carrying and delivering goods, traffic office, warehouse and storage, mail services and purchasing and supply. Advanced apprenticeships are available in driving goods vehicles, traffic office, logistics’ operations management and purchasing and supply management. A Higher Apprenticeship is available in purchasing and supply management.
Smiths News, a leading newspaper and magazine wholesaler, introduced the SfL Warehousing and Storage apprenticeship scheme in January 2009. Glenn Leech, HR Director for Smiths News says: “One year after the introduction of our apprentice scheme we are already seeing the benefits and contributions those members of staff are making.
This scheme is vital in helping us to identify and nurture those talented individuals who are keen to develop their career at Smiths News. I am delighted by the amount of positive feedback I've received from those who are involved in the scheme, both from the apprentices themselves and their line managers. This highlights what can be achieved by providing committed individuals with the opportunity to grow, and the right management support.”
National employers including Royal Mail, DHL and the Ministry of Defence are operating similar schemes.
SfL are working with logistics employers to develop a ‘Logistics Apprenticeship’. This will provide individuals with a general foundation in key areas of logistics rather than focusing on a specific job role. This makes it ideal for young people who are keen to work in the sector but are not committed to a particular career path.
The Logistics Apprenticeship will therefore make it easier for the industry to recruit new employees straight from school. It offers the potential for new entrants to develop a number of skill areas whilst they are working through their various driving tests and other elements of the job. As a result, the candidate builds up a vast degree of experience in all areas of the business (if a large employer), or can do so with a number of companies (SMEs) working collaboratively before moving in to an area of choice.
On completion of the Logistics Apprenticeship a candidate will be well placed to move into the most suitable job role for their skills and interest and one that meets their employer’s business needs.
The Logistics Apprenticeship will support our work to see the sector recognised as one that offers a real ‘career’ rather than just ‘job’ opportunities with a clearly defined and stated progression route. The use of a common core to the framework will help various parts of the industry identify with the term logistics whilst supporting the individual needs of specific roles and companies.
Dr Mick Jackson is Chief Executive of Skills for Logistics. For further information, visit: www.skillsforlogistics.org/
Published: 10/02/2010
