Training
5 February 2010

Logistics Apprenticeships Boosted in Scotland

Modern Apprenticeships in the freight logistics industry in Scotland have received a massive boost. Skills for Logistics, the sector skills council for the industry, has welcomed the news that Skills Development Scotland, (the agency charged by the Scottish Government with the task of promoting training and skills development) has made funding available for the establishment of some 1700 'all age group' Modern Apprenticeships during 2010. This is in on top of the 500 places already allocated in Scotland to the logistics sector in 2009.

In addition grants of £1,000 may be available for employers who take on Modern Apprentices as new employees or up skill their existing staff.

Skills for Logistics has been a major campaigner for the promotion of apprenticeships, along with industry trade associations, employers and the Scottish Government. Such schemes provide for individuals to continue with academic training whilst learning on the job, and making a real contribution to the operation of the employer.

Chris Campbell, Skills for Logistics National Manager Scotland, says 'The availability of funding, for freight logistics Modern Apprenticeships is great news for those who want to enter our sector and also for existing staff who wish to gain professional qualifications. There will be 1700 Modern Apprenticeship places available mostly in the Driving Goods Vehicles category along with some for Supply Chain Management and also Warehousing. Skills for Logistics is delighted that the industry in Scotland has been able to achieve this extra £6 million of investment dedicated to attracting new staff and enabling existing employees to gain valuable professionally recognised qualifications.'

'There are fabulous career opportunities in the freight logistics industry for both males and females. Our sector is an absolutely vital ingredient in the whole economic process - industry, shops and homes are all dependent on the essential, efficient and economic delivery of goods, and it is logistics which takes care of that vital task. This is an industry which will always be needed and the career start-up opportunities provided by enlisting for a Modern Apprenticeship will open up the door to a lifetime of work in an industry which makes a real contribution to the way we live.'

'I urge all of those looking for a career path in the near future to consider taking advantage of any available current opportunities in freight logistics. I would also like to encourage employers to apply some forward thinking and to seriously consider utilising the currently available funding to their business advantage.'

David Morton, Deputy Chairman of Skills for Logistics paid tribute to the cross-industry efforts which had generated this opportunity. He said 'I am delighted that Skills Development Scotland has allocated funding for the various Logistics Modern Apprenticeships. The Driving Goods Vehicle Modern Apprenticeship will, for example, give commercial vehicle drivers valuable personal qualifications reflecting their professional responsibilities in such matters as safety and the environment. This is all good news for employers too, and is also an image enhancing opportunity that should be welcomed by everyone. In view of this outcome I think that it is important that all of those who contributed to the recent Delivering the Goods for Scotland campaign be recognised. It is an excellent example of joint working and cooperation between employers, trade associations, Skills for Logistics and the Scottish Government.'

Those interested in obtaining further details of Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland should contact Skills for Logistics on 01908 313360

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