The new government has set out its initial views on qualifications within the workplace. In recent years there has been a focus on level 2 vocational qualifications. There is now a renewed focus on advanced apprenticeships and level 3 qualifications. Skills for Logistics backs the professionalisation of the sector, demonstrating to current and prospective employees that there are numerous career options in the sector.
Managers across the sector have been asked to champion workforce development, supporting colleagues to achieve level 2 and 3 vocational qualifications. The question is, how much support are we giving our managers? Our operations managers perform different roles within the sector. They oversee operations, ensuring that the sector keeps its promises to its clients. How well are we preparing and equipping them for a fast paced and increasingly sophisticated sector that needs to respond to a globalised and competitive market?
Some forward thinking logistics organisations through their own internal processes have identified a need for a more focused approach to the development of operational managers. These organisations have been looking for a multifaceted programme that develops managerial capability and logistics operational proficiency together.
Foundation degrees are becoming the qualification of choice. Organisations can work with colleges or universities to develop this qualification in order to ensure that it adequately combines work based
requirements with appropriate academic study. This qualification provides a bridge from work based, vocational qualifications to academic study. Employees who embark on the foundation degree can continue to complete a full honours degree and progress into master’s programmes or professional qualifications.
Skills for Logistics have been supporting these developments because our research indicates that there will be a growing demand for managers and customer service type positions over the next seven years. Logistics foundation degrees will enable the sector to fill this demand with experienced, qualified employees alongside new recruits.
A number of logistics foundation degree programmes have been developed by organisations which include:
For more information on foundation degrees contact Neli Dlamini on 01908313360 or 07841995648.
Some of the organisations that have embraced foundation degrees are TNT Express and Royal Mail. Watch this space for in-depth case studies from these companies in subsequent Updates.
