Embracing apprenticeships

Logistics UK continues to work with government to tackle the skills shortage, and although we have put forward various options to address the issue and are getting some traction, it is important that we are realistic about their chances of success, so that members can take the best decisions for their businesses.

Although we have worked up a number of possible funding schemes for training, the signal from government is that apprenticeships remain their priority and preferred funding mechanism to address the shortage and support the future growth of skills at Level 2 and below. This means that the logistics industry will need to embrace apprenticeship schemes and understand how to use them to bring vital skills into their business.

Our Funding and support for accessing logistics skills guide, newly published in collaboration with Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Department for Education (DfE), provides advice and further information on how to access apprenticeships, and other funding routes.

Apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job skills training with sustained off-the-job learning and are available from entry level to master’s degree-equivalent. The detailed arrangements vary across the different nations of the UK, but they all aim to provide learners with knowledge, skills and behaviours that are both relevant to their current job and will support their broader career development. It’s this job-specific training that is key – and where the logistics sector must take advantage.

The new LGV Driver C+E apprenticeship in England was launched at the beginning of August with an increased funding band of £7,000. A haulage business that previously employed EU large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers in peak periods could use this apprenticeship to develop existing staff or recruit new individuals into the organisation and upskill them. Using the LGV C+E training option, a business can also take advantage of the additional incentive payment of £3,000, offered by DfE to employers who hire an apprentice as a new employee until 30 September 2021 (with an apprenticeship start date up to 30 November).

However, apprenticeships are not just for drivers. The scheme can cover a range of areas and I encourage employers to review the apprenticeship courses available across the UK. Information for England is available at education.gov.uk and there is more information on apprenticeships in Devolved Administrations in our Funding and support for accessing logistics skills guide.

Logistics UK continues to push for further government funding and tailoring of apprenticeships.  We view funding, such as incentive payments, as imperative to support logistics businesses to be able to upskill existing employees and take on new workers and we are asking for the £3,000 apprenticeship bonus to be extended beyond September.

It’s also important for the training opportunities to match the needs of members – for the funding to be put into the right places. We have been working with the Institute of Apprenticeships on the development of a new ‘urban driver’ option to replace the previous LGV Cat C apprenticeship. This is being fast-tracked and we will keep members updated on progress. We are also actively working on more flexible apprenticeships with DfE.

Logistics UK will be taking member views through our Employment Action Group and ensure these are communicated to government to improve apprenticeship schemes and make them work for our industry. With government making it clear that funding will be focused here, the onus is now on us as an industry to embrace apprenticeships and take advantage of the opportunities available.

To join the Employment Action Group, please speak to your membership relations manager.

*www.logistics.org.uk/skills

Published On: 19/08/2021 16:00:48

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