Apprenticeships essential in tackling industry skills shortage, says Logistics UK

Monday 07 February 2022

At the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2022, Logistics UK – one of the UK’s biggest business groups – is urging its members to take advantage of the apprenticeship schemes available to develop the next generation of talent the industry needs to keep the UK’s supply chains operating effectively. Alex Veitch, Deputy Director – Public Policy at Logistics UK, comments:

“With more than half of decision makers reporting that apprenticeships and work-based learning will be vital for the future of their organisation – according to Logistics UK’s 2021 Skills and Employment Report – maximising the opportunities afforded by apprenticeship schemes will be essential in overcoming the skills shortage faced in the logistics industry. The government recognises the value of these schemes and has shown a commitment to growing the opportunities for apprenticeships in the industry. In 2021 it increased the available funding to £7,000 for a Category C + E licence HGV Driver apprenticeship and created a new “Urban Driver” Apprenticeship for Cat C only with funding of £5,000. With these and many other apprenticeships in place, it is the perfect time for logistics companies to take advantage of these opportunities. Now, Logistics UK is urging the Department for Education to expand the terms of its National Skills Fund (NSF) – an initiative to help adults train into new careers – to include level 2 qualifications so British workers can access this funding to train as HGV drivers, and other vital roles the logistics industry desperately needs to fill.”

Minister Trudy Harrison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, said: “Apprenticeships can open doors to fantastic and rewarding careers in logistics.

“They bring forward new talent to help build and maintain our resilient supply chains – keeping stock moving and supermarket shelves full.”

For more information on Logistics UK’s work on skills, and information on how to use apprenticeships in the logistics sector please visit https://logistics.org.uk/skills

For more information about recruiting and funding an apprenticeship, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships 

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.