Skills for Logistics is pleased to announce that it has entered into a formal agreement with the Association of Learning Providers (ALP) which will result in closer co-operation and benefits for both employees and employers in the freight logistics industries. The agreement means that the two groups will together examine current and future employee aspirations, and identify and address employer skills needs.
ALP is recognised as the voice of independent learning providers throughout England, and the majority of its 508 members are private, not-for-profit and voluntary sector training organisations which deliver Government-funded education, skills and welfare-to-work training.
The new agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sets out an agenda for collaboration during 2010 and 2011, and establishes a framework for engagement and communication between the two organisations. It will take advantage of opportunities mutually to contribute ideas and experience across each organisation.
John Charlton, MD of Van Hee Training, is the ALP "Skills Champion"‚ with senior and strategic experience of the freight logistics industries. He chairs a quarterly Strategic Issues Meeting (SIM) designed to determine issues of training delivery and employer engagement. These meetings are free to ALP members, and non-members are also welcome to attend. SfL will provide opportunities for the Skills Champion to contribute to its appropriate groups, committees and other forums and activities, including the development of the National Skills Academy for Logistics.
SfL chief executive Dr Mick Jackson said: "We are delighted to be entering into this new arrangement with the Association of Learning Providers. The establishment of closer ties with a key group of training providers creates the opportunity carefully to identify the training and professional development needs of our sector, and to ensure that correct and appropriate programmes are available to satisfy those needs."
Greg Cejer, SfL operations director, said: "We welcome the appontment of the appointment of the ALP Skills Champion‚ who will have a major role to play in turning this agreement into a practical and efficient means of defining and satisfying our training needs more specifically. Skills for Logistics is supportive of the excellent work undertaken by ALP and its members in support of the training needs of our sector."
Graham Hoyle, OBE, chief executive of ALP, said: "This new agreement is in line with our policy of ensuring that the training our members deliver is relevant, current and rewarding for both learners and their employers."
The MoU initially runs until July 2011.
