You might be interested to know that DVSA has recently announced its support for the VTCT Skills – Register of Logistics Instructors (RLI). The register is independently run by VTCT Skills for Logistics and aims to evidence the skills and experience of heavy vehicle driver trainers.

The scheme encompasses three separate professional qualifications providing a direct line of sight to job and career progression:

• Driver Assessors
• Driver Trainer / Assessors
• LGV Driving Instructors

The DVSA have worked with VTCT Skills for Logistics to set out the standards of instructional ability required of vocational driver trainers, in line with DVSA’s National Standards for LGV and PCV Driving. It is not mandatory for heavy vehicle driver trainers to apply to join the register, but it should help recognise and evidence their professional skills, knowledge and experience. We encourage driver trainers to consider taking this qualification to validate your skills.

By achieving the DVSA Recognised RLI qualification, driver trainers on the register have demonstrated that they can deliver a consistently high standard of vocational driver training and assessment. For further information visit www.rli.org.uk

Logical Training and Skills Office Network: Nurturing Talent for Over 30 Years

In the dynamic world of logistics, where the movement of goods is the lifeblood of the global economy, training and development play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce. Logical Training, an independent training provider under the Skills Office Network umbrella, has been at the forefront of this mission for over three decades. With a dedicated team and a passion for delivering inspirational apprenticeships, Logical Training is committed to supporting high performance and developing the capabilities of individuals entering the logistics industry.

One of the key qualifications offered by Logical Training is the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist course. Alison Green, a prominent figure at Logical Training, sheds light on the organisation’s commitment to excellence and the pivotal role played by Skills for Logistics in shaping their training programs.

Why Skills for Logistics?

Logical Training’s choice of Skills for Logistics as a partner stems from a shared commitment to addressing the gaps in freight management training. As the largest sector specialist, Skills for Logistics aligns seamlessly with Logical Training’s values, providing solutions to business challenges and enhancing the learning experience for apprentices.

Highlights of the Partnership

Working closely with Skills for Logistics, Logical Training has experienced several highlights, particularly in the review of the International Freight Forwarding Specialist qualification. The collaboration has extended to the development of practice materials provided by Skills for Logistics, showcasing the partnership’s commitment to staying current and relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.

Navigating challenges in Freight

Emphasising the importance of partnership to overcome challenges, Alison states, “The freight forwarding sector has undergone significant changes, especially post-Brexit, with shifts in processes, regulations, and policies. This emphasises the need for upskilling and acquiring new knowledge to navigate these changes successfully. Skills for Logistics has played a crucial role in overcoming challenges, and there is a collective effort to attract young talent to the sector by raising awareness in schools and communities”.

 Advice for Aspiring Professionals

For those considering a qualification or apprenticeship, Alison encourages a proactive approach, saying, “anyone considering a qualification or apprenticeship should embrace learning and see challenges as an opportunity. There are limitless rewards that come from gaining a qualification, acquiring hands-on experience, and developing valuable skills that open doors to progression opportunities”.

Learner Spotlight: Hollie Coxon’s Journey in International Freight Forwarding

Hollie Coxon, a student enrolled in the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist course, shares her passion for the logistics industry. Intrigued by the movement of goods and excited by the challenge of solving problems in a fast-paced environment, Hollie chose a career in freight forwarding to contribute to the world of international trade.

Despite facing challenges as a newcomer to international trade, Hollie highlights the invaluable support from Logical Training’s team. Her proudest moment was achieving a merit in the BIFA course on Customs Export and Import procedures, demonstrating her dedication to learning and growing in the industry.

Impact on the Future

Hollie believes that achieving her Level 3 Freight Forwarding certificate from Skills for Logistics is a significant milestone that will positively impact her future in the industry. The certification not only showcases her dedication to professional growth but also positions her as a skilled and competitive professional in the logistics and transport sector.

In conclusion, the partnership between Logical Training and Skills for Logistics exemplifies a commitment to excellence in training and development within the logistics industry. Through collaborative efforts, these organisations are not only preparing the workforce for the challenges of today but also shaping the future leaders of the global logistics landscape.

In a testament to his industry influence and commitment to recognising excellence, David Coombes, Managing Director of Skills for Logistics (part of the VTCT group) has been selected to join the esteemed judging panel for the upcoming Motor Transport Awards. David, renowned for his leadership in the transport sector, will play a pivotal role in evaluating and honouring outstanding achievements within the industry.

With a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of the challenges and innovations that define the transportation landscape, David brings a unique perspective to the judging process. His visionary leadership has propelled the organisation to new heights, making him a respected figure in the business community.

David expressed his excitement about the opportunity to contribute to the Motor Transport Awards, stating, “Being part of the judging panel is an honour, and I am enthusiastic about the chance to recognise and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of companies and individuals within the transport sector. It’s a platform that not only acknowledges excellence but also inspires others to raise the bar in the ever-evolving world of logistics and transport”.

The Motor Transport Awards are widely regarded as a prestigious event that spotlights the best practices, innovations, and contributions in the transportation field. As a judge, David will leverage his industry insights to evaluate entries across various categories, ranging from Innovation and Low Carbon to Operational Excellence and Sustainable Transport.

David’s inclusion in the judging panel not only underscores his dedication to promoting excellence within the sector but also highlights his commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His role on the panel adds a layer of credibility and expertise, ensuring that the awards truly reflect the industry’s dynamic landscape.

The Motor Transport Awards ceremony, eagerly anticipated by industry stakeholders, promises to be a momentous occasion.

The awards will take place on Wednesday 4^th of September and the deadline for entries is Thursday 28^th March 2024. Full details can be found on their website

Skills for Logistics was delighted to join Freight Carbon Zero’s webinar on 31 October. This was a part of Freight Carbon Zero’s ongoing Decarbonisation 101 series to aid commercial vehicle and freight businesses to meet impending carbon zero targets. In partnership with 50 Shades Greener, Skills for Logistics were invited to share our expertise and guidance for employing strategies to reduce carbon emissions.

On the webinar, our Managing Director, David Coombes and Fifty Shades Greener, UK Director of Partnerships, David Cormack helped demystify the complex issues surrounding decarbonisation and simplified the intricacies of carbon emissions reporting and reduction strategies, equipping attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

In addition, they highlighted the necessary shifts in behaviour, business culture and practices that decarbonisation will require for businesses to make to succeed.

If you missed the webinar, it is still available for you to watch here.

Substantial and rapid change is coming to the commercial vehicle and freight industry. Embracing this shift is essential, but we also recognise that it requires careful planning and strategic implementation for businesses to thrive. Alongside our partners, 50 Shades Greener, we can be your auditable trail to net zero by 2030:

• Our programmes have been meticulously mapped to align with funded provisions in the UK.
• They include a range of logistics apprenticeship standards and funded short-course and Skills Bootcamps.
• By mapping our programmes to these provisions, we ensure accessibility, affordability, and relevance, empowering individuals to acquire essential green skills.

Skills for Logistics consultancy can help you to create a successful roadmap to decarbonisation; email to book a discovery call with us today.

We are delighted to announce that the VTCT Excellence Awards are back for 2024, and they promise to be bigger and more inspiring than ever. These awards, introduced last year to celebrate VTCT’s 60th birthday, are dedicated to recognising and celebrating the remarkable work and talent within private training organisations and colleges across the UK and Ireland.

VTCT invites training establishments to nominate the most deserving students, colleagues, and apprentices from VTCT, iTEC, Skillsfirst and Skills for Logistics to receive well-deserved recognition. Furthermore, colleges and training providers can also submit themselves to showcase the incredible work they do to support and nurture these bright talents.

The celebrations will culminate in a collaborative afternoon awards ceremony in July. During this event, the spotlight will be on the students’ remarkable work, providing a platform for their achievements to shine. Not only will students be on hand to offer makeovers to VIP guests, but they will also exhibit their culinary skills by providing catering for the event.

VTCT has enlisted the support of industry experts to serve as judges for the awards. Led by Former Minister for Skills and Apprenticeships, Rt Hon Anne Milton, our distinguished panel of judges includes representatives from brands such as Coca-Cola, NHS, WorldSkills UK, and more.

Alan Woods OBE, Chief Executive of VTCT, expressed his enthusiasm for the VTCT Excellence Awards 2024 saying:

“The VTCT Excellence Awards reflect our organisation’s mission – to inspire our students and educational partners to unlock their potential and thrive in rewarding careers. Last year, we heard stories of students achieving outstanding outcomes despite significant challenges, underscoring the passion and dedication of individuals in the vocational education sector. We witness the incredible work these people undertake daily, and I am personally honoured to have the opportunity to recognise and demonstrate how vital they are to our industry.”

Nominations for the VTCT Excellence Awards 2024 are now open, offering the chance for the brightest talents in Vocational Education to receive the recognition they truly deserve.

To nominate candidates and learn more about the awards, visit https://excellence-awards.vtct.org.uk

In a ground-breaking collaboration, Fifty Shades Greener, an international sustainability provider with UN-aligned and UN-accredited programmes, has joined forces with Skills for Logistics. This partnership is set to play a pivotal role in assisting the UK logistics sector in embracing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the timelines associated with the adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Notably, these initiatives have a track record of reducing utility bills by an impressive 30% and cutting CO2 emissions by 22%, accompanied by tangible, action-based mass behavioural changes.

The primary objective of this campaign is to actively involve the logistics sector in the implementation of ESG-focused training. This training covers a spectrum of skills levels, from foundation to leadership sustainability. (Detailed below.) By doing so, it aligns seamlessly with the fundamental principles of ESG, empowering companies to elevate their environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance practices. Simultaneously, it enables them to reduce costs and CO2 emissions, rendering them more appealing to stakeholders and fostering the development of a sustainable and resilient business model.

The Green Skills for Logistics programmes operates across four levels all supported by its unique data portal:

• Sustainability
• Green Skills for Life
• Green Skills for Managers
• ESG for Leaders

This partnership is poised to make a substantial contribution to the promotion of sustainability within organisations, the adoption of responsible business practices, and the reinforcement of green branding.

As part of this campaign, a series of free discovery events for the logistics sector is being funded. These half-day events hold significant importance, as they yield a crucial output: a detailed report outlining the steps taken to become part of an auditable trail leading toward achieving net-zero emissions.

For logistics organisations looking to embark on a transformative journey toward sustainability, the time is now.

Reach out to us today to learn how you can be a part of this revolutionary campaign and play an integral role in driving the logistics sector toward a sustainable, net-zero future. www.Green.skillsforlogistics.co.uk

Let’s make a difference together!