In 2005/06 the logistics industry received just 1.95% of Learning and Skills Council funding for work based learning, compared to 19% in engineering and manufacturing and 13% in construction.
As the fifth largest industry sector we should be getting a greater share of the funding to upskill our workforce and reap the benefits. Public funding is available but only for publicly recognised qualifications. If logistics companies don't adopt those qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Skills for Life (basic skills such as literacy and numeracy), the funding will go to other sectors that do recognised them. That will put logistics companies even further behind their customers.
How to benefit
The main areas to consider are how can you and your business start to benefit from public qualifications. The sections below provide some background information on the NVQs and Skills for Life.
We are here to help and have a team of Regional Managers who are available to meet with you, learn about your business, discuss your requirements and develop a plan to get you started. If you are interested in discussing your options with your Regional Manager, please get in touch!
We have also worked with employers who are already enjoying the bottom line benefits achievable through this kind of training and development. Some of them have compiled case studies of how they have used the qualifications and funding to improve the skills of their workforce. Find out more...
NVQs (SVQs in Scotland) are practical work-based qualifications that are recognised by employers and colleges throughout the UK. They are awarded to people who have proved their skill, knowledge and understanding of all aspects of their job. These qualifications demonstrate an individual's occupational competence in their job role.
Skills for Life is the national strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy skills. It is about everyday English and practical Maths. It is defined as the ability to '...read, write and speak in English and to use mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at work and in society in general.’
Train to Gain is a service from the Learning and Skills Council that provides free, specialist and impartial advice to employers. The service ensures you get the training and skills relevant to your business needs. It is free to all employers and your identified training may received subsidised funding from the Government.
Apprenticeships offer young people real choices in jobs with training rather than the school or college option that is more commonly known to young adults, parents and their advisors. They have traditionally provided the ideal method for bringing young people into many industries. We can now build on this tradition to enable employers to offer reliable training linked to recognised national qualifications across their business whatever part of the freight transport sector they operate within.
Funding
There are several streams of funding available for employers interested in public qualifications. To find out more about how you can leverage funding for your staff development, the best course of action would be to meet up with your Regional Manager who can advise you based on your individual circumstances. If you are interested in meeting with your Regional Manager, get in touch!
Should you have any questions we will be very happy to discuss them with you can get in touch!, call us on 0844 561 1905 or email us at skillspay@skillsforlogistics.org.
Alternatively, we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions that you may find of assistance.
