Logistics sector develops new pre-apprenticeship qualification

The pre-apprenticeship level two qualification, which aims to attract school leavers and other young people into the sector, is currently being piloted at two locations in Doncaster – Rossington All Saints Academy School and Dearne Valley College.

The new qualification is much needed and will be one of the first of its kind in the sector. It will lead to a nationally recognised qualification and upon completion learners will be supported to begin an exciting career in the logistics sector whether through an apprenticeship or other opportunities.

The qualification has been developed thanks to co-investment from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills’ Employer Ownership of Skills pilot and will be delivered as either a substitute two-year GCSE or a stand-alone one-year qualification in year 12.

The way that the qualification is delivered is unique and involves lots of innovative learning materials via an interactive Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), on the job training and in class tuition by industry expert’s ready to pass on their expertise and knowledge to the next generation.

Colin Snape, HR Manager at Langdon’s, who has worked tirelessly to get the new qualification developed and introduced, said:

"We need to attract people into the sector who may not have thought about a career in logistics. This new qualification will give young people essential skills, knowledge and confidence to begin their new careers. Langdon Industries will also be offering some of the learners a full time apprenticeship place after achieving the award.’’

Ross Moloney, Chief Executive at Skills for Logistics said:

“Logistics is a vitally important sector of the UK economy and this innovative new qualification will help to attract potential new recruits and give them the skills for a successful career. Working with schools and colleges to get young people work-ready is a key aim of Skills for Logistics and we are delighted to be able to promote this initiative.”

For further information or you are interested in piloting the award, please contact Colin Snape: [email protected]

Notes:

The pre-apprenticeship level two award for Logistics is authorised and endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT- UK) and was developed in partnership with N-Gaged Training. It covers essential skills such as: problem solving and lateral thinking, geographical knowledge, being analytical, communication skills (reading, writing and verbal communication); functional numeracy and computer literacy.

Langdon Industries is a Logistics Service Provider (LSP) specialising in controlled temperature operations. Up to 40,000 pallets of frozen and chilled foods pass through their network every week. Langdon offer collections from factories (or other cold storage locations), frozen or chilled storage (if required) and final delivery down to a one pallet minimum anywhere in the UK and Ireland which is accessible by LGVs.

Skills for Logistics is the Sector Skills Council for the freight logistics industry. In conjunction with employers, Skills for Logistics is developing and delivering programmes and products to attract people into the sector, get them work ready and develop them in their careers. For more information please contact [email protected] or visit www.skillsforlogistics.org

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills is a non-departmental public body providing strategic leadership and investment on skills and employment issues in the four nations of the UK.

The Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot was launched on 7 February 2012. It is jointly funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Education to route public investment directly to employers so they can design and guide vocational training to meet the needs of their workforce.