Events

Logistics Academies Networks (May 2008)

Skills for Logistics ® are currently working with employers and partner stakeholders to set up a logistics academy in each English region by October 2009. Proposals are based on a ‘Hub and Spoke’ delivery model where employers will be able to access advice and guidance and curriculum delivery through a single point of contact in each region – a logistics academy hub provider.

The work in each region is tied into proposals for a National Logistics Academy which are currently being developed. Research into the feasibility of similar activity is taking place in Wales.

Progress has been made on regional implementation since April 2007 with the North-West and South-West having already got the regional hubs in place and the North-East and Yorkshire & Humber regions currently going through a tendering process for their hubs.

Work is also being undertaken in the east of England, East Midlands and London where steering groups composed of employers, training providers and public sector partners are looking at the best way of developing a logistics academy in their regions. 


The role of logistics academies

Logistics academies will provide a single point of advice and support (One Stop Shop service) across the region. Awareness will improve about trends, opportunities, products and services and the overall contribution to the business that training and development should make through planned provider networking and marketing and communication channels.

Logistics academies, building on existing provision, will help build a high-quality specialist capacity to help companies meet the legislative requirement of Driver CPC periodic training. Logistics academies will raise awareness of the business benefits of investing in skills training and development. They will work with operational and business partners to support companies to undertake training needs analysis, develop training plans and manage training programmes. 

As one of their top priorities, logistics academies will increase training capacity to provide skilled people to meet the needs of the sector.

All providers accredited to use the logistics academy brand will have to meet rigorous quality standards including the ‘Training Quality Standard’ which requires vocational excellence and responsiveness to employers in delivery of logistics development and training products. Skills for Logistics ® have been working with the Learning and Skills Council and Centre for Enterprise to make sure that the standard meets the needs of the logistics sector.

Logistics academy providers will also develop new ways of ensuring customer satisfaction by monitoring and evaluating the business benefits of products and services. Product development will be informed by employer input and further research, piloting and testing.

The logistics academy will focus on qualifications and courses identified by Skills for Logistics ® and employers as being of value. These are all based on our National Occupational Standards which have been developed in partnership with employers in the sector.

We plan to fit the logistics academies into our ‘National Academy’ and the network will provide consistent and relevant training and continuous professional development.

Contact Greg Cejer: greg.cejer@skillsforlogistics.org